The Proceedings Podcast
The Proceedings Podcast is produced by the U.S. Naval Institute, a private educational institution focused on sea power and global security. Each week, hosts Ward Carroll and Bill Hamblet discuss news from the Sea Services, stories from Proceedings and Naval History magazines, and interview authors. The podcast covers topics related to naval affairs, military strategy, and historical perspectives.
Episodes
EP. 517: Avoid the Zombie OODA Loop
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.
EP. 516: USNI News Update with Sam LaGrone
Host Bill Hamblet talks with Sam LaGrone about the latest news from the fleet.
Cruising a Region in Transition: The Persian Gulf in 1972
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) a
EP. 515: Victory Through Airpower: General Chuck Horner and Operation Desert Storm
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.
How the Capture of Cuban Fishing Boats Changed U.S. Law
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.
EP. 514: School Is In Session: Epic Fury’s Lessons for the PLA
China will study the U.S. military campaign against Iran intently, but there are also opportunities for the Pentagon.
EP. 513: Building Combat Power through the Coast Guard
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.
9/11: The Marine Helicopter Missions Few Remember
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 extrao
Making Mayday: Cold War History Meets Hollywood
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.
EP. 512: Behind Every Sortie: The Air Boss on Naval Aviation Maintenance
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
The Eagle: From a Nazi Ship to America’s Tall Ship
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.
EP. 511: Iran War Redux: How Does This Thing End?
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.
A Legacy Under Sail: Celebrating SAIL250 with Captain Kristopher Ensley, U.S. Coast Guard
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'
EP. 510: News Update—Navy Budget, Shipbuilding, and Operation Epic Fury
Bill Hamblet, Sam LaGrone, and Brian O’Rourke talk about the Navy’s budget, shipbuilding, Operation Epic Fury, and recruiting and retention.
EP. 509: Razor's Edge: New Shaving Policy Could Cost the Navy Sailors
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.
EP. 508: Lessons from F-35 Accidents and Naval Aviation Safety
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.
EP. 507: Navy Manpower and the Future of the Force with the Hon. Ben Kohlmann, ASN M&RA
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.
Patriots for Hire? The Privateers of 1776
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?
Naval History Podcast: Requiem for a Flyer
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.
EP. 506: The Stoic Anchor: Resilience, Readiness, and the Future of Naval Leadership
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 increasi
Naval History podcast: Midway's Unsung Hero: The Long Fight to Honor Codebreaker Joe Rochefort
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.
EP. 505: When “Figure It Out” Becomes Bad Leadership
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.
Naval History Podcast: Find the Captain
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.
EP. 504: Why Wargames Get Cyber Wrong
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.
EP. 503: Shipbuilding as a Public Utility?
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.
NH Podcast: Making of the Mobile Riverine Force Documentary
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.
EP. 502: Global Shipping Update with Sal Mercogliano
Bill Hamblet talks with “What’s Going On With Shipping?” host Sal Mercogliano about the Strait of Hormuz, global shipping impacts, and commercial shipbuilding.
EP. 501: Intel Update on the PLA Navy
Host Bill Hamblet talks with retired naval intelligence officer Captain James E. Fanell for a yearly update on the expansion of the PLA Navy.
EP. 500: The Manned–Unmanned Surface Force Is Here
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.
EP. 499: 100,000 tons of Diplomacy: Ambassador Ryan Crocker on the War with Iran
Host Bill Hamblet talks with career Ambassador Ryan Crocker about the war with Iran.
Naval History Podcast: Inside Mitscher’s Battle of Midway Cover-up
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.
EP. 498: Admiral Spruance: A New Biography of a Naval Strategist
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.
EP. 497: Navy Expeditionary Combat Command: Small, Elite, Adaptable
RADM Brad Andros talks about the evolution of Navy Expeditionary Forces.
EP. 496: Clarity in Conflict: H.R. McMaster on the Iran War
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.
EP. 495: Two Theaters, One Crisis: Admiral Harry Harris on Iran War’s Impact on East Asia
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.
EP. 494: Dollars, Defense, and Reform: A Conversation with Senator Tim Sheehy
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.
EP. 493: The Evolution of Marine Aviation in World War II
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.
Ep. 492: Strait of Hormuz Update
Bill Hamblet hosts Proceedings staff to discuss updates from the Iran conflict (Friday 10 April).
EP. 491: Iran War Update with VADM John "Fozzie" Miller
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.
