U.S. Navy Log Books at the National Archives

Image Source: Cover of the USS Abarenda I log book from National Archives.

Navigating Naval History: A Guide to US Navy Logbooks at the National Archives

The National Archives houses an extraordinary collection of US Navy logbooks spanning from the Revolutionary War era through the late 20th century. These chronological records—also called Captain's Logs or Deck Logs—offer researchers a window into the daily life and operations of naval vessels and units across American history.

What's Inside a Naval Logbook?

These historical documents contain far more than routine nautical observations. While some logbooks present simple daily entries, others provide rich, detailed accounts of maritime life. Researchers can discover disciplinary proceedings, sick lists, injury reports, ration usage, meteorological data, and operational details. The depth and type of information varies significantly depending on the era in which the logbook was created.

Each logbook is organized chronologically by date, with individual entries within each day sequenced by time. This meticulous record-keeping creates an intimate portrait of naval service across different periods of American history.

The Scope of the Collection

The Archives' navy logbook holdings begin with a photostatic copy of the Continental Schooner WASP's original log from March 9, 1776, and extend into the modern era. The Naval History and Heritage Command transfers logbooks to the National Archives 30 years after completion, ensuring these historical documents are preserved and made accessible to researchers.

The collection encompasses logs from Navy commissioned vessels, select Navy stations, units, and other commands. The most extensive holdings reside in the Records of the Bureau of Naval Personnel (formerly the Navy Bureau of Navigation), Record Group 24, Entry 118. Additionally, logs from 1776-1922 can be found within the Office of Naval Records and Library holdings (Record Group 45).

An interesting feature of this collection is that some vessel logs include both "Rough" and "Smooth" versions—the rough being working drafts and the smooth being finalized copies.

Beyond Navy Vessels

The collection also contains logs from US Revenue Cutters and US Coast Guard vessels and facilities. Since these military forces periodically operated under Navy direction during wartime or by Presidential order, their wartime logs, including those from lighthouses and other units, are housed alongside Navy records.

Finding What You Need

Special List #44 provides a comprehensive inventory of logbooks from US Navy ships, stations, and miscellaneous units covering 1801-1947. Researchers can search this list by either ship name or ship number, making it easier to locate specific vessels.

The National Archives Catalog offers online access to digitized logbooks, divided into two primary groups: those through 1940 and those from 1941 onward.

Where to Access the Records

The logbook collection is split between two National Archives facilities based on time period:

For logbooks through 1940, researchers should contact the National Archives in Washington, DC, at archives1reference@nara.gov or visit their Archives 1 Reference Branch at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

For logbooks from 1941 forward, including logs of the Military Sea Transportation Service and Military Sealift Command, the National Archives at College Park maintains these records. Researchers with questions about Navy logbooks from 1941-1983 can utilize HistoryHub for assistance.