Depiction of Ponta Delgada Harbor commissioned by Franklin D. Roosevelt and painted by Charles Edwin Ruttan.

On Our Scope

By Richard G. Latture, Editor-in-Chief
February 2019
Naval History contributors range from professional historians to veterans to history buffs. But, for the magazine’s staff, the most appreciated authors are those who actively serve in the U.S. Sea ...
Vice Admiral Leighton W. Smith Jr., USN (covered)

‘The Defining Moment in My Life’

By Admiral Leighton W. Smith Jr., U.S. Navy (Retired)
February 2019
In the first of ten oral history interviews with Paul Stillwell, Admiral Smith described a lesson in motivation and leadership he received when he was a plebe at the Academy ...
Trident II D-5 SLBM breaking the surface during a test off the Florida coast

People Create High Velocity Outcomes

By Commander Joel Holwitt, U.S. Navy
February 2019
The 2018 CNO Naval History Essay Contest second-place winner, professional category, looks at what historically has been the secret of successful Navy acquisition: It’s not processes, but people.
Aerial view of U.S. Navy ships of the Third Fleet steaming toward Tokyo Bay

FDR & His Mighty Navy

By Michael D. Hull
February 2019
“Teddy” Roosevelt may be lauded as the great pro-Navy President, but it was Franklin Roosevelt “who was the most vigorous advocate of naval readiness ever to occupy the White House.”
Acts of Valor - Lewis C. Shepard Thumbnail

Lewis C. Shepard, U.S. Navy

By Kevin Knodell and Kelly Swann
February 2019
Graphic artistry brings to life one of the most versatile and impressive Civil War careers—that of a man who fought heroically on land and sea, both as soldier and sailor.
Oil painting on canvas showing USS Supply by W. R. May

The Camel-Carrying Supply Ship

By J. M. Caiella
February 2019
The myriad ships other than warships help constitute the world’s navies, and they, too, have their own stories. Consider a supply ship with an uninspired name: the USS Supply.
Close-up of an open book from the view of a spine.

Book Reviews

February 2019
Islamic Seapower during the Age of Fighting Sail, Philip MacDougall, Trading in War: London’s Maritime World in the Age of Cook and Nelson by Margarette Lincoln, and On Her Majesty’s ...