Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons (DANAS) is a new multi-volume publication from the Naval Historical Center, and is similar to the Dictionary of American Fighting Ships. The book costs $46.00, and is available from the Government Printing Office.

The first volume, the only one published so far, covers the various attack squadrons (VA, VAH, VAK, VAL, VFA).

The book is oversized, and somewhat heavy. Coverage includes squadron lineage, including a listing of ALL previous squadron designations back to the earliest days of Naval Aviation when the squadron dates that far back. It also provides information on squadron insignia, logos, and markings, mottos, commanding officers, home ports, deployments (including ships, air wings, dates, and areas deployed to), types of aircraft operated and years transitioned to, combat experience, and a wealth of other information. There are many exellent photographs.

The book also includes a variety of appendices about the various aircraft, including performance statistics, drawings, photographs, and operational information. There are also sections on aircraft carriers.

There is an extensive forward in the book dealing with the history of Naval Aviation and its organization over the years. One extremely useful feature are charts showing how squadron designations have changed over the year, and lists of squadrons that helps the reader follow their organization.

This book's coverage is extensive and includes information on "obscure" squadrons. I managed to find information on the attack squadron that was the sister squadron of a fighter squadron my father was in right after the war.

It's an expensive book, but is well worth the cost in my opinion, and is a must for any Naval Aviation buff. I can't wait for the book(s) covering VF, VB, VS and VT squadrons to be published. (Ed Note: DNAS is also available en CD-ROM, for $18).

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