The Unsinkable Fleet: The Politics of U.S. Navy Expansion in World War II Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a tale of the bureaucratic battles surrounding the size and manning of the fleet leading into and during World War II -- battles the Navy won. It's dry in parts, filled with numbers and a repetitiveness from one "special study" to the next. One feels the bureaucracy. Still, it's an outstanding book.
It gives a sense of the difficulty of planning at the macro-level. How DOES one determine the right level of forces (the number and mix of warships, auxiliary ships, bases, and training and repair facilities, for example) for the Navy, and similar questions relative to the Army, Army Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps? How DOES one determine the manpower, industrial, and materiel capacity of the nation, intrinsic as well as import? How DOES one determine how to mobilize that capacity in a coherent way to optimize output? How DOES one then pull all of this together (diverse needs, capacity, and mobilization requirements), marry it up with coalition-based strategic war plans, and determine the right mix and schedule of force structure and production priorities to fight the largest war in history? What an awesome task!
Davidson shows that there was no small amount of confusion and groping in the dark as the services grappled with this, and that the process was heavily punctuated with inter-service rivalry, which was probably a necessary ingredient even at the Joint Staff level. The service chiefs did, after all, represent their services. He also shows how the nation's resources, while vast, were not unlimited; moreover, that we were tasking them to their limits. Even as late as 1943 we hadn't figured it out; that is, the JCS hadn't come to agreement. Competition between the services was the name of the game (a deliberate policy of General George C. Marshall). Competition also existed between the military and non-military sectors for manpower (for example, uniformed versus industrial manpower) and materiel (for example, the Navy versus the Merchant Marine). Congress had authorized higher military manpower levels than the nation could deliver (at least in some agencies' view), but it wouldn't substitute its judgment for that of the service chiefs.
I had not realized just how large our Navy was during the war. While they did trim their planned ship construction a bit, they always had the upper hand in the battle for resources. Their argument centered on the idea that the biggest, best equipped Army in the world was of little use if it couldn't deploy overseas. In fact, the Army itself realized it was limited in size, among other reasons, by the overseas deployment capacity of the Navy. For example, there were no new Army divisions activated after 1943, and Army recruitment in 1944 and 1945 was aimed at sustaining the force, not increasing it. On the other hand, the Navy, while it curtailed its shipbuilding some, still had a robust construction program through the end of the war and even into 1946. Another reason proffered by the Navy: rather than build to the minimum necessary to win the war, which could lead to longer duration and higher casualties and cost (a criticism advanced by some against the 90-division Army), the Navy focused on "rapid prosecution", which would lead to more and stronger offensives and thus to fewer casualties and less cost. These were the conclusions also of the Joint Strategic Survey Committee and the Joint Staff Planning Committee. Of course, because those committees had no staffs of their own, they had to rely on the service staffs for technical support.
There is a tremendous amount of detail in this book (albeit it could use a few organization charts to enable the reader to better follow the story). Much of our victory in World War II is attributable to our battles in foreign lands and seas. As Davidson shows, however, much of our victory is also attributable to the battles waged in the Pentagon and Congress. This is a most informative book and a "must read" for any student of World War II or of the US military in general.

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Examines the US Navy's expansion from 1939 through the end of the war, reveal some of the strategic and political complexities that come into play when a nation allocates finite resources to seemingly endless needs. Describes the Navy's protracted bureaucratic struggle, its internal problems in car

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The Tudor Navy: The Ships, Men, and Organization, 1485-1603 Review

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(More customer reviews)An absorbing and enthralling read.
A clever combination of in depth research into the construction and manning of fine ships and the parallel development of English Society and humour of the period.
An insight into the development of the British navy under succesive Monarchs as the early foundations of the Empire were laid.
The author proposes a lively and imaginative interpretation of the politics of the time as though he were embroiled.
More from this author please.

