Biographical information and vita; Correspondence, official and personal letters sent and received, 1936–1994; Speeches, including notes, scripts, lectures and committee presentations, 1940–1993; Published writings, articles, papers and notes; Unpublished writings, journal entries, poems, articles and aviation logs; Military papers,orders, leave papers, fitness reports and retirement papers, 1925–1968; Subject Files, consulting reports, corporate board reports, 1958–1985; Career photographs; Newspaper clippings, certificates and maps.

The personal papers of Rear Admiral Richard W. Bates (1892-1973) cover the years 1915-1973. He was a commanding officer on many ships in the Navy. His collection consists of correspondence, subject files, writings, speeches, and miscellaneous items. The papers are arranged in four series based on an established file system. They mainly encompass Bates career as a Naval Officer, family, and social life in Newport, as well as other aspects of his career including published and unpublished writings, notes, photographs, slide presentations, and reports.