The Neptune Factor

Dr. John Sherwood interviews Dr. Jeremy Stöhs about his new book, European Naval Power: From Cold War to Hybrid Wars. Stöhs is the co-head of the Austrian Center for Intelligence, Propaganda, and Security Studies at the University of Graz. 

Dr. Stephen Phillips interviews CDR Randy Gogen, USN-Ret, PhD, to discuss her book "From Yeomanettes to Fighter Jets: A Century of Women in the U.S. Navy."

John Sherwood sits down with Johannes Peters and Sebastian Bruns of the Institute for Security Policy Kiel (ISPK) to discuss all things Kiel: the history of Kiel, Kiel Week, the Kiel International Seapower Seminar (KISS), and the Institute for Security Policy at Kiel University.

Part II of John Sherwood’s interview with China expert Sarah Kirchberger offers a contemporary “tour of China’s waterfront,” looking at China’s perceived maritime threats as well as the capabilities and characteristics of its contemporary Navy. Dr. Kirchberger also examines the current state of China’s shipbuilding and naval technology industries. For an overview of the history of the PLA Navy, please listen to Part I of this interview. Dr. Sherwood conducted these interviews at the offices of the Institute for Security Policy at Kiel University, where Dr. Kirchberger serves as academic director.

Dr. John Sherwood interviews Germany’s leading expert on the Chinese Navy, Dr. Sarah Kirchberger. In part one of a two-part interview, Dr. Kirchberger discusses the history of the PLA Navy and how it has evolved from a coastal and riverine force to one whose ambition is to dominate the Western Pacific. Part Two will focus on the PLA’s current capabilities. Dr. Sherwood conducted these interviews at the offices of the Institute for Security Policy at Kiel University (ISPK), where Dr. Kirchberger serves as academic director.

Dr. Stephen Phillips interviews Captain Brett Crozier, USN-Ret, to discuss his book, Surf While You Can, to include reviewing the COVID outbreak aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) in March of 2020 while he was in command. Team Step: http://www.teamstepusa.org/

Dr. John Sherwood of the Naval History and Heritage Command continues his interview with Dr. Cameron McCoy, the author of the new book, Contested Valor: African American Marines in the Age of Power, Protest, and Tokenism. In Part I of this interview, Dr. McCoy discussed the history of African American Marines during World War II and Korea. Today in Part II, he will focus on the Post Korean War period and Vietnam.

Dr. John Sherwood of the Naval History and Heritage Command interviews Dr. Cameron McCoy. Dr. McCoy is the author of the new book, Contested Valor: African American Marines in the Age of Power, Protest, and Tokenism (2023). He holds a Ph.D. In history from the University of Texas at Austin. He’s also Marine Lieutenant Colonel and a student in the Advanced Strategist Program here at the Naval War College. Part I of this interview will explore the history of African American Marines during World War II and Korea, and Part II will focus on the Post Korean War period and Vietnam. Preble Hall will debut both episodes during Black History month 2024.

Dr. John Sherwood of Naval History and Heritage Command interviews former Acting Secretary of the Navy, Thomas Modly. A 1983 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Modly is the author of the new book, Vectors: Heroes, Villains, and Heartbreak on the Bridge of the U.S. Navy (2023). In this episode, Sherwood and Modly discuss the COVID-19 outbreak on the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt in early 2020, Modly's decision to relieve the ship’s commanding officer, and his trip to Guam to visit the ship’s crew, and his resignation shortly after that trip. The episode concludes with a discussion about Modly’s legacy and his efforts to increase the size of the fleet.

Dr. John Sherwood of Naval History and Heritage Command interviews former Acting Secretary of the Navy, Thomas Modly. A 1983 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Modly is the author of the new book, Vectors: Heroes, Villains, and Heartbreak on the Bridge of the U.S. Navy (2023). In Part I of the podcast, Modly discusses his attempt to reform naval higher education, his naming of a new Gerald Ford class aircraft carrier Doris Miller, and his thoughts on super carrier procurement. Part 2 will focus on Modly’s management of the COVID-19 outbreak on the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt in early 2020.