Commander Edward L. Beach (left) on duty on board the USS Amberjack. Beach commanded the Amberjack after a tour in the Navy’s Atomic Defense Section in the Pentagon.

Namesake: Edward L. Beach

Most successful writers are either fiction or nonfiction authors; Ned Beach succeeded in both genres.

October 2023
Lieutenant Kennedy on board PT-109

JFK and PT-109: A Sailor’s Assessment

In April 1943, Lieutenant (junior grade) John F. Kennedy assumed command of an 80-foot, 40-ton Elco motor torpedo boat (MTB) at Tulagi in the Solomons.

Lieutenant Commander Thomas J. Cutler, U.S. Navy (Retired)
July 2023
Commander Paul X. Rinn

‘Dont Give Up the Ship’—Paul X. Rinn

Commander Paul X. Rinn’s dedication to damage control training and his cool head under pressure helped the Samuel B. Roberts’ crew save their ship after a mine blast broke her ...

April 2023
Johnston (DD-557) off Seattle, Washington, 27 October 1943.

Harm’s Way: Ernest E. Evans

Arguably there are acts of courage in U.S. naval history that equal what Evans did, but none exceed it.

Lieutenant Commander Thomas J. Cutler, U.S. Navy (Retired)
January 2023
Vice Admiral Robert Dunn

Leadership of the Finest Kind: Robert F. Dunn

Among his many attributes, Bob Dunn was extraordinarily attuned to his crew, and he fervently believed in loyalty up and down the chain of command.

Lieutenant Commander Thomas Cutler, U.S. Navy (Retired)
November 2022
Lieutenant John F. Kennedy, USNR (

Courage and Tenacity: JFK, USN

The story of John F. Kennedy’s World War II exploits are well known, but the rest of his time in the U.S. Navy has not received much attention.

May 2022
Battle of Salamis Italiano by Wilhelm von Kaulbach

Themistocles: Champion of Athenian Sea Power

Themistocles’ most outstanding contribution to history? His crucial role as advocate for a powerful navy.

Lieutenant Commander Thomas J. Cutler, U.S. Navy (Retired)
March 2022