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Sailors in Forest Green: Usn Personnel Attached to the Usmc (U.S. Navy Uniforms in World War II) Review

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(More customer reviews)I just received my pre-ordered copy of this new book and I was very impressed with it. This is the first I've seen of any reference books about the U.S. Navy and it's quite good. Osprey does have a comic-book size volume called "The US Navy in WWII" but it's practically worthless.
Of course no book of this type is perfect but in my opinion, this book's faults are minor and are far outweighed by its merits. Here are the pluses and minuses that I discovered although your interpretation might be different.
These are the things I didn't like; the author used live people to model most of the uniforms for the photos. That's okay but it looks like there are only about 5 or 6 guys wearing about 30 different uniforms. It was a little disappointing to see the same few guys wearing so many different uniforms. However, to his credit, the author does apologize for this in the forward.
It looks as though the photo quality is not as crisp and clear as in other books of this type. I know some writers use slide film or new high tech digital imagery these days. The photos in this book just aren't eye-popping quality.
The title is a bit deceptive. About 80% of this book is devoted to Navy Corpsmen and USMC uniforms & field gear. Maybe the title should have included something about Navy Corpsmen.
The price is very high at $79.00 retail.
These are the things I did like; everything is in one volume. This isn't a book about one subject like helmets, knives or patches. Complete uniforms are shown and the subjects are thoroughly covered from A to Z.
This book is very informative, not just pics of WWII stuff. The author has shown step-by-step instructions for assembling packs and other equipment and the complete list of all the medical items carried in the navy corpsman bags is wonderful. Some experimental items and camouflage are shown as well. The official regulations are often quoted in the text for the wearing of insignia and uniforms which adds a lot of credibility to the author's work.
There are a few recent USMC uniform books already in print that feature similar items. Namely, "Grunt Gear" by Alec Tulkoff, "Paramarine" by Chris Mason and "USMC Uniforms, Insignia and Personal Items of WWII" by Harlan Glenn. I have all of these books and I found very little repetition in "Sailors in Forest Green". Notably, the other books devote little or no attention to dress uniforms which is covered very well in this book. Also, none of the other books give little more than a passing honorable mention to corpsmen. The original combat photos of navy corpsmen and the layouts of the gear they used are also covered here in detail. In my opinion, if you have other USMC reference books, this one will compliment them, not rehash the same material.
With all of the overkill of books out there on U.S. paratrooper gear and German SS camouflage, I'm glad that someone has finally taken on the job of writing a series of serious reference books about the U.S. Navy in WWII. After seeing this first book in the series, I'm really looking forward to the rest of them. All things considered, I give it 5 stars.

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Oliver Hazard Perry: Honor, Courage, and Patriotism in the Early U.s. Navy (Library of Naval Biography) Review

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(More customer reviews)The first modern biography of the "Hero of Lake Erie" is ably written by Great Lakes historian Skaggs. It is a deeply researched and balanced story of leadership in battle, heroism and contentious egos during our Early National Period.
Perry, a Scotsman descended from Scotland's national hero, William Wallace, was born in Rhode Island in 1785 to naval Captain Christopher and his wife Sarah Wallace Alexander. Oliver was the older brother to Matthew Calbraith Perry, another career naval officer destined to open Japan to Western trade. So a naval career was pretty much a foregone conclusion and the older sibling was appointed a midshipman in April, 1799. assigned to his father's frigate, he saw his first action off the coast of Haiti, which was in a state of rebellion. The first Barbary War found him serving on the USS Adams and later, in command of the USS Nautilus, he was present at the capture of Derna.
At thew start of the War of 1812, Perry requested and was given command of the United States naval forces on Lake Erie. He supervised the construction of a small fleet at Presque Isle Bay in Erie, Pennsylvania, and on September 10, 1813, defeated the attacking British fleet at the Battle of Lake Erie, gaining everlasting fame in naval history. His battle report to General William Henry Harrison was brief and to the point: "We have met the enemy and they are ours..." The victory opened up Canada to invasion, while at the same time protected the entire Ohio Valley from British occupation.
The controversy began before the smoke had cleared Detroit. Perry's second in command, Jesse Duncan Elliott, was a conniving, self-serving manipulator who immediately claimed more of the victorious action than he deserved. The feud continued well into the next decade and didn't cease with Perry's premature death in 1819 from yellow fever while on station in Venezuela.
Filled with antagonism, courage and controversy, this book is the standard to be consulted by scholar and general reader alike.


