Sea Control

Links1. “Beyond Tactics: How the Hawkeye Proved the Power of Adaptability in the Red Sea,” by Nathan Sawyer, USNI Proceedings, October 2024. 2. Nathan Sawyer Linkedin profile. 

In this engaging discussion, CDR Justin Cobb, a Maritime Fires Officer and seasoned rotary-wing aviator, tackles the complexities of potential conflict between the U.S. and China over Taiwan. He warns against the dangers of underestimating the length and intensity of modern warfare, drawing insights from historical conflicts like Ukraine. Cobb calls for reforms in military readiness to address inefficient structures while advocating for a balanced strategy between military deterrence and diplomacy. His passion for debate and future writing projects adds an exciting layer to the conversation.

Links1. “Land Force Integration: The Army’s Contribution to Deterring China,” by James B. Bartholomees III, CIMSEC November 20, 2024.

Links1. Scot McFarlane, "The Canoe," American Historical Association.

Commander Brian C. Sánchez, a U.S. Navy veteran and former commanding officer of the USS Gravely, shares riveting insights from his deployment in the Red Sea. He discusses the intense challenges faced, detailing operational decisions and critical engagements, including Tomahawk strikes. Sánchez emphasizes the importance of coalition strength in responding to threats like anti-ship cruise missiles and UAV attacks, showcasing how data-driven strategies enhance maritime defense. His firsthand experiences provide a gripping look at modern naval warfare.

Links1. Rendered Obsolete - Energy Culture and the Afterlife of US Whaling, by Jamie L. Jones, University of North Carolina Press, 2023. 2. Jamie L. Jones Twitter handle.

Sasha Maggio, a senior intelligence analyst with expertise in Russia and military history, discusses the evolution of his podcast 'Why We Fight.' He shares how military history informs contemporary strategy and the importance of humor in military culture. They explore untold stories from nations like Canada and Brazil, emphasizing collaborative storytelling's role in fostering unity. Maggio also highlights his online community engagement efforts and upcoming projects on World War II, aiming to make overlooked military narratives relatable.

Dr. Colin Flint, a distinguished professor of political geography at Utah State University, dives into the intricate world of seapower. He shares how his childhood fascination with the Royal Navy fueled his academic journey. The discussion unravels the dynamic relationship between maritime power and geopolitics, emphasizing China's Belt and Road Initiative. Flint highlights the strategic significance of near and far waters, especially in the context of rising US-China tensions, advocating for cooperation over conflict in international relations.

In this discussion, Jonathan Panter, a Stanton Nuclear Security Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and a doctoral candidate at Columbia University, dives into the often misunderstood concept of naval forward presence. He outlines its critical role in U.S. military strategy and contrasts it with approaches from other nations. Panter also shares insights on the evolution of naval strategies post-Cold War and the complexities of resource allocation between structural and operational readiness, while discussing challenges faced by the Navy, including high-profile incidents and the transition to academia for veterans.

Tuneer Mukherjee, an independent researcher specializing in Asian security studies, joins to discuss the rising influence of drones in naval warfare. He delves into the innovative 'Hellscape' strategy aimed at deterring Chinese aggression in Taiwan with drone swarms. The conversation highlights the impact of autonomous systems on U.S. naval capabilities and strategic responses in the Taiwan Strait. Mukherjee also explores lessons from Ukraine's use of UAVs, predicting a shift towards smaller, multi-mission vessels in future naval confrontations.