Customer Reviews

The Silent Service: Ohio Class

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The SILENT SERVICE: Ohio Class, is a naval action story centering on an Iranian attempt to draw the United States into war. Iran's goal is to track the American nuclear submarine, USS Ohio, as it slips into their territorial waters and then to trick the American captain into firing the first shot.

It begins when a U.S. surveillance satellite detects a large construction project at the base of a mountain near a city called Bandar-e Charak, on the southwestern coast of Iran. The Americans think Iran is building some kind of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons manufacturing facility inside of the mountain. To find out for sure, Washington orders the USS Ohio and a navy SEAL team into the Persian Gulf to secretly check it out.

Unfortunately, the American's covert mission plays right into an elaborate trap set by Iranians. It seems they have recently purchased several Soviet made diesel submarines and have hidden them in tactical locations around the gulf where they patiently wait to spring a trap on the American submarine. They will either force the USS Ohio to surface or sink it outright. So, as the Ohio advances farther into dangerous waters the trap is sprung and the action begins. Before you know it, the water becomes crowded with more angry torpedoes swimming about than you can shake a stick at, but the bad guys learn the hard way that coming up against an Ohio Class nuclear submarine is no walk in the park.

This is the first book I've ready by H. Jay Riker. I found the story interesting--not as exciting as some, but definitely a good read. I could, however, do without the romantic side stories. To me, they're not necessary and only slow down the pace of the story. But there is plenty of action, and even a few high-tech gadgets to spice up the battle scenes. Over all, I give the book a good recommendation.

"Ohio Class" is a very good read. It essentially prognosticates a US confrontation with Iran, with the US principally relying on the USS Ohio deploying in the Gulf. The action is mostly quite realistic and once the tension builds it never lets up. This is a true page-turner for those of us who love techo-thrillers.

Riker continues his theme that submariners can have no successful personal life, with this deployment ruining the wedding plans of one of the Ohio's sonarmen. Whenever I read one of Mr. Riker's novels, I start guessing when the romance will come crashing down as the result of the arbitrary demands of a service career. This theme seems to repeat in all of his submarine novels.

The story provides very interesting background on the capabilities of the Ohio class submarines, as well as some interesting speculation about future developments. I am not sure if the "Manta" submarine is just pure speculation or not. It seemed almost too good to be true. I also came away from this novel convinced that the shallow water of the Gulf is no place for a large US nuclear submarine. No doubt wiser heads than mine are making these kinds of decisions.

This is a very good story that engages the reader. Recommended.

Like all his books, great page turner with a lot of action and realistic. His books are also a good way to keep up on the latest in submarine technology BTW. A few characters, e.g., the captain of the Ohio, may have been a little sketchy, or a little to sterotyped, e.g., love sick sonarman, but not bad. Liked all his books, this one no expection.

This is the first one I have read of the "Silent Service" I had picked up at a used book store. I am a big fan of submarine novels. I found it hard to put this book down in order to get other things done. I like the fact that this series keeps you on the seat of your pants. I have since finished reading this book and I have breezed through Virginia Class and currently reading Seawolf Class :-) I only hope that H. Jay Riker will continue his Silent Service series. I'll have to check out his Seals series as well.

Kept me interested without being too far fetched (from what this civvie can tell). I haven't finished the last couple chapters so I can't ruin the ending. The story involves Iran and I've heard Iran mentioned in the news over the last couple days. Made me chuckle, then get nervous ! The action was good without being over the top and the characters were believable and likable.

There is a prototype mini-sub that operates somewhat similar to an airplane in that it has no ballast, "flies" through the water with wings.

Another good read from h. Jay Riker. Have purchased all his books and he is one of my favorite authors. Can't wait for the next book.

BRAVO ZULU, Mr. Riker. This is a Navy signal flag array that means WELL DONE!