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Hailed for his decisive victory over a Royal Navy squadron on Lake Erie in September 1813 and best known for his after-action report proclamationWe have met the enemy and they are ours,Oliver Hazard Perry was one the early U.S. Navy s most famous heroes. In this modern, scholarly reassessment of the man and his career, Professor David Skaggs emphasizes Perry s place in naval history as an embodiment of the code of honor, an exemplar of combat courage, and a symbol of patriotism to his fellow officers and the American public. It is the first biography of Perry to be published in more than a quarter of a century and the first to offer an even-handed analysis of his career.After completing a thorough examination of primary sources, Skaggs traces Perry s development from a midshipman to commodore where he personified the best in seamanship, calmness in times of stress, and diplomatic skills. But this work is not a hagiographic treatment, for it offers a candid analysis of Perry s character flaws, particularly his short temper and his sometimes ineffective command and control procedures during the battle of Lake Erie. Skaggs also explains how Perry s short but dramatic naval career epitomized the emerging naval professionalism of the young republic, and he demonstrates how the Hero of Lake Erie fits into the most recent scholarship concerning the role of post-revolutionary generation in the development of American national identity. Finally, Skaggs explores in greater detail than anyone before the controversy over the conduct of his Lake Erie second, Jesse Duncan Elliott, that raged on for over a quarter century after Perry s death in 1819.
Co-winner of the North American Society for Oceanic History's 2007 John Lyman Book Award for Biography and Autobiography

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The U.S. Navy Against the Axis: Surface Combat, 1941-1945 Review

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(More customer reviews)"The U.S. Navy Against the Axis" by Vincent P. O"Hara is a book that will appeal to anyone interested in the United States Navy's part in World War Two. If you are an expert researcher or just someone that likes a good naval story then this book is for you. The naval wargamer will find enough scenarios for many happy hours of gaming. It has charts and diagrams which will bring smiles to any naval statistician. There is also some surprises in that some new facts about some of the early surface actions in the Dutch East Indies are revealed. The book covers all surface action that the U.S. Navay engaged in both in all areas of operations. Anyone who purchased the authors first book "German Fleet at War 1939 - 1945 will want this book. The book will also appeal to anyone interested in the Imperial Japanese Navy as well. It may be a cliche but in this case it is true. If you buy only one book about the WW2 naval war this year then this should be the one.

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Naval historian Vincent O Hara recounts here the dramatic story of the U.S. Navy s surface fleet in World War II, especially its ship-to-ship combat. He suggests that the fleet s role in America s ultimate victory was far more crucial than commonly credited and holds many lessons for today s Navy and the nation as a whole. His work is the only single volume to treat every surface naval action involving major American warships, both famous and obscure. It places each action in its larger context to provide a valuable historical resource on how the Navy and its ships met the test of battle. O'Hara refutes the widely held notion that the attack on Pearl Harbor rendered surface warfare obsolete. He offers readers details of U.S. naval actions barely mentioned in other histories to demonstrate how U.S. battleships, cruisers, and destroyers played a decisive role at critical junctures in the war and made significant contributions to the Allied victory. He also documents the performance of weapon systems, shows how doctrine developed, and examines the role played by new technologies.Numerous maps, tables, and charts enhance the text. A cautionary tale relevant to today s Navy, this book illustrates how swift adaptability and intellectual honesty were fundamental to the Navy s success against Japan. Its underlying premise is that in a conflict against conventional or asymmetric enemies, the United States cannot assume to hold title to the same virtues demonstrated by its Navy three generations past. Instead, those lessons must be constantly studied and validated in the face of postwar mythologies, lest they be forgotten.

