He began this series while serving as public affairs officer for US Naval Antarctic Support Unit in Christchurch, New Zealand, as Plan of the Week notes for his command. When contacted by the USS Washington Associate Unit, he offered to post the series on their web page. He has continued and expanded the series before and after his discharge from the Navy.

He has focused on the USS Washington in this series because of the ship's brilliant combat record and its unique distinction as the only American dreadnought ever to engage and sink an enemy dreadnought.

Mr. Lippman also writes articles on World War II history for magazines. One of his articles was recently published in an anthology alongside those of historians Caleb Carr, Stanley Weintraub, and William Manchester. He now works as a Public Information Officer for the City of Newark, New Jersey, where he lives with his family.

Comments and criticism are welcome at his e-mail address. DHLippman@juno.com