EP. 490: A WAVES Officer’s Mission to Preserve Naval Memory
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.
EP. 489: An Alliance Forged at Scapa Flow
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-s
EP. 488: Tradecraft, Tactics, and Dirty Tricks
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.
EP. 487: Gen. Frank McKenzie Analyzes the Iran War
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.
EP. 486: Commercial Satellite Imagery for Maritime Domain Awareness
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.
EP. 485: National Policy and the Panoceanic Navy
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.
EP. 484: The Loss of the Alexander Hamilton
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.
Ep. 483: Answering for Atrocities
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
EP. 482: Not Your Father’s Surface Warfare Training
Host Bill Hamblet talks with Navy Captain Joseph A. Baggett about his article in the January issue of Proceedings and modern surface warfare training.
EP. 481: The Saga of the Viking Crusaders
Host Eric Mills talks with retired Navy Captain Sam J. Tangredi about his article and research on the saga of King Sigurd I of Norway and his Viking armada’s epic 12th-century voyage to fight in the Crusades.
EP. 480: Give Navy Crews Painted Ships
Host Bill Hamblet talks with retired Captain John Cordle and U.S. Coast Guard marine engineer Ben Miner about their article in the January issue of Proceedings.
EP. 479: The Future of Sovereignty in the Deep Sea
Host Bill Hamblet talks with Navy LCDR Jim Halsell about his article in the January issue of Proceedings.
EP. 478: The Cool War
Host Bill Hamblet talks with Sean Maloney, professor of history at the Royal Military College of Canada, about his new book from the Naval Institute Press.
EP. 477: Leadership Principles of Chester Nimitz
Host Eric Mills talks with naval historian Tyler R. Bamford about his article on Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz and his leadership philosophy.
EP. 476: First to What Kind of Fight?
Host Bill Hamblet talks with Majors Aaron Barlow, and Caleb Kadrmas about their prize-winning essay from the 2025 Marine Corps Essay Contest.
EP. 475: 250 Years of the Marine Corps, from the Marine Corps History Division
Host Eric Mills talks with retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. Shawn P. Callahan, Director of the Marine Corps History Division about their latest feature publication celebrating 250 years of the U.S. Marine Corps.
EP. 474: When Logistics Decided Victory: The Battle of Leyte Gulf
Host Bill Hamblet talks with Marine Corps Lieutenant General Steve Sklenka, Deputy Commandant of the Marine Corps for Installations and Logistics, about his article on the Battle of Leyte Gulf from the November issue of Proceedings.
EP. 473: 'Give Me A Fast Ship': Courage and Command off Samar
In this Naval History edition of the podcast, Host Eric Mills talks with retired Navy Lieutenant Commander Thomas J. Cutler, author of "Give Me A Fast Ship," a new book from the Naval Institute Press on the USS Johnston (DD-557), known for its valiant but doomed stand against the Japanese fleet at the Battle off Samar.
EP. 472: Women: Still Fighting to Fight
Women earned their access to combat roles; they shouldn’t have to fight for them again.
Host Bill Hamblet talks with retired Navy Captain Barbara Bell about her article in the December issue of Proceedings.
EP. 471: How Do You Know You're Ready for Battle?
Host Bill Hamblet talks with retired Admiral Charles Richard, former Commander of U.S. Strategic Command, about his article in the latest issue of Proceedings.
EP. 470: A Conversation with World War II Submariner Patrick Zilliacus
World War II submariner Patrick Zilliacus shares his remarkable experiences serving aboard USS Spot (SS-413). He reflects on life underwater, combat patrols, and the realities of submarine warfare. His firsthand stories offer rare insight into courage, duty, and the silent service during WWII.
EP. 469: America’s First Marine
Host Eric Mills talks with author William J. Prom about his latest piece on Continental Marine Major Samuel Nicholas in Naval History magazine.
EP. 468: Thinking Like Insurgents: COIN Lessons for Stand-In Forces
The Marine Corps must redefine how it deters enemy forces.
EP. 467: The Nimitz Way and Modern SWO Readiness: Preparing for the High-End Fight
Host Bill Hamblet talks with Navy Lieutenant Seth C. Breen about his recent CIMSEC article on SWO tactical qualifications and his article "The Nimitz Way Still Applies" published last year in Proceedings.
