Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Silver State Dreadnought is the story of a remarkable ship, but it is also the story of the
remarkable men who sailed in her. Nevada's first captain, William S. Sims, brought his unique
style of leadership to America's premiere battleship and set the tone for what became known as
the “Cheer Up Ship.” As Nevada aged, the ship gained the affectionate name “The Old Maru,”
beloved by all who served in her.
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Praise for Silver State Dreadnought:
"Like some people, certain warships have interesting lives. Nevada was such a ship. Her life
spanned two world wars, and in many ways her story reflects the Navy's history in the period
from her construction to her demise. Especially engaging are Stephen Younger's descriptions of
Nevada's actions in the Atlantic and Pacific in World War II."
—Thomas C. Hone, co-author of Battle Line and editor of The Battle of Midway
“Stephen Younger’s Silver State Dreadnought is tightly-knit, well-paced coverage of the long
career of the battleship USS Nevada. In covering the often tedious daily grind of peacetime
gunnery practice and seamanship drills with the same detail as battle action, Younger gives the
reader necessary insight into how a collection of men and steel becomes a warship.”
—Robert C. Stern, author of The Battleship Holiday: The Naval Treaties and Capital Ship
Design