Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

It was published by the Navy (thus its content is in the public domain) in nine volumes, between 1959 and 1991.

The description of each ship includes official dates and locations of various events, combat and peacetime activities, and some notable events in the life of the ship, plus the physical dimensions and armaments of the ship (if known). The information can be considered authoritative, since it is compiled from the Navy's own records pertaining to the ship.

Since the Dictionary limits itself to the bare facts, it includes almost no analysis or historical context. Typically, it will say that a ship was transferred from one station to another on a specific date, but not why, and the reader must consult other sources for explanations.

External Links

• Naval Historical Center (http://history.navy.mil/) (DANFS maintainer)
• partial DANFS content online (http://www.hazegray.org/danfs/)