"Symonds is the consummate storyteller, creating powerful images.... The whole book is an effortless read, presenting a natural flow of history beginning with the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813 and ending with Operation Praying Mantis in 1988."—Linda Wheeler, Washington Post

"A riveting account of the morphing of the United States Navy from its humble beginnings in the forests and lakes of the North American wilderness to an awesome and overwhelming strike force that cements the United States' position as the world's remaining superpower and de facto policeman."—Proceedings (The United States Naval Institute)

"Without question, Decision at Sea is a riveting, well-researched account of the U.S. Navy in action. Historian Craig Symonds should be saluted for writing an important and living narrative that shows how sea battles shaped the course of American history." —Douglas Brinkley, author of Tour of Duty and The Unfinished Presidency

"Craig Symonds delivers American naval history in the tradition of Sir Edward Creasy's Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World. Combat at sea, from the Great Lakes to the Persian Gulf, jumps form the page in a vibrant, arresting narrative. Complementing each battle piece is an informed argument about the engagement's impact on the course of history."—Alex Roland, Duke University

"Craig Symonds, one of America's leading naval historians, has written a fascinating battle history that also provides thoughtful insights into the American character and the character of America at pivotal moments in the last 225 years. His prose is very accessible and provocative, particularly as he portrays what the future may hold for the U.S. Navy at the apogee of its power."—William S. Dudley, Former Director, U.S. Naval Historical Center

"Decision at Sea combines the wisdom of Alfred Thayer Mahan with the eminent readability we have come to expect from Craig Symonds. This book is destined to be a classic of both naval literature and national strategy."—Thomas Cutler, U.S. Naval Institute, author of A Sailor's History of the U.S. Navy and The Battle of Leyte Gulf

"Craig Symonds' Decision at Sea deftly integrates five vigorous battle narratives with a comparative analysis that highlights the changing character and recurring critical role the U.S. Navy has played in American history."—John B. Hattendorf, Naval War College