San Diego's popular standing as the quintessential "Navy Town" is only part of a rich and vibrant maritime history that has defined a unique partnership between Navy and city for more than one hundred fifty years. Beginning with its intrepid seizure of the city during the opening days of the Mexican War, the Navy has been fully entwined within the activities of this energetic metropolis, each sharing in advantages bestowed by the other. San Diego skies have witnessed the birth of naval aviation and San Diego waters the perfection of aircraft carrier and destroyer tactics. San Diego has also served as the Navy's technology crucible for more than seventy-five years with such advances as radio, sonar, cruise missiles, and modern Information Technology helping to transform the city into the high-tech powerhouse it is today.
The generously illustrated book tells the intriguing story of how a reluctant Navy department slowly realized San Diego's attributes and then took bold action to consolidate its position. A parade of rousing personalities that include plucky congressmen, activist local officials, insightful naval officers, and other San Diegans, highlight the pages. This discerning history provides a sweeping and long overdue view of the city and base that has influenced the lives of countless thousands of American Navy men and women and their families.
