This partially addresses your question in regards to 1976 to 1978. Short version is that they're already scanned, but most aren't online yet because of privacy concerns cause by the US Navy using social security numbers as service numbers.
Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!
The National Archives at College Park has Logbooks of U.S. Navy Ships and Stations, 1941 - 1983 in the Records of the Bureau of Naval Personnel (Record Group 24). Please note that although the series was created and maintained from 1941 to 1988, it does not contain records from 1984 to 1987. However, it does include most deck logs from 1976 through 1980. In some cases, deck logs from this time period are still classified and are not available to the public.
Deck logs from 1976 through 1978 have already been digitized by the Department of Veteran Affairs, and the National Archives has copies of these images. Because the post-1970 deck logs contain Personal Identifiable Information (PII) in the form of Social Security Numbers, the National Archives has to do a page-by-by redaction of the SSNs in order to make the deck logs available. Some 1976 through 1978 logs are already available in the Catalog. For example, searching the series for 1978 turns up quite a few digitized deck logs from that year.
In regards to the 1979 through 1983 logs, we contacted our Digitization Division (RZ) and confirmed that at this time we do not have any projects planned to scan these records. However, many of the logs from this time block are individually listed in the Catalog, even though they are not digitized, so this should help you determine what is available. For example, a search for 1983 turns up a number of logs.
To request specific logs not yet available in the Catalog, please contact the National Archives at College Park - Textual Reference (RR2R) via email at archives2reference@nara.gov. RR2R can then explain your options for accessing those logs. In some cases, RR2R can redact and make available already digitized logs. In other cases, it may be necessary to pay a reproduction fee to have copies made of logs not already digitized. In many cases, the logs may be viewed in person at the National Archives at College ParkTextual Research Room. RR2R can also let you know if the logs that you wish to view are classified, and if so, what your options are.
We hope this is helpful. Best of luck with your research!
Thank you for the comprehensive update. This helps immensely in prioritizing my search efforts. On behalf of all Blue Water Navy veterans, we appreciate your maintaining and processing of these invaluable documents.
