Editor's Page

December 2013
As we reach the end of another year we thought we’d try to peer into the future and see what might be looming on the horizon for America’s Sea Services ...
U.S. Navy (Shannn Eve Renfro)

A Few Disruptive Thoughts

By Lieutenant Ryan Hilger, U.S. Navy
December 2013
If the United States fails to keep a wary eye on the pluses and minuses of unmanned systems, we may be in for a big surprise.

Naval Institute Foundation

December 2013
Introducing the Foundation BoardThe U.S. Naval Institute Board of Directors recently voted to re-establish a separate and distinct board to assist the Foundation in its work to support the Institute’s ...
U.S Naval Institute Photo Archive

Lest We Forget - Jehovah Himself

By Lieutenant Commander Thomas J. Cutler, U.S. Navy (Retired)
December 2013
On the night of 27 August 1972, four U.S. ships—the USS Newport News (CA-148), Providence (CLG-6), Robison (DDG-12), and Rowan (DD-782)—went into North Vietnamese waters, closing to within five miles ...
Maritime Photographic (Gary Davies)

Combat Fleets

By Eric Wertheim
December 2013
On 26 September the United Kingdom commissioned its sixth and final Type 45 destroyer. HMS Duncan was laid down in early 2007 and launched in October 2010 at the BAE ...
U.S. Navy (Ricardo R. Guzman)

World Naval Developments - Digital Danger

by Norman Friedman
December 2013
The intelligence disaster wrought by fomer National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden carries important lessons about the character of the digital world we now inhabit. Intelligence agencies, and indeed anyone ...
U.S. Navy

U.S. Navy - The SEA-Air Battle

By Norman Polman
December 2013
Obama administration and Department of Defense officials are publicizing the so-called “strategy” of the Air-Sea Battle (ASB) and the “pivot” of U.S. military forces to the Pacific area.1 But neither ...
U.S. Navy (Josue L. Escobosa)

Professional Notes

December 2013
Fix the Shipboard Air Intercept Controller Programcall sign of what is today known as the air intercept controller (AIC). AICs sit behind scopes and manipulate radars in order to identify ...

Book Reviews

December 2013
Return of the Dragon: Rising China and Regional SecurityDenny Roy. New York: Columbia University Press, 2013. 288 pp. $35.Reviewed by Captain Dale C. Rielage, U.S. NavyReaders looking ...
U.S. Navy (Betsy Knapper)

Unman Your Battle Stations!

By Commander Michael J. Dobbs, U.S. Navy (Retired)
December 2013
The rise of unmanned maritime systems is seemingly inevitable, but it will weaken what it means to be a naval professional.

CEO Notes

December 2013
Recognizing the important and growing role of unmanned systems under, on, and above the sea in the coming years, Textron Systems and Bell Helicopter have, with great foresight, generously sponsored ...
General Dynamics Electric Boat Division

Strategy and Submarine

By Rear Admiral William J. Holland Jr., U.S. Navy (Retired)
December 2013
While the groundwork was being laid for the Maritime Strategy in the 1980s, the undersea force was going on the offensive.
U.S. Navy (Joe Kane)

Strengthening the Shipbuilding Industry

By Captain John L. Birkler, U.S. Navy Reserve (Retired), John Schank, Mark Arena, Jessie Riposo, and Gordon Lee
December 2013
Without a plan to maintain efficient and capable programs, Navy ship construction could easily run aground.
U.S. Air Force (Amber E.N. Jacobs)

From the Deckplates - Everything It Stands For

By Senior Chief Jim Murphy, U.S. Navy (Retired)
December 2013
Whenever you have a chance, thank a veteran for their service. Let them know how much you appreciate their patriotism and sacrifices. Remind a World War II veteran they are ...
U.S. Naval Institute Archives

Now Hear This - We Need a New Project 60

By Harlan Ullman
December 2013
Tectonic geostrategic forces in international politics are shifting, causing a triple threat to U.S. national security. The choices we make in how to provide for the common defense will have ...

Comment and Discussion

December 2013
Naval Postgraduate School: A Sacred Cow?(See J. McDonnell, pp. 60–64, October 2013; and Y. Aboul-Enein, pp. 9, 86, November 2013 Proceedings)Vice Admiral Ronald A. Route, U.S. Navy (Retired) ...
U.S. Naval Institute Photo Archive

From Our Archive

December 2013
‘Golden lads and girls all must,As chimney-sweepers, come to dust.’ William Shakespeare (1564–1616)The holidays—Navy style—are always fêted. While the name of the little lass wearing the USS New ...

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