The Proceedings Podcast

The Chair and Co-Chair of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission talk with host Bill Hamblet about the commission’s soon-to-be-released annual report and the state of play in the undersea domain, Chinese shipbuilding, and China’s economy.

Host Emily Abdow sits down with Captain Sam Tangredi, U.S. Navy (Retired), to discuss Sir Walter Raleigh’s lost manuscript, The Art of Warre by Sea, including what experiences might have inspired Raleigh to write about sea power.

Martin Kröeger, the President of the German Shipowners Association, talks with host Bill Hamblet about how the Hormuz crisis, dark fleets, and other security concerns are affecting the global shipping industry.

Host Bill Hamblet talks with Naval Postgraduate School Professor Tom Hamrick about his October Proceedings article on ways the military can avoid being lured into complacency by AI.

Host Bill Hamblet talks with Sam LaGrone about the latest news from the fleet.

In 1972, the destroyer USS William R. Rush (DD-714) deployed to the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf at a moment of profound change. Britain was withdrawing from its traditional role in the region, new nations were emerging, the Soviet Union was expanding its naval presence, and political unrest was simmering from Iran to the Horn of Africa. Joseph Melton was a young Navy lieutenant (junior grade) aboard the Rush, serving as the ship’s combat information center and intelligence officer. In this episode, he looks back on a deployment that took the destroyer from Bahrain and Iran to Pakistan, Ethiopia, and the waters off Yemen—and the signs of instability the crew encountered along the way. More than 50 years later, many of those same waterways remain at the center of global competition and conflict. Melton joins the Naval History Podcast to discuss what the Rush witnessed in 1972 and how a seemingly routine Cold War deployment offers a revealing window into the Middle East and Indian Ocean of today.

Host Bill Hamblet talks with John Andreas Olsen, the author of the new book about General Horner and the 1991 air campaign that defeated the Iraqi military.

Host Emily Abdow sits down with Charles Robbins to discuss his article "The Capture of the Paquete Habana," the story of how the U.S. Navy's seizure of Cuban fishing boats in 1898 led to a landmark Supreme Court ruling still cited today.

China will study the U.S. military campaign against Iran intently, but there are also opportunities for the Pentagon.

Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Keith Blevins, winner of the first and third prizes in our 2026 Coast Guard Essay Contest, talks about Mare Island Shipyard, National Security Cutters, and the Navy’s Future Frigate Program.

On September 11, 2001, as smoke rose from the Pentagon, U.S. Marine Corps Major Daniel P. Creighton and the Marines of HMX-1 were called into action. Twenty-five years later, Creighton, now a retired lieutenant colonel, shares his firsthand account of flying a CH-53E Super Stallion into the Washington airspace with Emily Abdow, host of the Naval History podcast. He also reflects on HMX-1’s extraordinary response that day, including the Marine One mission that returned President George W. Bush safely to the White House. In this special 25th-anniversary conversation, the U.S. Naval Institute remembers those lost on 9/11 and preserves the stories of the Marines who answered the call during one of the darkest days in American history.

Go behind the scenes of Mayday with writer-director-producer duo John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein. They join Naval History podcast host Emily Abdow to discuss the Cold War history behind the film, the inspiration for its story, and how they transformed one of history’s most dangerous eras into a Hollywood adventure comedy. Mayday is now streaming on Apple TV.

Host Bill Hamblet is joined by the Air Boss—Vice Admiral Doug Verissimo, Commander, Naval Air Forces and Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific. As the U.S. Navy’s top aviator, Verissimo is in charge of keeping the Navy’s carriers and aircraft combat ready. Join us as they discuss maintenance challenges at a time of unprecedented demand. #Tailhook26 #Hook26 #NavalAviation

Host Emily Abdow talks with Will Sofrin about the history of Coast Guard cutter Eagle—from her origins as a Nazi training ship to her second life as America's tall ship, including diplomatic missions, milestone anniversaries, and visits from celebrities.

As the conflict stretches into its sixth month, Vice Admiral John Miller, U.S. Navy (Ret.), joins us to assess reopening the Strait of Hormuz, impacts on global maritime security, and how the conflict should end.

