Even at an early age, D. Clayton Meadows planned
a life under the sea. He saved allowances and did jobs around local farms to earn money for books about submarines. After
high school D. Clayton Meadows enlisted in the United States Navy. After graduating Submarine School, D. Clayton Meadows was
assigned to USS RAY SSN 653. D. Clayton Meadows completed the rigorous submarine qualification process in half the normal
time. It was on USS RAY that D. Clayton Meadows participated in the first ever surfacing of three United States nuclear submarines
at the North Pole.
Between
deployments he began building highly detailed submarine models. After his tour on USS RAY D. Clayton Meadows was assigned
to NAVAL SUBMARINE TORPEDO FACILITY where he maintained and tested the Navy’s MK-48, and ADCAP torpedoes. On shore duty
and with more time on his hands D. Clayton Meadows began building fully submersible, highly detailed radio controlled submarines.
In 1989 he married his wife Susan. Following his
shore tour he was assigned to USS MIAMI SSN 755, D. Clayton Meadows relocated to Groton Connecticut. In August 1990, D Clayton
Meadows was transferred to USS DALLAS SSN 700. During this time DALLAS participated in Operation Desert Storm. While deployed
in support of the war effort D. Clayton Meadows received word that his wife had given birth to their first son. Upon return
from deployment, D. Clayton Meadows organized the first ever model submarine regatta. This event is now an annual affair and
draws thousands from all over the world.
D. Clayton Meadows was now a First Class Torepdoman, he qualified and stood the watch as Diving Officer; the only First
Class to stand that duty. USS DALLAS deployed again this time far north. Details of that operation remain classified. D. Clayton
Meadows was awarded a second son on his return from the Arctic. Completing his tour on USS DALLAS Meadows was detailed to
NAVAL SUBMARINE SCHOOL.
D. Clayton Meadows began writing
articles for various magazines dealing with model submarines, and naval history. By now his writing and models were winning
awards and in demand. His models grace the desks of government leaders, celebrities, and collectors. In September of 1995
D. Clayton Meadows was advanced to the prestigious rank of Chief Petty Officer. A year later he was at sea again, this time
as Torpedo Division leading Chief on the Improved Los Angeles Class USS SPRINGFIELD SSN 761. He deployed three times while
on SPRINGFIELD. While on board he began his first novel. He only worked on the manuscript while the ship was submerged.