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Operation Thunderhead: The True Story of Vietnam's Final POW Rescue Mission--and the last NAVY SealKilled in Country Review

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(More customer reviews)This little known operation gives tremendous insight into the capabilities of Naval Special Warfare (Navy SEALs) but more importantly WHY this mission was so significant. Without the thorough account of the true tortures endured by Dramesi and his fellow inmates in the Hanoi Hilton, the impetus of the rescue would be lost. Mr. Dockery brings us into the reality of the brutal lives of the POWs and why utimately the mission was scrubbed by the POWs themselves. He provides the key to the story that casual readers missed. The impact of what happened months and years before within the walls of the Hanoi Hilton was important and well told, as well as the description of the seaborne operation that resulted in Lt. Dry's death. Only Kevin Dockery's incredible research and unpresedented access to key participants allows this 360 degree view of the events leading up to and during Operation Thuderhead. This operation was far more than SEALs and SR-71 aircraft - it was the torture and tough decisions by American warriors captured in combat who were beaten and killed but never forgotten. Mr. Dockery aptly leads us through the story so in the end the reader fully understands why if the SEALs like LT Dry would have known what was at stake, they would have gladly swum up the Red River and kicked in the doors to their cells. In fact, they still would - and THAT is the true story. It is an excellent read of warriors and sacrifice told by a pro and tells the lengths America will go to bring our people home.

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Forgotten Fleet: The Mothball Navy Review

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(More customer reviews)Although the author can get a tad too wistful at times, the book did an excellent job of portraying the fate of much of the Navy post-WWII. I grew up in Norfolk and always enjoyed seeing shops. Visting a mothball squadron in Suisun Bay, CA made me want to learn more about the fleet. This book did a nice job. The pictures were fabulous. My only complaint is that there is not enough discussion about policy.

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A pictorial history of the U.S. Navy's mothball fleet, this handsome book takes a rare look at the so-called fleet behind the fleet, from the end of World War II to the present. Through photographs of the ships and shipyards where they were laid up and brief ship histories, it tells the story of how these ships were paid off and preserved, how some were reactivated, and how most left the reserve fleet to be broken up. Additional photos of the ships in action remind readers that forgotten though they were while in mothballs, many made their marks on history.Year after year the warships lay quiet and lifeless, like boarded up old houses once full of activity that had outlived their usefulness. The row upon row of mostly now-anonymous vessels, hatches sealed shut, offer a bleak contrast to the drama of their wartime operations. You can almost hear the wind whistling through the masts and superstructures stripped of radars. Below decks there is only the sound of the dehumidifiers, removing moisture from the air, retarding the buildup of rust and deterioration. Berthing areas, repair shops and radio rooms have been frozen in time, looking exactly as they did when sealed decades before. Among them are such well-known ships as the Enterprise and the Midway, as well as little-known ones like the Fall River, and some that were laid up almost as soon as they were completed, like the Oregon City. Here too are the frigates and nuclear submarines of a later age. These are the ships of the forgotten fleet, built for war but resting at peace in coastal parking lots on both sides of the country, their story told for the first time.

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Anytime, Baby Hail and Farewell to the U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat Review

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(More customer reviews)I must be getting old. I remember when the F-14 Tomcat was just being designed and adopted by the Navy. Now we are telling them 'Good Bye.'
The F-14 entered service with the Navy in 1972. It was retired from the U.S. Navy fleet on 22 September 2006, having been replaced by the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. As of 2007, only the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force still flies the aircraft. Where did those 34 years go?
This book is a memorial to the Tomcat. It's a photographic essay of the last seven squadrons (down from over thirty) to fly the big bird. The photography is beautiful, mostly in the air, but quite a few on the deck of the big ships, and a couple very sadly showing the old birds sitting out in the field, stripped of unit ID, stripped of their soul.
It's a beautiful book, and an excellent tribute to the men and their very beautiful, very high performance machines.