EP. 466: Affordable Lethality: Why the U.S. Needs Conventional Submarines
Host Bill Hamblet explores the strategic value of non-nuclear submarines in strengthening the U.S. Navy’s undersea fleet with Lieutenant Commanders Jim Halsell and Jordan Spector, as they discuss their articles in the October issue of Proceedings.
EP. 465: A Commercial Paradigm for Submarine Rescue
Host Bill Hamblet talks with Navy Commander Gregory B. Cotten and retired Captain Gard Clark about their article on submarine rescue in the October issue of Proceedings.
EP. 464: The Navy and the Nation: 250 Years of Sea Power and Service
In this special Navy 250th Birthday episode, host Eric Mills interviews Lieutenant Commander Thomas J. Cutler, USN (Ret.) to explore how the U.S. Navy and the nation have grown together over 250 years — from the Revolution’s wooden ships to today’s global fleet defending freedom across the seas.
EP. 463: Keep Coast Guard Production Lines Open to Grow the National Fleet
Upgunned variants of NSCs and FRCs could help Navy readiness.
EP. 462: Make Do with Fewer Amphibs
Host Bill Hamblet talks with Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Warren about his article in the August issue of Proceedings.
EP. 461: Hook '25 Association Interview
Host Bill Hamblet interviews members of the Tailhook Board including CDR Kristin ‘Dragon’ Findlay, Lieutenant Commander Mark 'Tugboat' Jbeily, Lieutenant Commander “DT” Johnson, and Lt. Mary Cate Scully, about Hook '25 and updates on naval aviation.
EP. 460: Interviewing the Air Boss at Hook '25
Host Bill Hamblet is joined by the Air Boss—Vice Admiral Daniel Cheever, Commander of Naval Air Forces and Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific. As the U.S. Navy’s top aviator, he leads the men and women who keep naval aviation at the forefront of our nation’s defense. Join us as he shares his insights, leadership, and vision for the future of naval air power.
EP. 459: How NOT to Start a Fish War
Host Bill Hamblet and Eleanor Garcia discuss her August Proceedings article on the global challenges of illegal fishing.
EP. 458: From Midway to Watchtower: How Admiral King Seized the Initiative in the Pacific
Eric Mills talks with historian and author John Parshall about his latest article on WWII's Pacific campaign in the August issue of Naval History.
EP. 457: Exploring the Wreck of the Yorktown (CV-5)
Eric Mills talks with maritime archaeologist James P. Delgado about the groundbreaking discovery of the U.S. carrier sunk at the Battle of Midway and a wealth of new details.
EP. 456: Lead Solo—Life Lessons from Blue Angel's Pilot CDR Frank Weisser
In this episode, host Bill Hamblet interviews CDR Frank Weisser, a two-time Blue Angels pilot who was deployed in combat three separate times. Frank shares insights from his book Lead Solo—published by the Naval Institute Press—reflecting on leadership, risk, and resilience drawn from his elite aviation career—including his unforgettable experience as lead pilot in the iconic movie "Top Gun: Mave
EP. 455: Combat Fleets—Trends in Naval Shipbuilding Around the World
Bill Hamblet and frequent Proceedings contributor Eric Wertheim to explore the critical lessons we can learn from our allies—and our competitors—when it comes to modern shipbuilding strategy, capacity, and innovation.
EP. 454: The MLR ≠ The Stand in Force
Host Bill Hamblet and Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonels Brian Kerg and Bobby Fowler untangle the confusion between SIF and MLRs.
To read the article, visit: https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2025/july/mlr-stand-force
EP. 453: The Tanker War
Host Eric Mills talks with Marine Corps Second Lieutenant Quentin Zimmer about his article on Iran-Iraq War that bled into the maritime sphere in the 1980's.
To read the article, visit: https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history/2025/june/tanker-war
EP. 452: Punk's Force: Interviewing Ward Carroll
Bill Hamblet talks with author Ward Carroll about the latest book in the Punk series—Punk's Force—just released by the Naval Institute Press.
For more on Ward's latest book, visit: https://www.usni.org/press/books/punks-force
EP. 451: USNI News Update with Sam LaGrone
Bill Hamblet talks with USNI News editor Sam LaGrone about updates on the Congressional budget, the air strikes in Iran, and more.
For the latest coverage from USNI News, visit: https://news.usni.org/
EP. 450 A Quicklook Analysis of Israeli and U.S. Airstrikes in Iran
U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet weapons systems officer and TOPGUN graduate Graham Scarbro talks with host Bill Hamblet about the Israeli and U.S. airstrikes against Iran's nuclear program.
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