Michael O. (modorney) reviewed The Yard: Building a Destroyer at the Bath Iron Works on + 6 more book reviews
I would recommend reading this book in tandem with "The Shipyard: Will it Float?" by David Drummond, 059527532X . Both books look at two different yards with two different perspectives.
Sanders portrays the Bath Iron Works as a reporter, and gives a great deal of the details of building modern ships. The skill, talent and passion of these workers, as well as their relation to the town is portrayed in detail, with clear, lucid writing. A tough, but fair portrayal of the macro dynamics of politics, economics, hopes, fears and culture (Town, Yard and Navy) is displayed. Personally, having spent four decades in corporate America, much in the military industrial complex, I identified with the pride, dedication, planning and vision found in all "crackerjack" outfits. Sanders inspired me to keep the crackerjack spirit alive, and hand it down to the next generations. Sanders portrayesd this well. Sanders is a writer, who could build ships.
Drummond, converseley, is a shipbuilder who can write. He narrates the life of the Quincy Yard, a hundred miles south of Bath, doing the same thing. He lived near the yard a long time, giving him the perspective to observe the micro lives of blue collar workers. The personalities, pranks, romances, fears, failures and victories of these men and women are painted in colorful (and sometimes profane) stories that will bring you tears of laughter. Personally, having experienced some of these tales, having seen a few more and having heard of even many more, Drummond reminded me of my humble beginnings, and the joy and fun of passing through them. I've sat in a a few chairs in my career, and Drummond reminded me that a few had whoopie cushions on them.
Read them both. They really go together.
Sanders portrays the Bath Iron Works as a reporter, and gives a great deal of the details of building modern ships. The skill, talent and passion of these workers, as well as their relation to the town is portrayed in detail, with clear, lucid writing. A tough, but fair portrayal of the macro dynamics of politics, economics, hopes, fears and culture (Town, Yard and Navy) is displayed. Personally, having spent four decades in corporate America, much in the military industrial complex, I identified with the pride, dedication, planning and vision found in all "crackerjack" outfits. Sanders inspired me to keep the crackerjack spirit alive, and hand it down to the next generations. Sanders portrayesd this well. Sanders is a writer, who could build ships.
Drummond, converseley, is a shipbuilder who can write. He narrates the life of the Quincy Yard, a hundred miles south of Bath, doing the same thing. He lived near the yard a long time, giving him the perspective to observe the micro lives of blue collar workers. The personalities, pranks, romances, fears, failures and victories of these men and women are painted in colorful (and sometimes profane) stories that will bring you tears of laughter. Personally, having experienced some of these tales, having seen a few more and having heard of even many more, Drummond reminded me of my humble beginnings, and the joy and fun of passing through them. I've sat in a a few chairs in my career, and Drummond reminded me that a few had whoopie cushions on them.
Read them both. They really go together.
Great story about the people and the town where they build large ships. Good description of the build process of a Arliegh Burke Class destroyer.