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For the past two years, while the sun was setting on the iconic F-14 Tomcat, aviation photographer and author Erik Hildebrandt has been capturing the final defining moments of the few remaining F-14 squadrons in the US Navy Fighter community. Anytime, Baby! is an unforgettable collection of final-phase Tomcat milestones captured and preserved forever in some of the most detailed and dynamic photographic compositions Hildebrandt has ever attempted. From riding along with VF-211, the last squadron to ever fly the F-14A, to flying with VF-32 on the last deployment of the F-14B in the Arabian Gulf in 2005, Hildebrandt has been witness to the end of an era. Anytime, Baby! is an important historic record as much as it is an artistic and beautiful tribute to the most popular American fighter in history. A true "must-have" addition for the aviation enthusiasts as well as former and current Navy and Marine Corp service personnel.

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Navy Seals: The Complete History Review

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(More customer reviews)Navy SEALs: The Complete History by Kevin Dockery may not be what customers are expecting. Although it is full of information, much of it comes from first hand accounts, I would estimate that about 70 percent of the book is first person accounts. Although some people may like this, I wasn't looking forward to that type of book, I was expecting a bit more of a narration by Dockery. That's just me. Regardless of this style of writing, it does contain a lot of information but nothing really new. I was also disappointed that there was no mention of Iraq; I didn't realize that the last part of the book was made before OIF started. Just a warning to anyone else who didn't realize it. In conclusion, the book is worth what I paid for it and if you don't mind any of the faults with this book, then spend a couple of dollars on it, it won't ruin your week.

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The Old Navy, The glorious heritage of the U.S. Navy, recounted through the journals of an American patriot who, as a midshipman, served on wooden sailing vessels and, as an Admiral, lived to see Review

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(More customer reviews)I agree with everything that the other reviewer who gave this 5 stars said. However, what is left out is Admiral Mannix's description of the American conflict in the Philippines (1899-1905); specifically the use of anti-guerilla tactics against the Moros (Muslims) that we might find politically incorrect today in the Afghan and Iraqi conflicts. More pointedly the author describes the success's reached by covering dead Moro suicide bombers with pig grease (in order to prevent them from going to heaven) and the benefits incurred in terms of disincentivizing suicide activities on part of the Moros as result. The author opines that this is a key reason for the defeat of the insurgency.

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Strike from the Sea: U.S. Navy Attack Aircraft from Skyraider to Super Hornet, 1948-Present Review

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(More customer reviews)This is wonderfully comprehensive and well written history of U. S. Navy attack aircraft and aviation over the past 60 years. The evolution of all the significant first-line planes and those that didn't quite make the grade and those that simply never left the drawing board is all presented in extremely readable and interesting fashion by Mr. Thomason. The quality and uniqueness of the photos and illustrations is excellent. The explanations of the differences, improvements, development of the aircraft and their weaponry is the best on the subject I've ever seen. A truly exceptional aviation volume, well above the usual offering. It expertly handles a complicated subject with great skill and accuracy. A fascinating and unique book, which I would unhesitatingly recommend to anyone interested in the subject matter. Additionally, Amazon is offering it at a very attractive price.

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Strike from the Sea: U.S. Navy Attack Aircraft from Skyraider to Super Hornet 1948-Present celebrates carrier-based air-to-ground attack aircraft which first came into operation during the Korean War, reached maturity during Vietnam, and are deployed today throughout the world. Well-known author and naval aviation authority Tommy Thomason not only explores such legendary Navy aircraft as the A4D Skyhawk, A3J Vigilante, and A-6 Intruder, but also the critical role of the aircraft carrier itself, for without these massive nuclear-powered floating airfields, U.S. Navy attack aircraft would have no sea-borne bases from which to operate. Armament from gravity bombs to today's GPS-guided smart weapons are covered in great detail, and this book also explains that while many different types of airplanes were required for flying attack missions in the past, only one aircraft - the advanced F/A-18E/F Super Hornet - is needed to carry out these same missions in an even more complex and hostile combat environment today.

