School of War Ep 264: Mark Montgomery on Seizing Venezuela’s Shadow Fleet
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Jan 8, 2026 Mark Montgomery, a retired U.S. Navy rear admiral and senior director at FDD's Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation, dives into Venezuela’s shadow fleet operations. He explores the complexities of tracking these vessels and the implications of sanctions on global oil trade. The conversation highlights the critical role of cyber capabilities in contemporary warfare, while also discussing operational risks and the future state of the U.S. Navy, including debates around modern battleship proposals. Montgomery provides a thought-provoking analysis of maritime strategy and readiness.
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How Shadow Fleets Work And Why They Matter
- Shadow fleets use false or no flags and turn off or spoof AIS to move sanctioned fuel covertly.
- They let Iran, Russia, and Venezuela sell discounted fuel and fund malign activities like war, missiles, and narco-corruption.
Hunt, Law, And Geography Drive Seizures
- Seizing shadow-fleet ships requires persistent tracking, legal paperwork, and international support.
- Operations often wait for chokepoints like the GIUK gap to execute with NATO logistics and P-8 ISR support.
Boarding Ships: Rope Ladders And Risk
- Coast Guard handles most law-enforcement boardings using small boats and rope ladders to inspect papers.
- Montgomery recalls dangerous non-consensual boardings and the Coast Guard's central role in prize-crew seizures.
