What is it really like to serve aboard a nuclear submarine? This is your chance to find out! No Hollywood-style undersea battles or espionage, just the day to day life experienced by the officers and men of one of these vessels. Set in the 1980's, toward the end of the Cold War, aboard USS Surgeonfish, a fictional Sturgeon-class fast attack submarine, this is the story of a young officer's first year at sea from the points of view of himself and many of his fellow officers. Included are: culture shock and acclimatization to a new world, the combination of tedium and backbreaking work that is a specialty of the military, and a large dose of humor. From reporting aboard, to learning all the skills that a submarine officer needs, to finally being the Duty Officer in charge of the ship, it's all here. To excel as a submariner requires courage, attention to detail, and dedication. To survive long enough to excel requires learning to laugh at oneself. All of these qualities are tested daily. Some of the ways they are tested may surprise and amuse you!