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Gustavus Vasa Fox of the Union Navy: A Biography Review

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(More customer reviews)Written by Ari Hoogenboom (professor of history emeritus, Brooklyn College, City University of New York), Gustavus Vasa Fox of the Union Navy: A Biography is a meticulously researched and presented biography of the man commonly held most responsible for the U.S. Navy's exceptional success in the Civil War. Chapters chronicle Fox's naval service from his debut as a midshipman in 1838, to his participation in the Coast Survey, his captainship of a steamer that traveled from New York to Havana to New Orleans, to his crucial role in the effective blockade of the southern coast during the Civil War. Hoogenboom was personally neither for nor against slavery, but rather dedicated to preserving the Union. As he witnessed the invaluable contribution of black sailors, he became an advocate of freedom and voting rights for African-Americans. He was as skilled in working with politicians and administrators as he was in naval matters, and shared a close working relationship with Abraham Lincoln. A handful of black-and-white diagrams illustrate this detailed and thoughtful study of an exceptional leader and true patriot.


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This magisterial biography recounts the life and career of one of the U.S. Navy's most influential officers, Gustavus Vasa Fox. Ari Hoogenboom's examination of Fox's incredible life and distinguished career creates a vivid portrait of the man most responsible for the U.S. Navy's stellar performance in the Civil War. Fox's naval service began in 1838 when he went to sea as a midshipman. He sailed in the Mediterranean, off the coast of Africa, in the Gulf of Mexico, and with the East India Squadron in the Pacific. By participating in the Coast Survey and by navigating the lower Mississippi River in the 1850s, as captain of a steamer that ran from New York to Havana to New Orleans and back, Fox gained valuable experience that would serve him well in the Civil War.During the war, Fox was instrumental in mounting the blockade of the southern coast, from the Chesapeake Bay to the Rio Grande. After the battle between theMonitor and theVirginia, Fox championed ironclad technology despite having to contend with an officer corps wedded to wooden ships. In planning and coordinating expeditions, Fox deserves much of the credit for the navy's successes at Hatteras, Port Royal, New Orleans, Mobile Bay, and Fort Fisher.Initially neither proslavery nor antislavery, Fox was passionately committed to the preservation of the Union and, as black sailors made a crucial contribution toward that end, became an advocate of freedom and voting rights for African Americans. A skilled administrator who understood both the demands of politicians and the needs of line officers, he was able to communicate effectively with each group. Fox developed a close and collegial working relationship with Abraham Lincoln and was related by marriage to the postmaster general. Along with officers like Quartermaster General Montgomery Meigs and coordinator of military railroads Herman Haupt, Fox played a critical but underappreciated role in the Union victory. (2009)

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The Navy Times Book of Submarines: A Political, Social, and Military History Review

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(More customer reviews)While much of any history of submarines will focus on things mechanical, this book goes much farther and more than justifies its sub-title, "A Political, Social and Military History." I was fascinated to see that the political and social aspects of military systems -- or strategies -- have not changed much over the four hundred or so years covered by this book. A comment on comments of "Reader from Rochester" who offered an unflattering review -- where Reader found "superior attitude," I found (and enjoyed) sardonic humour. Be that as it may, Reader ought to hire-out as a professional copy editor, because the irritating errors he spotted (i.e., typos) obviously slid by the publisher's fact-checkers and proofreaders. As for the 3"/50 caliber deck gun -- that's a designation used for naval guns, where "caliber" is the length of the barrel measured as a multiple of the diameter of the bore. Thus, in this instance, a 3" bore and a 150" tube. Obviously, the publisher's copy editor didn't understand this, either, and stuck a period in front of the 50.

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Here is an engaging, informative, and sometimes startling history of the men and the machines that dared to go beneath the surface of the water to enter combat.In his careful reconstruction of events, Brayton Harris combines his extraordinary sense of humor with intensive research, to present a compelling history of the submarine, from conception, to gestation, to birth during World War I, to the genesis of the mighty nuclear submarine.In his excursion through the political, social, and military history of the submarine, Harris refutes many popular myths that grew out of eyewitness accounts and copies of copies-and sets the record straight with wit and insight.A fascinating exploration of the steps and stumbles during development, a rousing tribute to the heroes who fought and died, and a powerful study of the submarine's impact on America, The Navy Times Book of Submarines is an unparalleled source for understanding the great equalizer, the beguiling boat, that decided the outcome of World War I-and changed the face of warfare forever.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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United States Navy Destroyers of World War II Review

