If You're Listening The time the US Navy teamed up with the Mafia
Oct 13, 2025
Marc Fennell, a journalist and host of No One Saw It Coming, shares a jaw-dropping tale of WWII, discussing how the US Navy struck an unlikely alliance with the Mafia. They dive into a shocking 1942 ship fire that unveiled security gaps in New York and prompted the Navy to partner with mobsters like Socks Lanza and Lucky Luciano. The moral complexities of this deal and its impact on military operations and political careers add to the intrigue, raising questions about efficacy and ethics in wartime desperation.
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Burning Ship Triggered Panic
- In 1942 a burning ship near New York sparked panic and revealed a security blindspot along the shoreline.
- The US Office of Naval Intelligence then decided to collaborate with local organised crime to monitor the waterfront.
Port Control Was Outsourced
- The Port of New York was strategic but largely uncontrolled by official forces early in WWII.
- Naval Intelligence concluded the mafia already ran the foreshore and thus became a necessary partner.
From Socks Lanza To Lucky Luciano
- The Navy first worked through 'Socks' Lanza who dominated fishmarket labour and strongly identified as American.
- When Italian mob reach proved limited, authorities escalated to seeking influence from Charles 'Lucky' Luciano.