Sea Control

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.

Links1. “Operational Tripolitan,” by Jared Samuelson, CIMSEC, December 13, 2019. 2. Volunteer for CIMSEC.3. Write for CIMSEC. Mentioned Podcasts (in order): 4. Sea Control 380: Underwriters of the United States with Dr. Hannah Farber.5. Sea Control 460: Hulks of the Hamoaze with Emma Haddon.6. Sea Control 269: General David Berger, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps.7. Sea Control 219: Admiral Karl Schultz, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard.8. Sea Control 169: Larry Bond and Sebastian Bruns on Harpoon, Red Storm Rising and Tom Clancy.9. Sea Control 440: The Wager with David Grann.10. Sea Control 20: Byan McGrath on Maritime Strategy.11. Sea Control 260: The Best Defense is a Good Offense with ENS Kara Dowling.12. Sea Control 203: A Near Miss with LTJG (ret.) Ken Sanger.13. Sea Control 256: Reporting From the Sea with Ian Urbina.

LinksSea Control 169 – Larry Bond and Sebastian Bruns on Harpoon, Red Storm Rising, and Tom Clancy

Zachary Schwartz, a Major in the U.S. Marine Corps and contributor to esteemed military publications, shares his insights on infantry tactics and technology. He discusses the importance of rigorous training evaluations to enhance operational readiness. Schwartz highlights innovative uses of unmanned aerial systems in scouting, empowering junior Marines to harness technology for better problem-solving. He also reflects on his academic journey, the evolution of 'The Connecting File' newsletter, and the importance of community collaboration for military advancements.

Links1. Knowledge Exchanges Between Portugal and Europe: Maritime Diplomacy, Espionage, and Nautical Science in the Early Modern World (15th-17th Centuries), by Nuno Vila-Santa, Amsterdam University Press, 2024.