7. Kamikazes, Typhoons, and the Unstoppable Halsey AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay Admiral Halsey recklessly navigated his fleet through two major typhoons (December 1944 and June 1945), causing severe losses including three ships sunk and 800 lives lost in the first storm. Despite recommendations for dismissal, Nimitz refused to fire Halsey, using calculated risk that removing the popular, iconic commander would negatively impact American morale. Nimitz moved his headquarters to Guam to be closer to the fighting. At Iwo Jima, Marine commanders argued the Navy provided inadequate preparatory gunfire, though the Japanese tactic of fighting to the death was the primary cause of casualties. During the Okinawa campaign, the Japanese introduced the terrifying Kamikaze tactic—the one element Nimitz noted the Naval War College had not anticipated. The Kamikazes inflicted horrific losses, but ultimately failed to force negotiations. 8. Blockade vs. Invasion: Ending the Pacific War and Post-War Command AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay Nimitz and King opposed the planned invasion of the Japanese home islands (Operation Downfall), arguing that a strict naval blockade, executed primarily by submarines, combined with bombing, would force surrender. They calculated that an invasion would cost hundreds of thousands of American lives and millions of Japanese lives, given the culture of fighting to the death. Nimitz was informed about the secret development of a special weapon (the atomic bomb) in March 1945 to ensure targets were reserved. After the war ended, Nimitz was the logical candidate for Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), though he faced opposition from the aviation community (Towers). He accepted a two-year term as CNO. Admiral Spruance declined high command, instead choosing to become President of the Naval War College to teach future officers the lessons learned in the Pacific War.

6. Spruance vs. Halsey: Priorities at the Philippine Sea and Leyte Gulf AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay During the Battle of the Philippine Sea ("Turkey Shoot") supporting the Marianas landings, Admiral Spruance prioritized protecting the Saipan beachhead. He refused Marc Mitscher's request to chase the Japanese fleet, resulting in the destruction of Japanese naval air power but generating resentment among aviators. The Battle of Leyte Gulf exposed Halsey's vulnerability to bait. The Japanese used their carriers as decoys to draw Halsey's Third Fleet north, allowing battleships to threaten the Leyte invasion force. Nimitz, hesitant to interfere, sent an inquiry asking, "Where's Task Force 34?" Halsey misinterpreted the message's padding, "The whole world wonders," as a rebuke, leading to a furious, hour-long sulk before he acted.

5. Tarawa, Towers' Rivalry, and the Kwajalein Calculated Risk AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay The Central Pacific campaign began with the bloody amphibious landing at Tarawa in November 1943. High casualties resulted from a neap tide stranding landing craft on a coral shelf, infuriating Marine General Holland "Howling Mad" Smith. Nimitz had to manage internal conflicts, including Deputy Commander Admiral John Towers, who was foisted upon him by King. Towers was difficult because he believed only aviators should hold carrier command, creating tension with black shoe officers like Nimitz and Spruance. Nimitz, believing in second chances, restored Marc Mitscher to a carrier command, against Spruance's wishes. Learning lessons from Tarawa's bloodshed, Nimitz applied a calculated risk by overriding his subordinates and attacking the main Japanese base at Kwajalein directly, succeeding quickly with minimal loss.

4. The Aggressive Commander: Nimitz Appoints Bull Halsey AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay Perceiving that Admiral Ghormley was too cautious and in poor health, Nimitz replaced him with Admiral William "Bull" Halsey to rescue the precarious situation at Guadalcanal. Nimitz knew Halsey's aggressive nature ("Kill Japs. Kill Japs. Kill more Japs.") and used him primarily for "cavalry charges," preferring Spruance for thoughtful planning. While Halsey's attack strategy led to some naval losses, Nimitz appreciated his belligerent approach against the Japanese strategy of attrition. Halsey and General Douglas MacArthur, co-commanders of separate theaters, met in Brisbane; MacArthur avoided a clash by charming Halsey to ensure cooperation. The strategic debate between MacArthur's South Pacific route to the Philippines and the Navy's preferred Central Pacific island-hopping campaign is introduced. 1911 USS MAINE IN HAVANA HARBOR

