Comprehensive, authoritative and affordable, it is updated biennially to include accurate and timely data about the composition of the afloat, coastal defense, and aviation arms of more than one hundred eighty countries and territories, including coast guards and other armed maritime government services. Both major fleets like those of the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, and Italy, and small maritime forces like those in Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific Islands get equally thorough treatment. Detailed and current information is provided on the characteristics and capabilities of ships and crafts ranging from giant aircraft carriers and ballistic missile submarines to the smallest of tugboats and launches--literally thousands of vessels not found in similar publications. To keep the reader totally up to date, special attention is given to documenting the retirement or transfer abroad of older warships. Full descriptions of principal naval aircraft, weapons systems, and sensors are provided along with useful data on organization, personnel strengths, and bases. This new volume has been compiled from information contributed by more than a hundred correspondents around the world and illustrated with thousands of photographs and drawings. Researchers can access all this information quickly, thanks to a thorough indexing of the material and a logical ship-typing system that not only makes the book easy to use but also makes comparisons between fleets easier. Because ship classes within each type are arranged from new to old, the latest developments are easily noted. A new, easy-to-use presentation of shipboard weapon and sensor systems is yet another valuable feature of the 2002-03 edition. For this latest Naval Institute guide, A. D. Baker III has once again raised the standard for breadth of coverage, volume of detail, and ease of use. The fact that Combat Fleets remains the least expensive single-volume reference available makes the work unbeatable.

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