A detailed pictorial review of U.S. Navy airplanes from the end of World War I to the present day. All mission types are covered, including fighters, scout dive and torpedo bombers, patrol planes, utility planes, and trainers. Many variants of basic types are shown with photos and data from informative captions. An introduction is provided for each mission category, and explanations of airplane designations are provided. Striking changes in U.S. naval airplane designs through almost eight decades of progress can be seen from the earliest wood, wire, and fabric craft to the latest types entering the naval inventory. The photo coverage is excellent, with many never before published pictures of Navy types. AUTHOR: