Introduction
America’s future depends on more than ships and sailors—it depends on all of us. This 24-part educational series invites you to explore how sea power, civic engagement, and global history come together in defense of our nation. Inspired by voices like Captain Charlie Plumb—a Navy hero and former POW—Charting the Course is a journey into unity, resilience, and what it means to serve, whether in uniform or as an engaged citizen.
A 24-part series connecting Americans to the past, present, and future of national defense—through education, civic participation, and action.
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How’s Your Parachute Packing Coming Along?
A Message from Captain Charlie Plumb – Decorated Naval Aviator. Vietnam POW. Lifelong patriot.
“Every one of us has someone who packs our parachute. And every one of us can pack someone else’s.”
Start with the Foreword
Before diving into the series, we invite you to begin with reflections from two respected voices—each offering a unique perspective on sea power, civic responsibility, and the U.S. Navy’s enduring role in shaping America’s past, present, and future.
Dale A. Jenkins, author of Diplomats and Admirals and Senior Advisor, Americans for a Stronger Navy
Dr. Steve Wills, Senior Fellow and Navalist, Center for Maritime Strategy at the Navy League of the United States; Captain, U.S. Navy (Ret.), and Senior Advisor, Americans for a Stronger Navy
Why This Series Matters
China and Russia are challenging global security and testing American resilience. The U.S. Navy no longer just defends sea lanes—it safeguards undersea cables, space-based systems, and global supply chains. This series breaks it down for the American people.
- Understand the threats
- Learn from history
- Know your role
- Strengthen your country
Explore the 24 Episodes
Each episode features expert commentary, real-world context, and insights designed for citizens—not just policymakers.
1. Why Sea Power Still Matters
Explores the enduring role of naval power in American history, economic security, and global influence, from the Continental Navy to modern deterrence.
2. Foundations of Naval Strategy
Introduces the principles of maritime strategy—power projection, deterrence, sea control—and how they shape U.S. foreign policy.
3. American Maritime History in 10 Battles
Highlights pivotal naval battles from the Revolutionary War to the Cold War and what each reveals about U.S. resilience and innovation.
4. Strategic Missteps and Lessons Learned
Analyzes failures in naval planning and leadership—from Pearl Harbor to recent incidents—and how we avoid repeating them.
5. The Role of People, Policy, and Industry
Explores the intersection of naval personnel, political leadership, and industrial capacity—and how each contributes to readiness.
6. Global Sea Lanes and Strategic Chokepoints
Explains why places like the South China Sea, Suez Canal, and Strait of Hormuz matter and how the Navy protects global trade.
7. Shipbuilding, Submarines, and the Silent Service
Examines the state of U.S. shipyards, the submarine force, and the undersea domain in great power competition.
8. The Carrier Debate: Power, Prestige, or Past Its Prime?
Investigates the aircraft carrier’s evolving role in deterrence, power projection, and vulnerability in modern warfare.
9. Maritime Logistics and Fueling the Fleet
Unpacks how naval supply chains, replenishment ships, and undersea cables keep America’s fleet and economy moving.
10. Economic Policy and Industry Resilience
Looks at how economic planning, supply chains, and domestic manufacturing affect national security and naval sustainability.
11. A Return to Naval Diplomacy
Explores how port visits, freedom of navigation operations, and maritime partnerships shape international relations.
12. Forward Presence vs. Fortress America
Debates the value of keeping forces forward-deployed vs. pulling back to focus on homeland defense.
13. The Cyber Ocean and Information Warfare
Details the threats and opportunities in maritime cyber operations, GPS denial, and information dominance at sea.
14. Uncrewed Systems and AI in Naval Warfare
Covers the rise of drone ships, autonomous submarines, and AI-enabled decision-making in the future fleet.
15. China’s Influence in Washington and Academia
Examines how Chinese soft power and influence operations intersect with U.S. naval planning and public awareness.
16. Russia’s Return to the Seas
Explores how Russia is rebuilding naval power in the Arctic, Black Sea, and Mediterranean—and what it means for the U.S.
17. The Indo-Pacific: Maritime Flashpoints
Focuses on Taiwan, the South China Sea, and the first island chain—where deterrence is most likely to be tested.
18. Protecting the Homeland from the Sea
Looks at missile defense, port security, and maritime domain awareness along America’s own coasts.
19. Recruiting, Retention, and the Next Generation Navy
Discusses the cultural, economic, and leadership challenges to building the future naval workforce.
20. Domestic Maritime Industry and the SHIPS Act
Explains how laws like the SHIPS Act and Jones Act impact shipbuilding, industrial capacity, and national readiness.
21. Allies, Coalitions, and Burden Sharing at Sea
Explores how NATO, AUKUS, and Indo-Pacific partners expand U.S. influence and capacity across the oceans.
22. Civilian Infrastructure and Naval Dependence
Reveals the critical role civilian ports, rail, and energy systems play in supporting fleet operations and readiness.
23. Sea Power and the American Way of Life
Connects the dots between sea power, economic prosperity, and everyday American life—from jobs to food to digital access.
24. Call to Action: What the American People Can Do
Closes the series with a focus on civic responsibility, public awareness, and building a movement to support a stronger Navy.
Bonus: Voices that Matter on Naval Strategy
We’re proud to feature a series of exclusive interviews and briefings with top naval minds. These insights complement the 24-part educational series and dig deeper into strategic challenges facing today’s Navy.
- Dr. Steven Wills
- Dr. Bruce Jones
- Dr. Sam Tangredi
- Dr. Scott Savitz
- Bryan Clark
- Seth Cropsey
- Jon Rennie
- Navy Recruiting Leaders
- FY25 Budget Analysts
Stay Connected
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- Engage on social media with #StrongerNavy
- Volunteer or donate to support the mission
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Together, let’s chart the course to a stronger, safer America.