In the last issue I invited you, the readers, to tell us whether you would be willing to support more frequent publication of Naval History and pay a higher subscription price. Your responses have been overwhelmingly positive on both questions. In fact, I cannot recall a single topic that has generated so much mail during my time at the Naval Institute. I have been struck by the intense loyalty that the magazine has generated since we began publication in 1987.
As I mentioned last time. Naval History has not yet become self- supporting financially, so both the Naval Institute staff and the board of control have spent a good deal of time studying various options to ensure the magazine’s survival. The solution chosen is in accord with your desires. Beginning at mid-year, Naval History will shift from a quarterly to a bimonthly. In 1994 we will have completed the transition and will publish six issues. The subscription price will be $18.00 for members of the Naval Institute and $20.00 for non-members. We hope to attract more readers and advertising and thus improve the financial stability of the publication.
We have made some staff changes as well. Beginning with the next issue, the editor of Naval History will be Fred Schultz. He has been on the staff of the Proceedings for the past three years and demonstrated both strong editorial ability and a solid historical background. Paul Stillwell, who shepherded the magazine through its five years as a quarterly, has recently taken over as director of the Naval Institute’s newly created history division. He will continue as director of oral history and will also be in charge of the reference library and photo archives. The change will enable him to devote more time to oral history than has been possible in the last few years. Paul will continue to play an active and important role with Naval History, Proceedings, and the Naval Institute Press.
In taking over the reference collection Paul will have a tough act to follow. Patty Maddocks, who retired at the end of 1992, gave the Naval Institute 30 years of service in a variety of capacities. During her many years as head of the reference library and photo collection she endeared herself to thousands of individuals who came in search of help. Whether the inquiry came from an admiral, midshipman, high school student, or a veteran of one of the nation’s wars, Patty has always been there to help. Time after time she has put in the extra effort that told people she really cared. Along with her cheerful spirit and willingness to help others, Patty Maddocks has invariably imparted an uncommon amount of common sense. We will surely miss her.