Spies, Lies and Sunken Subs

Life Members

Jim Isaak, Past President IEEE Computer Society, 2016 VP IEEE Society on the Social Implications of Technology, 2003-4 IEEE Board of Directors, and retired from the Industry.

In 1968 ,the Soviet K129 Submarine sunk in the Pacific Ocean, and the USS Scorpion sunk in the Atlantic Ocean. In 1974 the Glomar Explorer picked up some portions of the K129 as a top secret CIA project. In 2006, I discovered in my father’s estate materials a thank you letter (and medal) for his assistance in the success of the Glomar Explorer. So I started to research the events and stories surrounding these events.

There are many books in print (see the web site http://is.gd/sunkensubs for a related syllabus and list of publications.) Is there a connection between these two sinking’s? Why is there a “Glomar Exception” to the Freedom of Information Act?, Why is the cause of the K129 sinking still “Top Secret” ? There are lots of intriguing questions that have been raised, and much insight into the cold war role of submarines that surfaces (or sinks). This is not a story with a definitive end, it is an exercise in critical thinking and window into the curious events of 1962-1980+.

For additional background, visit www.JimIsaak.com.

The meeting will be held at the Lincoln Lab Auditorium, 244 Wood Street., Lexington, MA at 4:00 PM. Refreshments will be served at 3:30 PM. Registration is in the main lobby. Foreign national visitors to Lincoln Lab require visit requests. Please pre-register by e-mail to reception@ll.mit.edu and indicate your citizenship. Please use the Wood Street Gate. For directions go to http://www.ll.mit.edu/; for other information, contact Steve Teahan, Chairman, at (978)763-5136, or Steve.F.Teahan@raytheon.com

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