Classified, Withdrawn, and Missing Deck Logs

Classified Deck Logs

A small number of deck logs, including some submitted by submarines while on patrol, were segregated by the Navy prior to the transfer of the deck logs to NARA. Some of the classified logs transferred to NARA remain classified, while others have been released and are publicly available. To determine if a deck log in the holdings of the National Archives remains classified, email archives2reference@nara.gov. 

If a deck log is known to be currently classified the log must be requested under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). To learn how to submit a FOIA request please visit our FOIA web pages. As part of a Deck Log FOIA request include the following information: 

• Record Group 24: Records of the Bureau of Naval Personnel
• Series: U.S. Navy Ship Deck Logs
• Ship Name and Hull Number
• Dates of Interest

The above information will help to ensure that your requested deck log is accurately identified. 

For Deck Logs that remain classified and are not held by the National Archives, contact the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC). To learn about accessing Deck Logs held by the NHHC please visit the NHHC website.  Deck Logs that remain under classification and held by the NHHC are typically dated 1979 and later, however, exceptions may exist.

Withdrawn Deck Logs

Some deck logs formerly available for general use have been withdrawn for additional review for particular kinds of sensitive information. Many of these have been returned to general use, sometimes with some information redacted. Other withdrawn logs remain unavailable pending future review. To determine if a deck log in the holdings of the National Archives remains withdrawn, email archives2reference@nara.gov.

If a deck log is known to be currently withdrawn the log must be requested under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). To request withdrawn deck logs email specialaccess_foia@nara.gov. To learn how to submit a FOIA request please visit our FOIA web pages.  As part of a Deck Log FOIA/Special Access request include the following information: 

• Record Group 24: Records of the Bureau of Naval Personnel
• Series: U.S. Navy Ship Deck Logs
• Ship Name and Hull Number
• Dates of Interest

The above information will help to ensure that your requested deck log is accurately identified.

Missing Deck Logs

In a few rare cases, deck logs known to have been produced by Navy ships were not among those transferred to the National Archives. The whereabouts of these logs is currently unknown. For some deck logs the loss of the deck log is presumed to have occurred with the loss of the ship. For example if a Navy ship was sunk or lost at sea the deck logs held on board the ship at the time of the loss are presumed lost along with the ship. Other known occurrences that can result in the loss of a deck log include; misfiling of logs; failure to file the logs; combat related loss such as explosions, fire, or water damage; or inappropriate record keeping. To determine if a deck log dated 1941 through 1983 is not included as part of the holdings of the National Archives, email archives2reference@nara.gov.