San Diego's Navy: An Illustrated History

San Diego's Navy: An Illustrated History by Linder, Bruce. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9781557505316.

San Diegos popular standing as the quintessential "Navy town" is only part of a rich and vibrant maritime history that has defined a unique partnership between the U.S. Navy and the city for more than 150 years. Beginning with the intrepid seizure of San Diego in the opening days of the Mexican War, the Navy has been fully entwined in the activities of this energetic metropolis. San Diego has witnessed the birth of naval aviation and the perfection of aircraft carrier and destroyer tactics. For more than seventy-five years this southern California city also has served as the Navys technology crucible with such advances as radio, sonar, cruise missiles, and modern information technology helping to transform it into the high-tech powerhouse San Diego is today. This illustrated book presents the intriguing story of how the Navy slowly came to appreciate San Diegos attributes and then took bold action to consolidate its position there. Highlighting these pages is a parade of rousing personalities that include plucky congressmen, local officials, naval officers, activists, and other colorful San Diegans. Such a discerning history provides a sweeping and long overdue view of the city and its naval bases that have influenced the lives of thousands of Americans.