Running Critical - review

	Running Critical: The Silent War, Rickover, and General Dynamics ASIN: 0060153776 Binding: Hardcover List price: $19.95 USD

This book chronicles the political and corporate history of the 688 class nuclear attack submarine.  There is much insight into the methods and manner of Admiral Rickover and also a lot of material on the corporate goings-on at Electric Boat during the construction of these boats.  At the same time the Trident program was starting so it was a hectic era of sub construction in the USA.

The small amount of operational history is very interesting, such as the ruse which allowed the US Navy to estimate the top speed of mid-1960s Russian nuclear subs.  Really the whole book is well written but a complaint at Sub-Log was the limited amount of design, technical and operational information.  Much of the book is taken up with following the business and political leaders involved in these huge defense projects. 

Very well done, insightful and recommended for anyone considering a career in management at a large defense contractor.  An important book in how it documents

Category: corporate and political narrative and intrigue

Heroes: ?? Electric Boat rank and file?

Boats: 688 class

Rating: 4 conference rooms (out of a total of five)