In 1986, the "Notable Naval Books" column ended with the congratulatory observation that "these books are a small cross-section of a large body of literature on a profession that is impressively remarkable in its diversity, that is kept vital by its willingness to look upon its own shortcomings and that is a source of unquestionable pride for its participants and for the nation it serves."
In 1988, the column noted the growing number of books appearing in the national publishing market and advised that "this increased public awareness of matters that once were the realm of a special interest group is of course gratifying, but it also means increased scrutiny from those who are perhaps less informed but also more objective." The article also noted that "we of the naval services should welcome this new mirror in which to reflect upon ourselves and our practices."
And in 1992, this annual feature recognized that the "men and women who write, and the thousands more who read what they have to say—whether they agree or disagree—are the true repositories of thought and the engines of change that will drive this ship of state and keep it on course."
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