Host Emily Abdow sits down with Capt. Kristopher Ensley, commanding officer of USCGC Eagle (WIX-327), and Cadet First Class Finley Rauscher to explore the Eagle's remarkable history, the timeless value of sail training, and the unforgettable experience of participating in SAIL250 events up and down the East Coast. Discover how a ship built nearly a century ago continues to prepare the Coast Guard's future leaders while serving as one of America's most recognizable maritime ambassadors.

Bill Hamblet, Sam LaGrone, and Brian O’Rourke talk about the Navy’s budget, shipbuilding, Operation Epic Fury, and recruiting and retention.

Host Bill Hamblet interviews John Cordle about the Navy's new shaving policy and its potential impact on sailors affected by pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB). They discuss the medical condition, readiness, retention, leadership, and whether changes to grooming standards could unintentionally affect recruiting, careers, and the fleet's overall effectiveness.

Host Bill Hamblet sits down with Captain Robert Niewoehner, U.S. Navy (Retired), and Jefferson D. Grubb, head of the Operations Research Division at the Naval Safety Command, to examine lessons from recent F-35 mishaps, the evolution of naval aviation safety, and how institutional learning can help build a safer, stronger fleet.

Host Bill Hamblet talks with the Honorable Ben Kohlmann, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, about the future of the fleet.

During the American Revolution, privateers prowled the Atlantic in search of British prizes—serving the Patriot cause while generating enormous profits for their investors. This episode explores the story of the privateer Oliver Cromwell, Captain Joseph Lee, and the high-risk business of Revolutionary War privateering. Was it a fight for independence, a business opportunity, or both?

Host Emily Abdow talks with five-term congressman and award-winning author Robert Mrazek about the life and writings of Bill Evans, the youngest pilot of the ill-fated Torpedo Squadron 8 at the Battle of Midway.

A new voluntary program at the U.S. Naval Academy is using Stoic philosophy to help midshipmen build resilience, moral clarity, and inner discipline during Plebe Summer. In this episode, we discuss how ancient ideas from Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, and Vice Admiral James Stockdale are being applied to modern military leadership—and why spiritual readiness may need to evolve for an increasingly diverse and less religious force.

Host Emily Abdow talks to author Ed Offley about his article on the quest to award the unsung codebreaking hero of the Battle of Midway, Commander Joe Rochefort, the Distinguished Service Medal.

For generations, "A Message to Garcia" has been used to celebrate initiative and getting the job done. But Captain Jonathan Corbin, U.S. Marine Corps, argues that “figure it out” leadership can go too far. This episode explores why true decentralized command requires clear intent, useful context, and a culture where smart questions are encouraged—not punished.

Host Emily Abdow talks to Dr. Howard Fuller about his search for the wreckage of the Royal Navy ironclad HMS Captain and the historical circumstances that led to her capsizing in 1870.

In this episode, Lieutenant Mary Racicot, U.S. Navy, joins the Proceedings Podcast to discuss why joint wargames may be training commanders to misunderstand cyber operations. Too often, exercises either leave cyber out entirely or treat cyber effects as instant, reliable tools that can be “sprinkled on” a plan.

Host Bill Hamblet talks with Joshua Tallis, a research program director at the Center for Naval Analyses, about his article in the latest issue of Proceedings.

The Mobile Riverine Force became one of the most unique—and highly decorated—joint Army-Navy fighting forces of the Vietnam War, conducting operations deep in the Mekong Delta. Hear from Jeff and Shannon Arballo, the husband-and-wife team behind The Mobile Riverine Force documentary, on the latest podcast.

Bill Hamblet talks with “What’s Going On With Shipping?” host Sal Mercogliano about the Strait of Hormuz, global shipping impacts, and commercial shipbuilding.

Host Bill Hamblet talks with retired naval intelligence officer Captain James E. Fanell for a yearly update on the expansion of the PLA Navy.

Host Bill Hamblet joins Captain Garrett Miller, Commodore of Surface Development Group One, and Brian Clark, Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Defense Concepts and Technology at the Hudson Institute, to discuss how the U.S. Navy is rapidly integrating unmanned surface vessels and autonomous systems into the fleet.

