The Proceedings Podcast

27 October 1962—the peak of the Cuban Missile Crisis—could be called the most dangerous day in human history. Thanks to a submariner, Armageddon likely was averted. Historian Doug Gilbert explains the details. More here: https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2021/june/black-saturday-declassified

Vince O'Hara discusses how the Red Navy was crucial to the success of the Soviet Union in World War II, something the history books tend to leave out. More here: https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2021/june/forgotten-victor

Retired U.S. Navy senior chief and former From the Deckplates columnist Jim Murphy takes time with Paul to discuss how enlisted involvement in the USNI forum has expanded, the struggles to build awareness of the reach of writing in the CPO Mess, and broader enlisted force, and his assessment of the forum today. Listeners can subscribe to the To the Deckplates Newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/us...

As competition with a rival great power increases, the Navy finds itself on the verge of having no small patrol craft. If the Mk VI was gone before we even knew her, LCDR Jordan Bradford talks about how it is time to ponder what a Mk VII design should entail. More here: https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2021/may/mk-vi-dead-long-live-mk-vii

Dr. Nick Lambert discusses his thesis that strategic purpose is not the same thing as operational necessities, a topic he addresses in an article that's part of the American Sea Power Project. More here: https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2021/april/what-navy

Chief Boatswain's Mate Phillip Null, USCG, discusses his submission that won third prize the General Prize Essay Contest that deals with the thesis that presence without authorization is not a deterrent. More here: https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2021/may/fallacy-presence

LCDR Evan Karlik discusses how algorithmic warfare will require an energetic focus on software updatability, not today’s overwhelming emphasis on ship types and totals. More here: https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2021/may/diving-platform-centric-mind-set

USCG Seaman Adam Lavigne identifies shortfalls in USCG Aviation Survival Technician candidate training and suggests a framework to improve their fitness and that of other USCG members.

Experiencing heart palpitations and chest pains, Captain Rob Francis convinced himself they were the result of medications he was taking or something he ate—until he was in full cardiac arrest. His message: Take care of yourself. More here: https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2021/march/warrior-spirit-fickle-heart

CDR "Heed" Scarbro, USN talks about how a crippling Japanese attack put the boat and her crew in peril, leaving them to fight for their sub and their lives. More here: https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2021/april/last-cruise-halibut

The Ilteris brothers, Captain Steve and Commander Mike, discuss how a 21st-century antisubmarine task group could bring the fleet a substantial increase in capability, operational flexibility, and lethality. More here: https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2021/april/resurrect-hunter-killer-group

Historian Andy Blackley talks about the naval defeat inflicted by Japan in the 1890s that left China with wounded pride that has influenced how that country is rebuilding its Navy today. More here: https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2021/april/enduring-legacy-war-jiawu

On the 60th anniversary of the operation, historian Norman Friedman talks about how the failed Bay of Pigs operation gave a black eye to the nascent Kennedy administration—and generated a perilous escalation of Cold War tensions.

China expert Zi "Mike" Yang explains how a military commander and political commissar serve side by side to achieve both military and political objectives aboard Chinese warships. More here: https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2021/march/chinas-dual-command-sea

ADM Charles Richard, USN, STRATCOM Commander, talks about the need to refocus on strategic deterrence in the wake of 20 years of the Pentagon focusing on asymmetric threats in the Middle East. More here: https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2021/february/forging-21st-century-strategic-deterrence

Master Chief Shane Gibbs and Chief Wayne Papalski discuss why their experiences during 2019 Hurricane Dorian relief efforts made them think that the helicopter sea combat (HSC) community is not ready to operate effectively and efficiently in a wartime environment.

Petty Officer Nicholas Harris builds upon his March "From the Deckplates" article and argues that the fleet's current approach to mission readiness is missing the critical element of "individual lethality."

Retired intel officer Mike Dahm talks about how China took lessons from Operation Desert Storm and remade itself with foreign technology to build a formidable joint military force with expeditionary ambitions. More here: https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2021/march/chinas-desert-storm-education

Proceedings author Robert Stuart, USNR (Ret.) discusses his experience as a young sailor stationed aboard an aircraft carrier, what he learned, and why naval professionals should be interested in their naval history and heritage. He also offers advice to new Chief Petty Officers. More here: https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2021/january/standing-ready-korea

CAPT Brian Taddiken, USN and LT Kirsten Krock, USN, discuss how 66 years ago one of the Navy’s most secretive communities began. Its members went by the code word SOSUS, which means “Sound Surveillance System.” A new front line in the Cold War, they had one mission: FIND SUBMARINES. More here: https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2021/february/66-years-undersea-surveillance

Former Acting SECNAV Thomas Modly talks about his tenure in the job with a focus on his firing of CAPT Crozier in the wake of the CVN 71 CO leaking a memo to the press about COVID concerns. More here: https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2021/february/lessons-learned-helm-department-navy

CDR B.J. Armstrong, USN discusses his most recent Naval History article about how, in a commandeered Confederate steamer, Robert Smalls piloted himself and other slaves to freedom and garnered the plaudits of a grateful Union Navy. More here: https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2021/february/hero

Ensign Evan Twarog and Lieutenant (J.G.) Cody Williamson, U.S. Coast Guard discuss how the Coast Guard’s newest icebreakers will need to balance national security, statutory, and scientific research missions while operating in one of the most operationally complex maritime regions of the world. More here: https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2021/january/polar-security-cutters-will-face-evol...

Proceedings author BMC (Ret.) Jeff Bayless offers solid guidance and advice for those considering pursuing a commission. More here: https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2021/january/so-you-want-be-officer

Historian Ed Marolda reviews the U.S. Navy's lessons learned during Desert Storm. More here: https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2021/february/weathering-storm