Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World 2002-2003: Their Ships, Aircraft, and Systems, The

Sea Power, May 2003 by Gardner, Sherry L

The Naval Institute Guide To Combat Fleets of the World 2002-2003: Their Ships, Aircraft, and Systems, by A.D. Baker III. Annapolis, Md.: Naval Institute Press, Aug. 2002. 1,152 pp. $195.00 (CD-ROM $159.95). ISBN: 1 -55750-242-0. A regular columnist for the Naval Institute publications Proceedings and Naval History, A.D.

Baker has compiled Combat Fleets since 1978 and has contributed to or illustrated nearly 100 books on naval history and technology. Combat Fleets, published biennially for a quarter of a century, is internationally acknowledged as the leading one-volume reference to the world's naval and paranaval forces. Authoritative, comprehensive, and affordable, it provides accurate and timely data about the composition of the afloat, coastal defense, and aviation arms of more than 180 countries and territories. Compiled from information contributed by more than 100 correspondents around the world, this latest volume provides full descriptions of principal naval aircraft, weapons systems, and sensors, as well as ships and craft ranging in size from giant carriers to tugs and police launches. It also offers useful material on personnel strengths, naval organizations, and major bases. With a thorough indexing of material and shiptyping system, this book provides the reader with fast access to specific data and allows quick comparisons between fleets. With 4,452 photographs, 175 line drawings, addenda, and index.