Rediscovering the USS Alligator: The U.S. Navy's Lost First Submarine

To discover more about the author and this book, check out Daniel J. Basta's website: https://dbastawriter.com/

This is a classic tale of history forgotten and lost. The search for a pioneering submarine, that as yet remains unfound, revealed far more than was ever before known. Masterfully told, Dan Basta's recounting of the search for the Alligator is an instructive tale of how and why we should search for the past. - Dr. James P. Delgado, World-renowned Marine Archeologist

This book recounts the unlikely story of the USS Alligator, a secret weapon of the American Civil War, and the efforts to resurrect its legacy in United States Naval history. It is a tale of serendipity, unfolding in the most unexpected places—the South Pacific and Paris. It follows a shoestring expedition braving the treacherous waters off Cape Hatteras in search of the mysterious submarine, where everything that can go wrong does.

The mission gains momentum with the making of a Discovery Science Channel film, Hunt for the USS Alligator: Navy’s First Sub, even as setbacks pile up in the infamous “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” With relentless passion, the searchers press on, confronting the brutal realities of scouring the vast ocean for a “needle in a haystack.” Their efforts, while not yielding the Alligator, uncover valuable lessons and inspire future explorers.

This story is both a cautionary tale and a call to action, capturing the enduring allure of the USS Alligator, a lost icon of U.S. Naval history that still waits to be discovered on the ocean floor. --

“Daniel J. Basta's writing is engaging and informative, blending technical details with vivid storytelling. He brings to life the personalities involved in the search, from naval officers to marine archaeologists, and underscores the importance of preserving maritime heritage. Rediscovering the USS Alligator is a must-read for history enthusiasts, marine explorers, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of science and storytelling. It should be in every classroom as its educational value is immeasurable.” - Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favorite

“Thus, Rediscovering the USS Alligator: The U.S. Navy’s “Lost” First Submarine is a must read on all levels. Part historical drama, part thrilling mystery, part science non-fiction, this work is a well-rounded statement on the human’s capacity and essential need to seek out and educate ourselves about the strange and unique things that fascinate us day by day. - Douglas C. MacLeod, Jr. for Feathered Quill