The United States Navy 1914–18

An illustrated study of the organization, training, tactics, and operations of the US Navy during World War I, both before and after the US formally joined the Entente Powers.

In 1914, the US Navy was the third-largest navy in the world. Although World War I brought no opportunity for the type of capital-ship fleet action for which it had been trained, the US Navy carried out (alongside the Allied navies) a wide range of other missions such as patrolling, convoy escort, laying mines, antisubmarine warfare, landing parties, and manning 14in. naval guns ashore on the Western Front, all while pioneering naval aviation against a background of gunboat diplomacy in the 'Banana Wars' in the Caribbean.

This absorbing new study examines the US Navy's varied activities in the different theaters of World War I, paying particular attention to the considerable array of uniforms, personal equipment, protective clothing, and insignia employed, including those used by the first female US naval personnel. Complementing naval warfare expert Brian Lane Herder's insightful research are archive photographs and eight newly commissioned colour plates, providing a detailed and vivid account of the many facets of the US Navy during this pivotal chapter in its history.

About the Author

Brian Lane Herder graduated with a BA in History from the University of Kansas in 2003, and a Masters of Library Science from Emporia State University in 2009. He is a legislative librarian for the Kansas state government and his historical research interests include the US military, naval warfare, and World War II. He has published various titles with Osprey including NVG 286 US Navy Battleships 1895–1908 and NVG 293 US Navy Gunboats 1885–1945.

Angel García Pinto was born in Madrid in 1968. He attended University in the Faculty of Fine Arts (Madrid) and worked for Spanish newspapers for 15 years, primarily creating portraits. In recent years, he has specialised in historical and military historical subjects.

Table of Contents

• Woodrow Wilson's Navy
• Command Structure
• Strategy and Doctrine
• Fleet Organization
• Yards and Bases
• Ships, Aircraft and Ordnance
• Operations 1914–18
• Personnel
• Aftermath
• Select Bibliography
• Plate Commentaries
• Index