"What Are You Working On, Tina Ligon?"

Ever wonder what exciting new projects the many employees at NARA are working on? The “What are You Working On?” blog feature aims to introduce a variety of NARA employees and highlight some of the exciting projects we are working on around the agency. Check for this blog series on Wednesdays!

This week, we introduce Tina Ligon, an Archivist at the National Archives in College Park, MD (Archives II).


What is your name and title?

Tina L. Ligon, Archivist (NWCT-2P)

Where is your job located?

National Archives and Records Administration in College Park, Maryland

Tina Ligon views Navy Deck logs in the stacks at the National Archives in College Park, Maryland
Tina Ligon views Navy Deck logs in the stacks at the National Archives in College Park, Maryland

What is your job in a nutshell?

I am currently the project lead on the Navy Deck Log Project (RG 24). I oversee all activities related to the processing and procuring of supplies for the project, as well as supervising nine student workers.

What are you working on right now?

My current project is overseeing the processing and consolidating of the Navy Deck Logs from 1941 to 1978. The primary task is removing the deck logs from either oversized screw-post binders or non-archival cardboard boxes and inserting them into custom acid-free folders and boxes. With the completion of this project, most of the deck logs will be located in Stack 470, with the exception of a few remaining in the classified stack. The processing and consolidation of this deck project has saved nearly one mile of shelving.

Deck logs consist of chronological entries documenting the daily activities of commissioned Navy ships, units, stations, or other commands. The typical remarks sheet contains a chronological account of events or other data that was considered important, including when changes in course and speed occurred; important landmarks were sighted; boilers were engaged or shut down; exercises were conducted; provisions or fuel were received; and personnel were transferred, received, or returned from leave. The logs also usually contain an entry when a report of an injury to a crewman was received, with a brief description of the injury, the initial treatment, and whether or not the crewman was immediately returned to duty.

Deck logs are mostly used by Navy Veterans as personnel and operations records. They are helpful in obtaining benefits and settling lawsuits. Additionally, Judge Advocate General (JAG) and attorneys in handling cases related to asbestos, Agent Orange, PTSD, use deck logs.

How long have you been at NARA?  Have you worked at any other NARA location?

I started in February 2008.

Do you have a favorite day at NARA, or a favorite discovery or accomplishment?

My favorite day will be the day when the deck log project is completely finished.

What are your passions or interests outside of work?

I am working on my Ph.D. in African American History at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition, I am a Past President of the National Black Graduate Student Association (NBGSA). I also created and coordinate the e-mentoring program for NBGSA.

What is the last book you read, or the last book you loved?

As a history major, I have read many books recently. The last book I read for pleasure was Foxy: My Life in Three Acts by Pam Grier.


Are you interested in learning more about the Navy Deck logs?

Navy Deck logs that are more than 30 years old are held at the National Archives in College Park, Maryland.  For more information, or to make a request for these records, please contact the College Park, Maryland (Archives II) Reference Section:

Archives II Reference Section
Textual Archives Services Division
8601 Adelphi Rd.
College Park, MD 20740-6001
Phone: 301-837-3510
Email: Archives2reference@nara.gov

The series is “Logbooks of the U.S. Navy Ships and Stations, 1941-1978? (ARC Identifier 594258 / HMS Entry Number A1 118).  In your request, please include the ship name as well as the month and the year of the particular log you would like to request.

4 thoughts on “"What Are You Working On, Tina Ligon?"

  1. Tina –

    You and your team have done a great service by processing and consolidating the deck logs! As a former puller and refiler, I can tell you, the deck logs were really annoying to pull! Hooray and thank you for your great work!

  2. Tina and her team have almost completed a mammoth project. She is to be commented for all her efforts. Tina is Fantastic!

  3. I’m praying that you folks can help me locate the sick bay logs while on was on the USS Constellation VF142 from August 11, 1969 until May 1970 and then I need the logs while I was electricuded on the Enterprize from June 1971 till Nov 197l. Dr. Hauller was the attending physician and without this information I’m unable to prove that I was treated for Agent Orange and being electricuded. I spent several weeks in sick bay. Since being honorable discharge I have had testicle cancer with a rectile disfunction and other serious problems. I filed for a claim in 2003 and still haven’t been approved. They keep saying I need this information from the sick bay logs while on the Vessel VF142 (CV64) concellation and also the sick bay log information being treated on the enterprize. I pray with everything I have that you can help me locate this information. I’m praying that God would send someone to help me. I’m hoping your my answer to my prayers. My email address is: boggies854@yahoo.com

    1. Hi Charles,

      You may request copies of your military personnel records from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, which will include information about your medical records. To obtain your file, you will need to complete a Standard Form (SF) 180, which is available on our website: http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel/

      Mail your completed form to:
      National Personnel Records Center
      1 Archives Dr.
      St. Louis, MO 63138

      Best of luck,
      Meredith

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