World War II U.S. Navy Vessels in Private Hands: The Boats and Ships Sold and Registered for Commercial and Recreational Purposes Under the American Flag - Softcover

Williams, Greg H.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0786466456 ISBN 13: 9780786466450

Publisher: McFarland, 2013

Synopsis

During World War II, the U.S. Navy swiftly expanded to include an array of vessels, from smaller yachts and fishing boats bought early in the war for patrol work to fast, modern commercial ships built to haul troops and supplies. After the Allied victory, this diverse fleet became unnecessary and the Navy sold many of its vessels. This comprehensive catalog documents the Navy ships and boats sold after the war and registered under the American flag for commercial or recreational purposes. Focusing on those vessels with names or clearly identifiable hull numbers and crew accommodations, it chronicles each craft's prewar ownership, wartime history, and postwar fate. The product of painstaking detective work in a wide range of primary sources, this meticulous directory highlights an unexplored but illuminating aspect of U.S. maritime history.

About this title

About the Author

Greg H. Williams served four years in the Navy, two of them at sea, and was one of 27 volunteer crew members in 1994 who sailed the SS Jeremiah O'Brien from San Francisco to Europe for the 50th anniversary of the Normandy Invasion. He lives near Noti, Oregon.

Review

"an impressive amount of tedious research"--ARBA; "it is a rare find among recently-published naval history books to have a book dealing with Second Word War U.S. Navy vessels that contributes something new to the existing body of knowledge. Without any doubt, Williams' book belongs to this category and is, consequently, a welcome addition to any naval history bookshelf...recommended"--The Northern Mariner/Le marin du nord; "an encyclopedic reference that you'll keep on the shelf for reference whenever you need information on a particular vessel...recommended"--Nautical Research Journal; "Williams compiles an impressive amount of information...a valuable resource...a fascinating glimpse into the process of mobilization and demobilization during the World War II era and beyond. The sheer volume of vessels included is the most striking feature of the book"--H-Net Reviews; "Williams, gives details on the World War II US Navy ships and boats that were sold after the war and registered for commercial or recreational purposes"--Reference & Research Book News.

Edition details

• Publisher: McFarland
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0786466456
• ISBN 13: 9780786466450
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 364