Reflections from Two Respected Naval Voices
This educational series opens with powerful words from two respected leaders—each offering a unique lens on sea power, civic duty, and the role of the U.S. Navy in shaping our past and future.
Dale A. Jenkins, author of Diplomats and Admirals, Senior Advisor Americans for a StrongrerNavy
A Word from Dale A. Jenkins
In the annals of American history, the U.S. Navy has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s destiny. From the early days of the Republic to the present, our naval forces have stood as sentinels of freedom, safeguarding our interests at home and abroad. Yet, the stories of these maritime guardians—their triumphs, challenges, and the strategic decisions that have steered the course of history—often remain untold or underappreciated.
Why This Series Matters The Americans for a Stronger Navy Educational Series seeks to illuminate those narratives, offering readers a comprehensive exploration of the Navy’s indelible impact on our nation’s past, present, and future. Through meticulously researched episodes, the series delves into pivotal moments in naval history—shedding light on the interplay between diplomacy and military strategy, the evolution of naval warfare, and the unwavering spirit of those who have served.
Perspective from Experience As a former U.S. Navy officer and author of Diplomats and Admirals, I’ve had the privilege of examining the nuanced relationship between diplomacy and warfare during critical junctures in our history. My experiences aboard the USS DeHaven (DD-727) and my tenure as staff director at the Council on Foreign Relations have given me a unique lens into the complexities of naval operations and international affairs.
A Call for Understanding and Unity In today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, understanding our naval history is not just an academic exercise—it’s a strategic imperative. The lessons from the past inform today’s strategies and tomorrow’s preparedness. This series serves both as a tribute to those who have worn the Navy uniform and as a clarion call for civic awareness, engagement, and unity.In Gratitude and Support I commend Bill Cullifer, Founder and Chief Advocate of Americans for a Stronger Navy, for undertaking this ambitious and necessary project. His unwavering commitment to fostering public appreciation for our naval heritage is both admirable and urgent. My hope is that readers will find inspiration within these resources and come away with a renewed understanding of why a strong, capable Navy is essential to American security and prosperity.
Dale
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
A Word from Dr. Steve Wills,
America’s Navy has long been a reflection of the nation itself—resilient, innovative, and forward-looking. It has quietly underpinned nearly every era of U.S. prosperity and peace, from winning wars to deterring them, from opening global trade routes to responding to natural disasters across the world. And yet, for all its service, the Navy remains underrepresented in the national conversation—and often misunderstood by the very people it serves.
That’s what makes the StrongerNavy.org and the larger educational series behind it, so important.
In an age of great power competition, cyber threats, and contested seas, the strength of the U.S. Navy remains central to our security. But it’s not just ships, submarines, or aircraft that make the Navy strong—it’s people. It’s public will. It’s civic understanding. And it’s a collective sense of responsibility that stretches far beyond the fleet itself.
This project—led by Bill Cullifer and Americans for a Stronger Navy—steps into that civic space with clarity, depth, and urgency. It tells the Navy’s story across time and connects it to the challenges we face today: shipbuilding shortfalls, adversaries like China and Russia, and a growing need for unity at home.
I’ve worked alongside sailors, scholars, and policymakers. I’ve watched the Navy evolve—and seen firsthand how difficult it can be to build bridges between strategy and public awareness. That’s why I support this initiative. It doesn’t just document the past; it invites Americans to engage with the future. It offers knowledge, yes—but also a call to action.
If you’ve ever wondered why the Navy matters—or what you can do to support those who serve—this free online resource is a great place to start.
Let it challenge you. Let it educate you. And most of all, let it remind you that national security is not someone else’s job. It’s ours.
Steve