Host Bill Hamblet talks with career Ambassador Ryan Crocker about the war with Iran.

At the Battle of Midway in June 1942, the Hornet air group flew the wrong way, and a falsified after-action report by Captain Marc Mitscher helped to cover up the mistake. Host Emily Abdow talks with author Ronald Russell about his article, “Mitscher at Midway,” the cover story in the June issue of Naval History.

Host Emily Abdow talks with author Andrew Blackley about his latest book with Naval Institute Press, Wielding the Trident: Admiral Raymond A. Spruance and American’s Victory in the Pacific.

RADM Brad Andros talks about the evolution of Navy Expeditionary Forces.

Proceedings Editor-in-Chief Captain Bill Hamblet, U.S. Navy (Retired) and Retired Navy Commander Paul Giarra host former National Security Advisor General H.R. McMaster, U.S. Army (Retired). McMaster offers a strategic assessment of the evolving Iran situation.

Host Bill Hamblet speaks with Admiral Harry Harris on how a war with Iran could reshape global strategy across two theaters. The discussion explores impacts on U.S. commitments, Indo-Pacific stability, China’s role, and regional security dynamics, highlighting how crises in the Middle East reverberate across East Asia’s strategic and economic landscape.

Host Bill engages Senator Tim Sheehy in a discussion on Dollars, Defense, and Reform. This conversation examines national security priorities, defense spending, and policy reform shaping America’s future. Senator Sheehy offers insights on leadership, military readiness, and fiscal responsibility in today’s evolving strategic environment.

Host Emily Abdow talks with author Peter F. Owen about his latest book with Naval Institute Press, Fighting Falcons: The Campaigns of VMF-221 in the Pacific.

Bill Hamblet hosts Proceedings staff to discuss updates from the Iran conflict (Friday 10 April).

Bill Hamblet hosts Vice Admiral John “Fozzie” Miller, U.S. Navy (Retired), for a timely discussion on the evolving Iran conflict and its implications for the Strait of Hormuz. They examine maritime risks, regional stability, and the strategic importance of this critical chokepoint for global energy security and U.S. naval operations.

Host Emily Abdow talks with archivist and historian Samuel Limneos about his article "Her Brother Went Down with the Edsall: A WAVES Officer’s Mission to Preserve Naval Memory" in the latest edition of Naval History.

In December 1917, the arrival of the U.S. Navy’s Battleship Division Nine brought hope to a British Grand Fleet struggling to match the strength of the German surface navy in the North Sea. Host Emily Abdow talks with author Thomas Sheppard about his article in the latest issue of Naval History. To read the article, visit: https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history/2026/april/alliance-forged-scapa-flow

Host Bill Hamblet talks with veteran national security professional Sean M. Wiswesser about his book "Tradecraft, Tactics, and Dirty Tricks: Russian Intelligence and Putin’s Secret War"—available next month from the Naval Institute Press.

Co-hosts Bill Hamblet and Paul Giarra host former CENTCOM Commander General Frank McKenzie to discuss Operation Epic Fury, including progress so far, campaign objectives, and what might come next.

Planet revolutionized the Earth observation industry with the highest frequency satellite imagery data commercially available, transforming the way governments and companies deliver insights at the daily pace of change. Their high-resolution daily Earth data, archive, and analytics give customers an unprecedented view, allowing them to cast further and wider in time, space, and frequency.

Host Bill Hamblet talks with Navy Commander Jeff Vandenengel about his article, "National Policy and the Panoceanic Navy" in the March issue of Proceedings. Commander Vandenengel's article builds on one of the most famous articles ever published in Proceedings—"National Policy and the Transoceanic Navy" written by Samuel Huntington in 1954.

Host Emily Abdow talks with Coast Guard Commander Nolan Cain about his article on the Treasury-class cutter sunk by a German U-boat in January 1942—the Coast Guard's first loss of WWII.

Our new Naval History Editor-in-Chief Emily Abdow talks with Michael Eastman about the lessons and legacy of the U.S. Navy’s 1945–49 War Crimes Program in the Pacific