Publisher's Page

By Jim Barber Publisher

June 1996

In this issue, through words and pictures, we celebrate 50 years of crowd-pleasing performances by the U.S. Navy’s precision aviation team, the Blue Angels. John Bradford reports that Australia is ...

Get It Up, Get It On, Get It Down

By Lieutenant John F. Kirby, U.S. Navy

June 1996

From Hellcats to Hornets, the Navy's Blue Angels have dare-deviled and dazzled for 50 years.

More than Half a Loaf

By Captain Edward L. Beach, U.S. Navy (Retired)

June 1996

The Department of Defense wrapped up the Kimmel Case with a report that rehabilitates the honor of the Pearl Harbor commanders.

They Did Their Part

By John Bradford

June 1996

World War II sailors the Sullivan brothers from the United States and Teddy Sheean from Australia serve their respective navies once again.

‘Any Purpose Designated’

By John B. Dwyer

June 1996

The USS Horace A. Bass (APD-124), had a reputation for being in the thick of enemy action during the Korean War.

An Exotic Bird’s-Eye View

By Paul Southwick

June 1996

With monster cameras mounted Navy photographers helped chart a course for the U.S. Pacific Fleet in World War II.

‘Been Blown to Atoms’

By Terry Morr

June 1996

The Tulip wreck is virtually intact.

Legacy of a Fourth-Rate Steam Screw

By Bruch F. Thompson

June 1996

Since its rediscovery in 1994, the wrecked remains of the historic vessel Tulip have been under archaeological investigation.

Admiral Porter and His ‘Damned Gunboats’

By Chester G. Hearn

June 1996

Admiral Porter’s Navy sets up General McClernand’s Army for an easy victory over Fort Hindman at Arkansas Post.

Vengeance In Vladivostok

By Ilya Sergievich Okunev and Translated by Victor M. Frank

June 1996

One observer recalls a U.S. Navy Friendship Visit to his homeland in July 1937—and the fate of those who became too friendly with the Americans.

Only Her Crew Kept Her Afloat

By Commander R. H. Tibbets, U.S. Navy (Retired)

June 1996

When the cargo ship Alchiba (AK-23) fell prey to a Japanese midget sub’s torpedo, her crew began a battle to keep her afloat.

Looking Back

By Paul Stillwell

June 1996

Memoirs abound from individuals with wartime experience; few capture the gritty reality of combat with the skill of E. B. Sledge’s With the Old Breed at Pelelieu and Okinawa. Sledge ...

In Contact

June 1996

‘“That’s What Editors Do’” (See B. Bradlee, pp. 41-45, November-December 1995 Naval History) Charles Haechling I have a high regard for Ben Bradlee and greatly admire his outstanding ...

Book Reviews

Reviewed by Dr. Gary E. Weir & Lieutenant Commander Thomas J. Cutler, U.S. Navy (Retired)

June 1996

The Naval Policy of Austria-Hungary, 1867-1918, Navalism, Industrial Development, and the Politics of Dualism Lawrence Sondhaus. West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University Press, 1994. 450 pp. Append. Ind. Maps. Reviewed by ...

The Historic Caribbean Citadel

By Barbara A. Nadel

June 1996

Rising 140 feet above the Atlantic, with 18-foot-thick masonry walls, six distinct levels, and unlimited ocean views, Puerto Rico’s El Mono is one of the most dramatic citadels ever built.

Naval History News

Edited By Bert Hubinger

June 1996

Marine Corps History and Museum Director Retires Brigadier General Edwin H. Simmons, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired), Director of Marine Corps History and Museums, recently retired after more than 20 years ...

Salty Talk

By Commander Ty Martin, U.S. Navy (Retired)

June 1996

The space between each pair of deck planks in a wooden ship was filled with a packing material called “oakum" and then sealed with a mixture of pitch and tar ...

Historic Fleets

By A. D. Baker III, Editor, Combat Fleets of the World

June 1996

The three 33,400-ton New Mexico (BB-40)-class battleships, all launched in 1917, were the last U.S. Navy dreadnoughts to incorporate part of their secondary batteries of 5-inch/51-caliber low-angle weapons in hull ...