United States Naval Power in a Changing World

(Hardback)

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This work presents a selective review of naval power, changes in power that have occured over time, and the employment of that power during peace and war times. The volume arose from Hooper's concern over national military policies that seem to ignore the lessons of the past and demonstrate a lack of understanding of the continued relevance of naval power. Hooper pays particular attention to naval policy; naval capabilities and mission; determinants and influence of naval power; management of naval affairs; exercise of command over operating forces; and interservice relationships. United States Naval Power in a Changing World presents a selective review of naval power, changes in power that have occured over time, and the employment of that power during peace and war times. The volume arose from Hooper's concern over national military policies that seem to ignore the lessons of the past and demonstrate a lack of understanding of the continued relevance of naval power. Hooper pays particular attention to naval policy; naval capabilities and mission; determinants and influence of naval power; management of naval affairs; exercise of command over operating forces; and interservice relationships.

Reviews

In sum, the valedictory work of this eminently respected naval historian serves not only as a status report on the present Navy, but also as a roadmap of sorts for the future fleet.-Sea Power
This work represents a long and detailed search for the fundamental principles concerning the naval power needs of the nation.' The late Admiral Hooper, former director of naval history, carefully traces the vital role of naval power throughout the nation's history, and in particular the increasing bureaucratization and overcontrol of the Navy Department since WW II by reorganization and by an enormously increased Department of Defense staff. Well written and in language appropriate for readership at all levels, Hooper makes a good case for the lean, highly decentralized, efficient bilinear system of the Navy Department.' Good US naval histories are rarities; this one is highly recommended. Compare with In Peace and War, ed. by Kenneth J. Hagan (1984) and with Edward L. Beach's The United States Navy (1986). Excellent notes, bibliography, index.-Choice
"In sum, the valedictory work of this eminently respected naval historian serves not only as a status report on the present Navy, but also as a roadmap of sorts for the future fleet."-Sea Power
"This work represents a long and detailed search for the fundamental principles concerning the naval power needs of the nation.' The late Admiral Hooper, former director of naval history, carefully traces the vital role of naval power throughout the nation's history, and in particular the increasing bureaucratization and overcontrol of the Navy Department since WW II by reorganization and by an enormously increased Department of Defense staff. Well written and in language appropriate for readership at all levels, Hooper makes a good case for the lean, highly decentralized, efficient bilinear system of the Navy Department.' Good US naval histories are rarities; this one is highly recommended. Compare with In Peace and War, ed. by Kenneth J. Hagan (1984) and with Edward L. Beach's The United States Navy (1986). Excellent notes, bibliography, index."-Choice

Author Bio

VICE-ADMIRAL EDWIN B. HOOPER had a long career as a naval officer, retiring as vice admiral in 1970 and then returning to active service as director of naval history and curator for the Navy Department until 1977. He had broad experience in command at sea, amphibious forces, logistics, and research and development. Naval credits included a Bronze Star for his gunnery when the USS Washington sank the Japanese battleship Kirishima in a night battle at Guadalcanal. He served as commander of fleet oiler Waccamaw, the destroyer tender Sierra, Destroyer Squadron Twenty-six, and Amphibious Group One.