Russian Merchant Vessels; O. N. I. 208-R [RESTRICTED]

The format is approximately 10.25 inches by 6 inches. 102 pages Illustrated index. Alphabetical Index. It is three-hole punched and held together by cord tied between the first and third hole. Stiff blue card stock for front and back covers. Guide to Russian Merchant ships during World War II, with major vessels identified by name, others by class. Includes photos of each as well as some profiles, specifications and descriptions. A loose-leaf arrangement has been adopted to facilitate the addition and substitution of sheets as issued. In order to permit free and general use of O. N. I. 54-R by the Forces Afloat, a low classification has been assigned to it. The purpose for which O. N. I. 208-R has been prepared is for use of United States armed forces in the Pacific. Many of the vessels illustrated may be encounters in areas in which United States naval forces are now operating against the merchant marine of Japan. O. N. I. 208-R is intended as an aid to our submarines and other forces in the Pacific in avoiding errors of identification in this area. This work includes photographs, silhouettes, drawings, and technical information. International radio signals accompany ships' names. Vessel tonnages shown herein are gross tonnage Waterline lengths are shown throughout. Drafts given represent mean loaded drafts, with vessels fully loaded and down to official loadline. Normal cruising speeds as given are the known or estimated operating speeds. In the majority of cases horsepower figures are NHP or nominal horsepower. Where available BHP or brake horsepower figures have been shown. The Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) is the military intelligence agency of the United States Navy. Established in 1882 primarily to advance the Navy's modernization efforts,[4] it is the oldest member of the U.S. Intelligence Community and serves as the nation's premier source of maritime intelligence. Since the First World War, ONI's mission has broadened to include real-time reporting on the developments and activities of foreign navies; protecting maritime resources and interests; monitoring and countering transnational maritime threats; providing technical, operational, and tactical support to the U.S. Navy and its partners; and surveying the global maritime environment. ONI employs over 3,000 military and civilian personnel worldwide and is headquartered at the National Maritime Intelligence Center in Suitland, Maryland. William H. Hunt, who served briefly as Secretary of the Navy under President James Garfield, formed a Naval Advisory Board tasked with rebuilding the Navy and bringing it up to par to global standards. Largely in response to Mason's recommendations, on March 23, 1882, Hunt issued General Order No. 292, which read: "An "Office of Intelligence" is hereby established in the Bureau of Navigation for the purpose of collecting and recording such naval information as may be useful to the Department in time of war, as well as in peace. To facilitate this work, the Department Library will be combined with the "Office of Intelligence," and placed under the direction of the Chief of the Bureau of Navigation. Commanding and all other officers are directed to avail themselves of all opportunities which may arise to collect and to forward to the "Office of Intelligence" professional matters likely to serve the object in view." The new Office of Naval Intelligence would be headquartered in the State, War and Navy Building (now the Old Executive Office Building), with Mason appointed as its first "Chief Intelligence Office".[note 1] As originally conceived, ONI assisted in the Navy's advancement by dispatching naval attachés around the world to acquire data and resources related to the latest in naval warfare. These findings would be analyzed, interpreted, and disseminated to Navy leaders and government officials, helping to inform policies and programs related to naval development. The Second World War would see another expansion of ONI's duti.…