This underwater history includes information on mine-fields, submarine nets and shipwrecks, revealing the far-reaching impact of World War II and detailing the dedication of the United States in protecting the home front. Rudolph Palihnich, an officer of the US Navy, served as head engineer aboard the Mine Planter Spurgeon, explains how the mine planting service worked and how the mines themselves actually functioned. There were two groups of workers on one vessel- the main crew of the vessel itself and the mine planting group. The crew were coast artillerymen who made sure the vessel (which was property of coast artillery) was up and running with a knowledgeable captain who’s able to navigate the treacherous bay without radar. The mine planting group was an independent service including knowledgeable mine engineers with a Commanding Officer in charge of operations.
