Updating their 1998 first edition, Morris (Readings in American Military History) and Kearns (head, bibliographic control, Earl Gregg Swem Library) define the people, ships, planes, locations, munitions, navigation systems, technical terms, and actions shaping the U.S. Navy since Colonial times. Preceding the 600 succinct, fully cross-referenced, paragraph-long entries is a helpful listing of acronyms, ship types, and a naval chronology, which locates branch origins in mid-1775. A 12-page introduction offers an essay-style overview of naval history, subdivided by major engagement. A 45-page bibliography, divided chronologically by conflict, offers a vital springboard to additional research. Essential for naval historians.

Library Journal

In the 13 years since the publication of the first edition of this work, the U.S. has become heavily involved in antiterrorism activities. Although the first edition is still in print, more than 100 pages of additional information have been incorporated by the same authors into this second edition. Among the topics that are covered are types of ships and planes, weapons, ranks and terminology, persons, military operations, and wars and battles. The lists of acronyms and abbreviations and ship-type designations are very helpful features to use when reading the entries. The chronology begins in 1775, with the earliest vestiges of the U.S. Navy, and continues through 2009. An introductory essay gives an excellent overview of the navy and its activities from colonial times to the present. The more than 600 alphabetical entries begin with ABC-1 Staff Agreement (27 March 1941), an agreement between the U.S. and Britain to concentrate on the defeat of Germany first, and end with Zumwalt, Elmo R., Jr. (1920–2000), former chief of naval operations. Entries range in length from one line to eight pages, for the entry on WWII. The three appendixes list secretaries of the navy from June 1789 to the present, chiefs of naval operations from May 1915 to the present, and major websites. The extensive bibliography is divided into 10 sections, mostly for time periods. The bibliography is a wonderful tool for further research, and the book overall is an excellent resource for college students, researchers, and others interested in the U.S. Navy.

Booklist

This ready-reference guide provides brief descriptions of the personnel (both serving and civilian administrative), ships/shore establishments and aircraft, and notable actions of the United States Navy.

American Reference Books Annual