From the Naval Institute Press
The USS Intrepid’s (CV-11’s) Fighter Squadron 18 (VF-18) was one of the U.S. Navy’s most successful carrier squadrons of World War II. Despite having only one combat veteran on its roster, its aviators—including Cecil “Speedball” Harris, the Navy’s second-ranking ace—were credited with shooting down more than 170 planes during their 81-day tour of duty, earning the squadron the nickname “Two-a-Day 18” in newspapers nationwide. How did a novice unit with a comparatively short time in theater accomplish such a feat? To answer this question, Mike Fink’s Intrepid’s Fighting Squadron 18 follows squadron members through training, into combat, and finally to the end of their harrowing stories—whether they made the return trip home or paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Conferences and Events
If you were not able to attend our WEST 2025 conference in San Diego last month, you can still catch the speakers and panel discussions on the Naval Institute YouTube channel (youtube.com/@USNavalInstitute). It was a great conference focused on building capabilities, capacity, and readiness to pace today’s global threats.
From The Foundation
The Institute is grateful for our friends and donors who help make possible so many of our important programs, and specifically for those who underwrite themed issues of Proceedings and sponsor essay contests that bring the best ideas of Sea Service members to light. For example, retired Marine Corps Major General Charles Bolden and Mr. Dirk Mosis sponsor the Naval Institute’s Marine Corps Essay Contest, and Susan Curtin helps sponsor our Coast Guard Essay Contest.
Don’t Forget To Vote!
Members of the Naval Institute have the responsibility and privilege of electing the Institute’s Board of Directors and Editorial Board members. Paper ballots were included in the January Proceedings and the February Naval History (for our Naval History members). Association Voting also sent an email to all members on 6 January with a link to vote online. The deadline to vote is 14 March, and results of the election will be announced at our annual meeting in the spring.