In the icy depths, silence can spark war.
When U.S. Navy submarines uncover a secret Russian operation beneath the Chukchi Sea, a routine patrol turns into a high-stakes pursuit, a test of diplomacy, and a fight for survival.
Fast-paced and tightly woven, Hades’ Crypt plunges readers into the unforgiving world of modern submarine warfare—where every whisper matters, and one wrong move could ignite global catastrophe.
About the Author
J. Len Sciuto is a retired military officer with 36 years of service, including two tours in Washington, D.C. A former nuclear chemist, he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and advanced training in atomic chemistry through General Electric for nuclear boiling-water reactors.
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Events
USS Bang (SS-385) Reunion October 11th thru October 18th, 2025 Jacksonville, FL
The USS Bang was commissioned in 1943 and decommissioned in 1972. She operated solely in the Atlantic Ocean during World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War. Since 1993, the crews that were assigned to her have gathered for reunions.
The purpose of the reunion is to bring together the crews from the 30 years the Bang was in service, fostering friendship and camaraderie, and to meet new shipmates. The reunions are held annually throughout the United States. We change geographical locations every year to allow shipmates who can no longer attend or travel to reunions due to medical or financial issues.
As of this reunion, all the Bang crews from World War II and the Korean War are no longer with us (deceased). As time goes by, our group is getting smaller just like the Doolittle group of flyers.
For this year's reunion in Jacksonville, I am the lead host, and my wife Sharon, plus two other people, are co-hosts. The host team changes annually with each new geographical location. This year, we'll be touring the city of St. Augustine, The Cummer Art Museum and Gardens, and the Trident Missile Training Center at the submarine base at Kings Bay, GA. We are also attending a dinner and show at the Alhambra Dinner Theater. I have arranged special entertainment for our week-ending final dinner together.
We have held reunions for 30 of the last 32 years (we did not have reunions in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID epidemic). Next year’s reunion location will be determined at our board meeting at the end of the week. That information is passed on to all crewmembers in the form of our quarterly newsletter or by email.
As usual, in any reunion, the administrative, financial, and logistical aspects are a nightmare! But it is all worth it to be able to see and be with past crews.
My personal note: Since attending these reunions over the last 16 years, I have found that there has always been a cohesive, cooperative, and supportive crew aboard this boat. All the 30 years of crews are a great bunch of guys/shipmates. I am proud to have been a crew member aboard this submarine and to be part of all these fantastic crews.
Tango Down: China Sea
taboogolfer
Tango Down: China Sea- One of the best-known authors on Earth, Tom Clancy was a pioneer in military thrillers whose name became a pop-culture shortcut for discussions about high-tech weaponry, espionage heroes and sinister plots to take down the United States government. Despite his death in 2013, his legacy lives on, with over 100 million copies of his books still in print and some such as The Hunt for Red October and Patriot Games even being given the Hollywood treatment. How many times in the past decades have we seen things described in print or out loud as being “like a Tom Clancy novel?” This comparison is both glowing praise and has become the golden standard for military thrillers everywhere. I’m happy to report that debut author Len Sciuto’s new novel Tango Down: China Sea is worthy of the praise. WORTHY OF BEING COMPARED TO TOM CLANCY The SSN Tarpon, a nuclear submarine, is attacked and sunk in the China Sea. Lieutenant Commander Rico Petrone, a Navigator, is suddenly transferred to the SSN Cardinalfish, whose mission is to find the Tarpon. When a nefarious Chinese battle group attempts to steal the weapons and technology from the Tarpon, destroy the Cardinalfish and reveal a deadly new weapon to do so, tension and fear heighten and Petrone’s experiences, knowledge, and skills, along with his captain’s decisions, are put to the test. Can the Cardinalfish, facing insurmountable odds, rescue the Tarpon’s survivors, identify the weapon, elude the battle group, and get home in time to prevent a war? Clancy books are known for their serpentine narratives full of unexpected twists and international intrigue, and Tango Down doesn’t disappoint in the slightest. Oftentimes fiction authors fall into the trap minimizing the stakes they’ve set up by becoming predictable — either characters become untouchable or there are a few too many happy endings. Sciuto has readers on their toes the whole time. Friends become enemies, bad guys win, and allies meet untimely ends. I found myself genuinely shocked on multiple occasions throughout the novel, and the fact that I could accurately predict precisely zero of the major twists was thoroughly enjoyable. THE STORY IS BROUGHT TO LIFE THROUGH IMMERSIVE DETAIL An equally strong aspect of the book is the technical knowledge, research and experience that shines brilliantly through every page. With his Naval and coast guard background and clear knowledge of all things nautical, military and chemistry related, Sciuto brings his story to life in a stunning display. The detail injected into every line is engaging and immersive in a way that other authors in the genre aren’t capable of. I often felt as if I was right there with Petrone, and could feel each freezing spray of seawater and tense battle as his crewmates fight to save their comrades. This book is a must-read but not only for fans of Tom Clancy. There is something here for everyone, from science enthusiasts to fans of spy novels and those with an interest in international politics. While these aspects will draw readers in, the immersive and detailed prose paired with the intricate and unpredictable narrative will keep them engaged through to the last page. Buy this book!