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(More customer reviews)I was pleasantly impressed out of my wits when I received this book, which I purchased used on Amazon.
First, let me describe what I was looking for, to give you a point of reference, as we naval readers don't always have the same expectations. I am an avid WWII modeler first and an amateur historian second. To me, naval engineering or weaponry facts are secondary, as you don't really need a pictorial book such as this one to obtain that kind of data; what's more encyclopedic works from authors like Polman are better suited for that purpose. I do want to know exactly what the general configuration of a particular ship was at a given time, which marks of the various equipment were installed (ie. mark 33 versus 37 director, 5 inch guns enclosed or open, etc).
And now for the book: it is one exceptional book. The author starts with the 1898 era briefly, then moves on to the 4-stackers of WWI, then after just a few pages on to the main subject: WWII destroyers, with the Farragut class making the first step, then the Benhams, and so on. Along the way we are treated to gorgeous, large size for the most part, super sharp photos showing the ships in detail, up-close, quarter views, at sea side profiles, etc. Author has relied heavily on official naval yard photos (i.e. the ones with the white circles showing additions) as well as period in-action photos. Some are quite poignant in what they represent, sometimes very subtly. For example, on page 29 a picture shows gunners manning a 5-inch wearing asbestos gloves, which would later cause many health ailments to our dear vets.
The author really earns his keep at explaining the reasons for the updates between each class. He does so in a way I haven't read elsewhere. Easy to follow and very logically he explains what issues the designers faced and how the either solved (majority of cases) or accepted compromises. Each chapter has a caption, usually a piece of wisdom for the time, for example, chapter 11 has "We must become intolerant of delay. We must tear our way through red tape. We must pillory bureaucrats who stupidly sacrifice time in the pursuit of an impossible perfection", which is right on as far as introductions go for the subject being explained, the build-up period of 1941, right before Pearl Harbor. It is little added insights offered that add a dimension not found in other books. For these and many, many more I give this book an enthusiastic 5 stars! Get it, if you don't already have it. Easily worth $50 or more, I will trade mine for a copy in a better condition, which is something I only do with books I intend to keep forever.

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The Royal Navy, Seapower and Strategy Between the Wars Review

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(More customer reviews)I started off with the disadvantage that I had met Stephen Roskill and his wife Elizabeth on three occasions and admired him immensely. I bought all his books from Naval Policy between the Wars onwards and three of them have his inscription in them. So you will understand that I am strong admirer of Roskill. As well I found him to be a brilliant raconteur. That somebody should be writing a book apparently from its title to be covering the same ground as Roskill's 'Naval Policy betwen the Wars', I almost took to be a personal insult against myself.
Having read Christopher Bell's book three times, I cannot commend it strongly enough to readers with an interest in the Royal Navy in this era. In general it looks at the RN more from a strategy point of view and shows just how important the Singapore/Japanese thinking was for the Admiralty from 1919 to 1941. There is much new material refered to in the book, many times using sources not considered by Roskill.
Rather than dwelling on the negatives of the inter-war years, Christopher Bell shows how the RN largely managed to rebuild itself into an effective fighting machine for WW2, with the exception of the Fleet Air Arm planes.
The book is well written, is jargon free and is well composed and nicely paced.
If Roskill had been alive, I know he would have given the book a good review. There is no greater compliment.

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Weapons of the Navy Seals (Battlegear) Review

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(More customer reviews)If anyone is interested in becoming Navy SEAL, then buy this book. (p.s. I never really bought this book.)

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Fred J. Pushies. Of all the U.S. military's special forces, none carry the same name recognition, nor capture the public imagination like the U.S. Navy SEALs. In battle gear fashion, the book also includes a chapter describing the techniques SEALs use, as well as glossaries of terms and military abbreviations.

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Carrier Air War in Original WWII Color: US Navy Air Combat 1939-1946 Review

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(More customer reviews)I have read nearly every book on the subject and this is the definitive best. Espically the illustrations. There is something about seeing the aircraft in color that makes them come alive. I reccomend this book to any fan of the Second World War.

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