Edward L. Beach

Edward Latimer Beach, Jr. (1918 - 2002) was an American naval submarine officer and author. The son of Capt. Edward L. Beach, Sr. , he graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1939.

During World War II, Beach served in the USS Trigger, USS Tirante, and commanded the USS Piper. He later served as President Eisenhower's naval aide.

In 1959 Beach took command of the USS Triton (SSRN-586), which in 1960 circumnavigated the Earth in 61 days — without surfacing, an unprecedented feat. Beach retired from the Navy in 1966.

As an author, Beach is best known for his first novel, Run Silent, Run Deep (1955), to which he wrote two sequels. A movie based on the novel was made starring Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster. Beach also wrote several books on naval history, including Submarine!, Around the World Submerged (1962) and Keepers of the Sea (1983).

Beach Hall, the United States Naval Institute's home at the Naval Academy, is named in honor of both Captains Beach.