No man will be a sailor who has contrivance enough to get himself into a jail; for being in a ship is being in a jail, with the chance of being drowned. … A man in a jail has more room, better food and commonly better company. (Samuel Johnson 1709-84)

Assemble parts of your shipboard life by locating musters and deck logs from that ship. You may also view pictures and participate in an online community pertaining to the mighty vessel.

Put the pieces together

The US Navy Memorial has many topics covered relating to Battleships. However, not all of us can casually visit the memorial in Washington. A CD edition of the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships is an "unparalleled source" according to David Michael, of the Navy Log.

Cruise on over to the Yahoo Ship Registry for instant info. But there's no better authority on ships than the official DoD Website of the United States Navy. And of course, the US Navy Memorial Foundation has a few important links to help, too. In addition, the Foundation can provide you with quality photographs from the Ship's Store or by calling (202) 737-2300 ext. 731. For the photographers who want perfect picture quality, this line is for you:(202) 737- 2300 ext. 735.

For all you hardcore research addicts out there, we have contact information to attach to your tool belt:

Jane's is the authority on world navies reference. It's quite pricey, but you probably won't find a better source anywhere. Not in the mood to shell out mula to burn? Then roll up them sleeves and do your own research at the:

And here's another source:

Individual biographies are maintained by the Naval Historical Center's Operational Archives.

Finally, try this person for help finding LCTs:

*These contacts and sources would have been exponentially harder to find had it not been for the help and patience of Dave Michael from the US Navy Memorial Foundation. He doesn't know how appreciated he is.