Members of the Naval Institute receive with this issue proposed changes to the Constitution and Bylaws. Chairman of the Board of Directors Rear Admiral Pat Stillman and Chairman Emeritus Vice Admiral Al Konetzni provide a compelling rationale for making these changes at this time. Read their cover letter and review the side-by-side comparison of the old document and what is proposed. From its creation in 1873 this has been an organization led by representatives elected by the membership. Please cast your vote and commit to becoming more active as a member in 2005—not for the Naval Institute, but to strengthen the nation’s defense and the profession of arms. Participate in the independent forum the Naval Institute provides for those who dare to read, think, speak, and write in order to advance the professional, literary, and scientific understanding of sea power and other issues critical to national defense. Members will receive ballots for the election of officers in late January or early February.
The Naval Institute’s bread-and-butter business is advancing knowledge. An important element in this effort is creating definitive reference works that bring together authoritative information, up-to-date photographs and drawings, and insightful analysis in a package that is easy to use. Long at the top of all references published by any press is The Naval Institute Guide to the Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet, by Norman Polmar. Released this month in its 18th edition, this is the single best source on the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. While this may sound like book hype, it is not. A defense journalist and analyst for more than 40 years, Norman knows and has worked for all the sea services. The production of this edition is a wonderful demonstration of Naval Institute teamwork. To meet content standards, production deadlines, and the budget, Proceedings/Naval History Managing Editor Julie Olver edited the book and Proceedings/Naval History Creative Director/Production Manager Karen Eskew and Senior Designer Faith Stewart produced the book.
Many other behind-the-scenes efforts—by extraordinarily hard-working people who seldom receive recognition—are generating quality goods and services. Our photo archive is an example. Led by retired Navy captain and author Tim Wooldridge, who is a full-time volunteer, Dewitt Roseborough, Janis Jorgensen, and nine part-time volunteers run a photo service, digitize 1,000 photos a month, and answer researchers’ and members’ questions. In 2005, Tim’s team will launch a new line of high-quality photographic prints suitable for framing for your homes and offices. Located with the photo archives is our certificate service, led and operated by Leslie Sweeney. Essentially a one-person operation, Leslie handles orders of 5,000 for an aircraft carrier’s commissioning to 1 for an individual who may have served in Desert Storm or Iraqi Freedom.
Recent additions to the Naval Institute staff include Jim deGraffenreid and Bill MacIntosh. Jim is the Naval Institute's Chief Operating Officer and brings strong and successful business and publishing experience. Bill is the Chief Operating Officer of the Naval Institute Foundation and also has a proven track record in business and development.
As this year draws to a close, we thank all of you who wrote for publication, participated in seminars, entered essay contests, read books, and purchased photographs or certificates. Thanks also to our business partners, exhibitors, sponsors, and advertisers. This has been a good year for the Naval Institute. Help us help you make 2005 even better.
Editor's Page
By F. H. Rainbow