Tango Down: China Sea
Devin J. Starlanyl
“Tango Down: China Sea” is a story of some very special people dealing with very difficult and at times scary and complex situations. A US Navy Sub is missing in the China Sea under suspicious circumstances. The SSN Cardinalfish, the first of our newest line of high-tech subs, is sent to find out why, and to secure any survivors if possible. During this dangerous journey, you get to know a little bit about some of the crew, especially navigator Lieutenant Commander Rico Petrone. What happens to him, and to that that crew is extremely exciting, but I don’t want to spoil any of the action by revealing too much. Along the way, you learn something of how the subs, and the people who run them, operate. The author is a retired Coast Guard Commander. He knows. I’ve been in a Navy submarine when it was in port, on top of the water, and in a small tourist sub, but never in a Navy sub when it was diving. I’ve also read other fiction about sub life. None were like this. This book is cinematic, and I hope to see it in movie form someday. There were times I wondered if these events actually occurred. In this world we live in, few things are very certain. This book reminds us of the sacrifices by the men and women who work so hard to keep us safe, often without appreciation. I hope that we will do better to honor their service. I also hope that more books will be forthcoming from this author, and soon.
Tango Down: China Sea
Karen P.
I will be honest and state up front that I bought this book because the author was in an online writing group I was a part of. I did not think there was anything about a military submarine book that would be my cup of tea. But, out of loyalty to a fellow writer, I opened it up thinking I’d muck my way through it. After reading one chapter, then two chapters, I had to keep on reading because I HAD to know what was going to happen next! Being exposed to a subject I knew nothing about and mistakenly thought I’d have little interest in, completely surprised me by how well it’s action and characters hooked me to keep on reading! It is an extremely well written book and and even with its submarine jargon, was an easy and and exciting read. I can surely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys military fiction, and surprisingly, to those who don’t think they would! Edge of seat writing here, along with the unexpected warfare strategy I found fascinating! It’s a winner!
Testimonials
Tango Down: China Sea
Brooke Schuler
Len Sciuto is clearly an expert is how submarines work and how the military operate them. I learned a great deal from reading this book. The story is full of thrills and adventure and keeps you guessing until the very end. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants a great story, a military adventure, or a harrowing undersea tale.
Tango Down: China Sea
Amazon Customer
A great read and well written book whose story line is pertinent to the world, military and political environment in which we live. Mr. Sciuto did excellent job weaving his military background, training, technical expertise and years of service into a timely, spellbinding narrative. Well done Sir. I salute you. Semper Paratus. Sgt. Maj. Martin Mahoney USMCR (Ret)
The Devil's Delegation
Devin J. Starlanyl
This book tells a story of families, duty, honor, strong emotions, and vengeance. These forces have ways of shaping lives. There are two opposing story lines that run through this book. One saga is that of the United States Coast Guard and some of the many ways that they interact with the network of agencies to defend this country from approaching threats by water. The other story focuses on those who would take all that we have and all that we are. Each side interacts with multiple agencies and resources in attempts to achieve their aims, and much depends in the reliability of information and the channels through which it flows. There in the possibility of moles on each side, and decisions must be made in a moment that can mean life or death for many. Both sides run parallel in some ways. In this struggle, only one side wins. I don’t want to give away any plot lines, but I will say that this book has details that could only have been written by one who has “been there and done that.” I enjoy books that teach me things I didn’t know. This book fulfills that and much more.
The Devil's Delegation
Glenn Triviets
A must read thrill- ride from start to stop. This book would be ideal for a movie. One person found this helpful