The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War

A Discussion on Fleet Admiral Nimitz, with special guest Admiral James Stavridis

Sep 20, 2022

A discussion on Fleet Admiral Nimitz, covering his leadership style, innovative strategies, and ability to manage diverse personalities. Highlights include his advancements in naval technology, delegation skills, and relationships with other admirals. A look at his pivotal role in the Pacific War and his influence on naval operations.

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Introduction

00:00 • 6min

Innovative Leadership of Fleet Admiral Nimitz in World War II

05:31 • 13min

Reflections on a Devastating Event and the Birth of a Strategic Initiative

18:50 • 4min

Fleet Admiral Nimitz's Strategic Brilliance

22:34 • 8min

Leadership and Strategic Insights of Fleet Admiral Nimitz

30:27 • 4min

Nimitz Pre War
Who was he and where did he come from?
Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg
Too poor to go to college, worked his tail off to go to Naval Academy
Spent time in Japan before the war
Nimitz was a submarine officer in his early years
Commanded a DD in the Philippines
Commanded a cruiser division and battleship division
XO of SC, CO Chicago
Highly experienced in the realm of command

Nimitz Upon Assignment as CINCPAC
56 Years Old currently occupying the office of the Bureau of Navigation
Whose decision was it to promote Nimitz to the position?
FDR
He had been offered the job before December 41 and turned it down for fear of upsetting senior officers.
He was junior to some 50 other Admirals
He feared that taking the job and leapfrogging them would have created resentment and made it more difficult to do the job.

Nimitz the Leader
What kind leadership style did Nimitz utilize?
He was a people person
Never cussed, raised his voice or dressed men down in public
He gave his subordinates a lot of autonomy and assumed they knew their jobs until they proved they did not
If that occurred, he spoke in low tones, was blunt but not rude or insulting
Always looked after his men and took care of them

Nimitz the Executive
Juggled personalities of subordinates and his boss extremely well
Dealings with King
Dealings with subordinates
Turner
GEN Smith
Halsey
Towers
JO Richardson
MacArthur
Spruance and Nimitz relationship
Nimitz handled the various personalities in the Pacific in check much as Ike did in the ETO.
Was very similar to Ike in terms of Supreme Commander, even though, Nimitz was no Supreme Commander

What did Nimitz inherit in December 41 and how did he go about fixing the problems?
Inherited a shattered command
Devastated morale
Staff, fleet and populace
Fear of a Japanese invasion
When he landed in Pearl on Xmas Day he asked about the relief of Wake
When told it fell and was abandoned, he fell silent
Didn’t take command immediately. Worked with Admiral Pye to get the lay of the land, latest issues and intel.
Took command on December 31, 1941 aboard USS Grayling (SS-209) fittingly

Nimitz’s Strategy 1941-42
Be cautious, yet forceful and hit them where they least expect it
Strike back was essential
(Set the stage for next episode about the Hit and Run Raids)

Nimitz’s biggest gamble
Midway
Recognized the role of intel and believed in it, believed in his people and their skills
Nimitz’s Legacy
Developed and implemented the island hopping strategy that won the war.
Inherited a shattered fleet, trusted his subordinates, built his leadership teams and won when it was absolutely necessary.