Also posted in Dex's "Nancy Yockey Bonar" topic.

Dex and all:

Am in a dismayed state over "Cooking Under Water" Culinary Specialists, U.S. Submarine Force, but continue to work to overcome a major hurdle: the chief culinary specialist, Norfolk, who agreed to obtain "local" recipes from CSes on submarines, has backed out of project. He was the sole person I was working with as he wanted it that way. (In hindsight, my mistake) Three professional chefs, who volunteered aboard three different subs as a part of the Adopt-a-Ship program, remain aboard as volunteer contributors.

Book is about 50% written (began research more than two years ago, writing as I went along), including quotes from more than 50 former submariners like yourself, and more to come. Took book cover prototype to Norfolk in May when I met with chief CS and toured USS Minn/SP. He was proud as punch about the book.  In all fairness, my requests for information from him put too much on his plate.

As you know, portion of proceeds from sales of this first-ever submarine cookbook to be marketed to the general public are to benefit USSVI Scholarship Fund as well as submarine museums that sell it. This is NOT a "cash cow" for me but, rather, my way of educating the public about The Silent Service without giving away "secrets." The already written dedication is to past, present and future submariners and families, including the more than 4,000 submariners who are resting their oars. And, of course, my thanks for inspiration from my late brother and members of the submarine community through the online forums and former Salmon crew members.

Might be a stretch to say this, but do believe the true power for a submarine is the morale-boosting food from cooks, mess cooks, culinary specialists. Yes, know power was diesel, is nuclear, but....

Am in a catch-22. Original encouragement for book came from a top Navy PAO at Pentagon who linked me with NAVSUP which, in turn, linked me with chief CS. Pentagon PAO is now in Iraq. Sub PAOs, Norfolk, won't lend a hand until I get a publisher. I need to use a literary agent to get to a publisher and to market the book. Can't get an agent until I have sample recipes to go into each of the chapters I've already written. Of course, self-publishing another option as can market book to the Navy/Submarine Force via various channels, then take book sales figures to a traditional publisher.

Book appendix includes, but is not limited to, list of submarine museums, names of lost boats and crew numbers, Q&A from Submarine Warfare, names of today's subs, sample menus, example of food order to fit menus, submarine termonology, and, for children, how to make a submarine out of a bottle. Also hope to include with the book a DVD showing daily life on sub and focusing on galley and mess deck -- food service in general.

Any suggestions from anyone? Where do I go to plead my case? BY "go" -- willing to travel to wherever, to whomever. Need to do this without "stepping on anyone's toes."

I'm in process of writing a "case for support" and seeking verbal support for the project (not endorsement) from submariners and submarine-related entities.

Meanwhile, I'd encourage submariners, especially DBFers, to obtain a copy of "Submarine Cuisine," published by the Submarine Research Center. Lots of copy about diesel sub food service, and about 50 recipes from the old days. Book is sold primarily to submarine entities such as at boat reunions. Also offered SRC online.

Do look forward to your advice, Dex, as well as from others in the forum.  And thanks for asking about the book. Must post this info in two other forums as a courtesy to those who've provided quotes and who've asked to be put on the "buy" list.

Nancy

Thanks, Dex, really appreciate ALL of the suggestions I can get.

I'm a USNI member, but didn't know about Big Al. Seriously doubt that USNI would publish a cookbook (pretty much "academic"-type books), but sure worth a try or to get some advice. Would need to split book sales proceeds in a different way.