Who Can Hold the Sea

The U.S. Navy in the Cold War 1945-1960

By: James D. Hornfischer

Narrated by: Christopher Newton, Sharon Hornfischer

A close-up, action-filled narrative about the crucial role the U.S. Navy played in the early years of the Cold War, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Fleet at Flood Tide

“A lucid, fast-moving and fitting finale to [Hornfischer’s] career.”—The Wall Street Journal

This landmark account of the U.S. Navy in the Cold War, Who Can Hold the Sea combines narrative history with scenes of stirring adventure on—and under—the high seas. In 1945, at the end of World War II, the victorious Navy sends its sailors home and decommissions most of its warships. But this peaceful interlude is short-lived, as Stalin, America’s former ally, makes aggressive moves in Europe and the Far East. Winston Churchill crystallizes the growing Communist threat by declaring the existence of “the Iron Curtain,” and the Truman Doctrine is set up to contain Communism by establishing U.S. military bases throughout the world.

Set against this background of increasing Cold War hostility, Who Can Hold the Sea paints the dramatic rise of the Navy’s crucial postwar role in a series of exciting episodes that include the controversial tests of the A-bombs that were dropped on warships at Bikini Island; the invention of sonar and the developing science of undersea warfare; the Navy’s leading part in key battles of the Korean War; the dramatic sinking of the submarine USS Cochino in the Norwegian Sea; the invention of the nuclear submarine and the dangerous, first-ever cruise of the USS Nautilus under the North Pole; and the growth of the modern Navy with technological breakthroughs such as massive aircraft carriers, and cruisers fitted with surface-to-air missiles.

As in all of Hornfischer’s works, the events unfold in riveting detail. The story of the Cold War at sea is ultimately the story of America’s victorious contest to protect the free world.

©2022 James D. Hornfischer (P)2022 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“This excellent naval history elucidates how the atomic bomb and nuclear power shaped the geopolitical rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union . . . Hornfischer unearths fascinating anecdotes . . . . [and] enlivens the proceedings with sharp analysis and lucid prose. This impressively researched and thoroughly accessible account fires on all cylinders.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“With half a dozen accounts of the U.S. Navy under his belt, award-winning naval historian Hornfischer does not disappoint with his latest. . . . Hornfischer offers adept accounts of atomic tests and the Navy’s creation of a nuclear strike force. Readers will enjoy the history of the atomic submarine . . . An expert account for fans of military history.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Who Can Hold the Sea is a perfect follow-on to James D. Hornfischer’s four superb standard-setting books on the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during World War II. It is well researched, superbly written, and insightful. The United States’ history is that of a maritime nation, and Hornfischer’s legacy is to have superbly told that story from the deckplate.”—General Mike Hagee, USMC (Ret), CEO, Admiral Nimitz Foundation

US Navy goes Nuclear

A great telling of the events after WW2 and the wins, losses, errors made by our leaders!

Goodbye James

James Hornfischer was a great researcher and compelling writer, documenting the extreme bravery of the US Navy sailors who were instrumental in defeating the Japanese in the Pacific. The battle of Guadalcanal was especially riveting. I miss you James.

Great coverage that is appreciated

I enjoyed the coverage of a key period that established US and allied Navy norms that set up the balance of the Twentieth Century. Thank you for this contribution!

Excellent

Just as engaging as his previous works, this one is worth your time. Highly recommended.

Excellent topic on an era still current to most of us

I am glad I was able to take a deep dive into the beginnings of the Cold War from the US Navy perspective through the pages of this book. Thank you, Mr. Hornfischer, for your talented writing. You are greatly missed.

Very accurate!

I served as a sonar technician from 1965 to 1971 on a tin can during the Cold War and Vietnam in the Atlantic and Mediterranean

A fitting career conclusion

As usual, the Hirnfudhrr name said I would read or listen to this production. I bought itce as rly send was writing. When ever I heard his wife speak my mouth dropped.

SPECTACULAR HISTORY BY A TRULY GREAT WRITER

As an avid reader of naval history, I can not say enough in praise of this book. Everyone interested in naval affairs, in the history of freedom, and in the history of the USA will love this book. God bless Jim Hornfischer.

Readable, Informative, and Sometimes Terrifying History of the Early Cold War

This comprehensive history captures in great detail the historical events, inter- service rivalries, and civilian- military friction that shaped the US military in the post-world war II era. As with Hornfischer's previous work, he crafts a compelling, page turning, history of events. Most significantly, he captures the interaction of military forces and global events that help shape both policy, strategy and weapons development in the post-war era.

Although the US Navy is the central central subject of the text, equal consideration is given to the Army and Air Force. His chapters covering the Revolt of the Admirals, Korean war, creation of the US 6th fleet, Lebanon Crisis, and the events leading to the NATO Alliance, deftly reveal the interaction of forces that shaped the US Navy. Hornfischer's text expertly condenses the most important post-war policy and strategy decisions in the dangerous nuclear age that allowed the Cold War to remain Cold.
Informative and sometimes terrifying. A must read.

Masterful.

I'm very happy that we were fortunate enough to have Hornfischer compose this volume of work on the heels of his WWII masterpieces. I'm also very saddened by the finality of the book, while also being inspired by Mrs Hornfischer's heart-felt plea to continue learning and sharing this nation's history.

I wish the book could feel more whole, but I'm indebted to Mr Hornfischer for his great accomplishment as is.

If you're unfamiliar with Cold War, this is a fantastic book to kick start your understanding of not just the Navy, but American socio-political going-on's that contributed to the policies and outcomes of later years.

Highly recommended, most especially read sequentially after Hornfischer's prior works of course.