Coverage extends to naval forces assigned to the Seventh Fleet as well as to units based ashore that reported to the Commander Naval Forces, Vietnam. Edward J. Marolda, who heads the Naval Historical Center's Contemporary History Branch, is a recognized authority on the U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia. For more than twenty years, as a member of the Center's historical staff, he has concentrated his attention on the maritime aspects of the Vietnam War. Previously, he had first-hand experience in Vietnam, where he served as a U.S. Army officer. Dr. Marolda is the author of three books and a number of shorter works on the conflict in Southeast Asia.
Special recognition needs to be given to several individuals who worked with the author.
Charles R. Haberlein, the highly competent head of the Naval Historical Center's Photographic Section, offered his expert advice on the selection of photographs for this volume. Sandra J. Doyle and Akio J. Stribling of the Editorial Section and Charles Cooney of the Naval Aviation News staff capably prepared the book for publication and oversaw the printing process. As is true for all publications of the Naval Historical Center, the opinions and conclusions expressed in this work are solely those of the author. Those views do not reflect the position of the Department of the Navy or any other agency of the U.S. Government. This volume presents a much needed overview of a complex subject.