"This collection of historic images documents the history of the U.S. Naval Shore Establishment from its creation to World War II and its historic role supporting the fleet. The U.S. Navy began with the approach to house, train, and support sailors and the fleet on wooden ships of the line. However, its first Secretary of the Navy, Benjamin Stoddert, realized in 1798 the advantages of a shore establishment and requested funds for the first six navy yards located in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Norfolk, and Portsmouth. The Stone Frigate is a pictorial account of the activities of personnel, machines, and equipment used in the creation and development of the U.S. Naval Shore Establishment from its first beginnings as six small navy yards to the cusp of World War II and the massive global expansion the U.S. was about to initiate.