Guardians of the Sea, History of the United States Coast Guard 1915 to the Present

"Guardians of the Sea, History of the United States Coast Guard 1915 to the Present" by Robert Erwin Johnson has been published by the Naval institute Press, Annapolis, MD 21402. As a review and narrative history of another maritime Federal agency, it is an excellent source of information, primarily on the agency's leadership and its primary missions-search, rescue, patrol, and enforcement. Its only shortcoming here is a lack of information on its modern role in fisheries patrols and enforcement, although some may have been a bit too recent for the author to include. Still, it does contain information on the agency's work in protecting fur seals and Alaska salmon fisheries from poaching in the earlier part of the century, saving or rescueing fishermen from sinking vessels, ice patrols, etc. And, overall, the work is a fine and interesting sequel to "United States Coast Guard, 1790-1915: A Definitive History" by Rear Admiral Stephen Hadley Evans.

Disclaimer:5. Over weighting: A 100 gallon fuel tank holds 700 lbs. of fuel. The fuel can easily change the trim of a 24' boat by at least two inches. When the tank is toward the stern the change may be more. Improper loading with too many passengers or gear also causes vessels to sink.5. Fires and explosions.

Hardbound, the 412-page volume is indexed, presents many notes and citations, and is a well-researched and thoroughly documented treatise, with enough anecdotal tales to make a lively historical account of an important U.S. maritime agency. It is available from the publisher for $24.95.