Palisades-Raised Author Releases Debut Book About Navy SEALs

By EVE KAPLAN | Intern

For those who enjoy reading and learning about history at the same time, Andrew Dubbins released his first book, “Into Enemy Waters: A World War II Story of the Demolition Divers Who Became the Navy SEALs,” on Tuesday, August 23.

“Into Enemy Waters” follows a veteran of the underwater demolition. Dubbins talked to 95-year-old George Morgan for hours while he crafted this non-fiction work.

“GIs called them ‘half fish, half nuts,’” according to a synopsis. “Today, we call them Navy SEALs.”

This book tells the story of heroes who didn’t receive publicity, heroes who don’t understand why their stories are “story worthy.”

Outfitted with only swim trunks and a dive mask, the story follows Morgan at 17 years old, and fellow frogmen as they braved fierce enemy fire and rough seas. They scouted bullet-swept Omaha Beach, the black sands of Iwo Jima, the shark-infested reefs of Okinawa and the cold waters of Tokyo Bay.

“Led by maverick Naval Reserve Officer Draper Kauffman, Morgan would spend the fierce final year of the war swimming up to enemy-controlled beaches to gather intel and detonate underwater barriers,” according to a synopsis by Barnes & Noble. “Teenaged George Morgan was there before most, fighting for his life. And for all of us.”

Born in Pacific Palisades near Will Rogers State Historic Park and currently living in Culver City, Dubbins is an award-winning journalist.

He studied government and English at Georgetown University, worked internships in Washington, and began a career in marketing and journalism while freelance writing.

His work has appeared in Los Angeles Magazine, The Daily Beast and more. Dubbins was awarded Journalist of the Year in 2021 by the Los Angeles Press Club.

He said he combines writing and reporting in his latest book as he believes “good reporting is good writing.”

While Dubbins wrote “Into Enemy Waters,” he focused on honest reporting and fact-checking with his sources.

Dubbins described his relationship to writing as “always written, always will write.” He said he is influenced by Erik Larson, Laura Hillenbrand, Susan Arlene and Ross MacDonald.

Another influence is his mother, whom this book is dedicated to, for her unwavering support.

Publisher’s Weekly described the book as a “vivid and fast-moving narrative of courage and sacrifice under the most extreme conditions,” and that “WWII buffs will be thrilled.”

Diver Magazine wrote that “readers will enjoy the visceral and detailed writing that illuminates the uncomfortable nature of war and the maturity of teenagers who ultimately saved the world from fascism.”

Along with a signing at DIESEL: A Bookstore in Brentwood on Saturday, August 27, at 3 p.m., Dubbins’ book will be available at nearby bookstores like the Village Well Books & Coffee in Culver City.

“Into Enemy Waters” can be ordered through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound and Target.