America's Use of Sea Mines

Book excerpt: This volume is devoted to the history and use by the United States of one of the Navy's least spectacular and most effective weapons. The effectiveness of the submarine mine has not decreased with the coming of the space age. So long as cargo ships cross the sea, this unspectacular weapon will remain a major factor in control of the approaches to harbors, and the shallow straits between seas. Robert Duncan has devoted most of his adult life to the generation and augmentation of competence in the application of growing science to the design, production, and use of mines for the U.S. Navy. He joined the staff of the Naval Ordnance Laboratory before it was known by that name, but in time to capitalize on the experience of the Navy with mines in World War I. He provided the technical leadership which was an important factor in keeping the art and science of mining alive in the Navy in the days of the depression. By so doing, he provided a basis for a hundredfold expansion of the Navy's effort previous to and during World War II. The hundreds of technical people who had the privilege of joining in this effort under Dr. Duncan's leadership will be happy to see this accurate and factual record of achievement. The experience recorded between these covers will serve as a guide to those still engaged in the development of this type of weapon, and the achievements made during World War II will be an inspiration to any who might be responsible for again expanding our national effort in mining, should the occasion arise. (Author).