3. Guadalcanal, Ghormley's Struggle, and Nimitz's Personal Management AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay Despite the "Europe first" strategy, the success of Midway prompted King to push for an immediate offensive. The target shifted from the Santa Cruz Islands to Guadalcanal in August 1942 when news arrived that the Japanese were building an airfield there. This amphibious operation began "on a shoestring" with inadequate supplies. Nimitz managed the pressure by adhering to a routine, power walking up to 10 miles daily, and finding respite with the Walker family. Admiral Ghormley, commanding the operation from Noumea, struggled due to inadequate resources, illness, and excessive caution. Nimitz sympathized with Ghormley's dilemma but felt he needed to be more proactive. The segment also notes King's unjustified animosity toward Admiral Fletcher. 1905 DINNER WITH TR

2. Calculated Risk and Critical Intelligence: Setting the Stage for Midway AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay Following the Pearl Harbor attack, Nimitz was urged by King to "Attack, attack, attack," despite inadequate resources. Nimitz applied his concept of calculated risk, developed at the Naval War College, assessing the benefit to be derived against the risk assumed. Nimitz viewed the Doolittle Raid as a "public relations stunt," but chose not to fight the scheme, even though it used 50% of his offensive carrier capability. Crucial to Nimitz's success was intelligence derived from Japanese radio traffic by Lieutenant Commander Joseph Rochefort's cryptanalysis group, relayed by Eddie Layton. Nimitz deployed forces for the Battle of the Coral Sea (the first battle where ships never sighted each other). For Midway, Nimitz replaced the ill Admiral Halsey with the quiet, non-aviator Raymond Spruance. Nimitz later temporarily relieved aviator Marc Mitscher for disguising a misstep in an after-action report.

1. Nimitz Takes Command at Pearl Harbor: Manager vs. Fighter AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay Chester Nimitz arrived at Pearl Harbor by seaplane on Christmas 1941 to take over a wrecked command, tasked with bringing stability and recovery. He was chosen by FDR and Secretary Knox, who knew him personally from his time as Bureau Chief of Naval Personnel. Admiral Ernest King, however, was initially skeptical, viewing Nimitz as a "fixer" or manager, doubting his toughness. Nimitz, despite private anxieties, maintained a calm, confident presence for his staff. A key irony is that Nimitz had previously suggested a more senior officer (Kimmel) take the Pacific Fleet command, saving himself from being the victim of the Japanese attack. The Navy's internal "brown shoes" (aviators) versus "black shoes" rivalry is also introduced. 1890 USS NAHUNT

       Ashes Cricket Strategy Shifts to Batting Power GUEST NAME: Jeremy Zachis The conversation covers a major shift in Australia's Ashes cricket strategy, moving from prioritizing technical bowlers to focusing on strong batters. England was already going for muscle and hitters. Selectors are watching Sheffield Shield Games for batsmen, possibly due to captain Pat Cummins' injury and other bowlers showing signs of tiredness. This means the Ashes could feature two very strong batting teams. 1905

Chaotic Spring Weather Accelerates Bushfire Threat GUEST NAME: Jeremy Zachis Australia's spring weather is chaotic and non-normal, leading to potential catastrophic summer conditions early. New South Wales is experiencing high winds creating a bushfire tinderbox. Queensland is hit by heavy, monsoonal rain and strong storms. Western Australia's lower half faces heavy rain due to the Indian Ocean dipole, while South Australia and Victoria are relatively normal.

Dallas Bonds with Magpies; Cockatoos Attack Neighbor's Roof GUEST NAME: Jeremy Zachis Dallas, unfazed, continues his friendship with the magpies, letting them play with his toys (whose artificial fibers they use for nests) and eat his biscuits. The segment also highlights the destructive behavior of cockatoos, who are now trying to dismantle a neighbor's corrugated iron roof by pulling out the iron and steel roofing nails with their beaks.