DEAD RECKONING: To the Antarctic and Beyond
Now Available
After decades of requests from shipmates, colleagues, and friends, Ben Koether's extraordinary journey is finally in print.
DEAD RECKONING: To the Antarctic and Beyond chronicles the untold story of the USS Glacier's most dangerous expeditions—and the remarkable life that followed.
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Official Release: January 27,2026
About the Book
At twenty-three, Ensign Ben Koether became the youngest navigator aboard the USS Glacier during Operation Deep Freeze. His mission: chart Antarctic coastlines never before reached by any vessel in human history.
What followed tested every ounce of his navigation skills, courage, and determination.
Inside These Pages:
- THE PHANTOM COAST Navigating through sixty-foot waves and crushing sea ice to reach waters no ship had ever penetrated. The Glacier pushed farther south into the Bellingshausen Sea than any vessel before, mapping what had only been blank spaces on the charts.
- BESET IN THE ICE The moment every polar navigator fears: trapped 600 miles from open water as Antarctic winter descends. With fuel running low, food supplies dwindling, and darkness closing in, 600 men faced the possibility of becoming permanent residents of the ice.
- CLASSIFIED OPERATIONS Cold War missions that have remained secret for decades, including an unbreakable coded message that may have altered the course of history during the Cuban crisis.
- BEYOND THE BRIDGE The journey didn't end when Koether left the Navy. From confronting the KKK while integrating a Louisiana factory to pioneering computer technology that revolutionized the fast-food industry, this memoir reveals how the same dead reckoning skills used to navigate polar ice helped navigate the uncharted waters of American business.
- THE MISSION TO SAVE THE GLACIER Decades later, Koether led a passionate campaign to save his beloved ship from the scrapyard—a story of dedication, bureaucratic battles, and the fight to preserve maritime history.
Perfect For:
- Glacier Society members and families
- Maritime and polar exploration enthusiasts
- Naval history buffs
- Cold War historians
- Entrepreneurs and business students
- Anyone inspired by true stories of courage and innovation
- Gift-givers seeking unique, meaningful books
Book Details
Title: DEAD RECKONING: To the Antarctic and Beyond
Author: Ben Koether with Shawn Smucker
Publisher: Palmetto Publishing
Publication Date: January 27, 2026
ISBN: 979-8318830587
MEDIA & PRESS
For interview requests, review copies, or media inquiries:
Email: ben@kotherent.com
Reviews
" I bought this thinking it would mostly be about Antarctica, but it kept expanding in ways I didn’t see coming. Sailing, Cold War tension, politics, business—it just keeps unfolding. What impressed me most is how naturally it all fits together. Nothing feels like filler. I finished it feeling like I’d traveled decades alongside the author." - Tina
"Just finished it. Great adventures and great story." - Phil
" I’ve read many adventure books, but this one stands out. Koether’s exploits on the USS GLACIER are nerve-wracking and exhilarating at the same time. What I appreciated most is how the authors show the man behind the legend—the father, husband, and businessman. Each chapter gave me something new to marvel at. " - Millie
"Koether’s life is a testament to daring and perseverance. The Antarctic chapters are heart-pounding, yet the book also captures his rise in business and service in government. I loved the way the authors show his humanity alongside his achievements. The story left me both inspired and reflective about what it means to truly chase your passions." - Jake
"Koether doesn’t just explore the world; he explores life itself. I loved how his story weaves between high seas, political corridors, and corporate boardrooms. The narrative is so rich that I could almost smell the Antarctic ice and taste the saltwater. I appreciated the honesty in describing both triumphs and failures. This is storytelling at its finest." - Rebecca
" From the very first page, I was hooked. The descriptions of Antarctic waters are incredibly detailed and immersive. I loved seeing how Koether’s early years on Long Island Sound prepared him for the greatest adventures of his life. The story flows naturally from sailing to politics to business without ever feeling forced. I closed the book feeling motivated to explore more of my own world. " - Alex
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