UNCLAS Read Board with CDR Salamander

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comSummaryA shorter than usual UNCLAS Read Board Podcast, with look around current naval developments, military actions in the Strait of Hormuz, the state of the Royal Navy, and Japan’s growing ties with its Western Pacific neighbors.Chapters00:00: Introduction and Overview of Current Naval Issues03:24: The State of the Royal Navy06:04: Japan’s Military D…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comShow Links:* Substack posts* Did China Culminate and No One Noticed?* I’ll take LCC-21, 22, and yes, 23 and 24, thank you* So, the SECNAV has Departed* CVN Status* The Day of Battle: The War in Sicily and Italy, 1943-1944, by Rick AtkinsonSummarySal discusses current naval operations, geopolitical developments, and strategic insights, including the state of the US …

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comIn this episode, Sal discusses recent naval activities, U.S. Iran tensions, and the strategic importance of maritime power. The conversation emphasizes the significance of maritime and aerospace capabilities in national security and offers insights into geopolitical choke points, regional alliances, and the future of U.S. military readiness.Key topics:* T…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comShow Links* NYT article on U.S. buildup around Iran.* CSIS Graph mentioned by Shashank Joshi* 2017 Navy Times article on Ford-class toilets * Captain Luther’s note circa 2011/12 on the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77)’s plumbing issues* Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s 2011 article on same issueSummarySal discusses the current military and geopolitical situation, focu…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comSummaryIn this episode, Sal discusses the evolving landscape of national security, focusing on the significant changes in global dynamics over the past year. He examines the roles of major players like China, Russia, Iran, and Venezuela, as well as the emerging trends in South America and India’s strategic position. Sal emphasizes the importance of unde…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comSummaryIn this episode, the host discusses the recent military operations related to Venezuela, focusing on the successful takedown of sanctioned tankers and the implications for U.S. naval strategy. The conversation also shifts to the defense budget under the Trump administration, exploring the need for increased military spending in light of national …

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comSummaryIn this episode, Sal discusses various pressing topics including the ongoing drug war, military operations, the situation in Ukraine, and the recent controversy surrounding the Pentagon press pool. He expresses gratitude to his subscribers and reflects on the complexities of military decisions, the implications of the war in Ukraine, and the impo…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comSummaryIn this episode, Sal discusses various pressing global issues, including the evolving role of Saudi Arabia, the ongoing drug cartel crisis in the Americas, and the ethical responsibilities of military personnel in politics. He also addresses the challenges within the military-industrial complex, a recent surge in aircraft mishaps, and the importa…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comSummaryIn this episode, the host reflects on personal experiences growing up in Florida’s East Coast during the Space Age, discusses the current state of naval ships, and addresses geopolitical concerns in Venezuela and Nigeria. The conversation also touches on the situation in Sudan and the rise of South Korea in military production, concluding with re…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comShow Links* Ian Ellis’s outline of Caribbean U.S. Navy deployment* The Melting Point: High Command and War in the 21st Century, by Kenneth F. McKenzieSummaryIn this conversation, Sal discusses various geopolitical issues, including a potential peace deal in Israel and Gaza, the implications of Iran’s weakened position, reflections on General McKenzie’s book…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comShow Links* Trump says he now thinks Ukraine can win back all territory taken by Russia* Operation Granby and stockpilesSummaryIn this episode, the host discusses various pressing national security issues, including the implications of air-launched cruise missiles, the ongoing Gaza conflict, and the historical context of political violence. The conversation…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comShow Links* Gaza COA Decision Brief, 11 October, 2023* We're Burning Another Amphib: this time the USS New Orleans (LPD 18)* The Melting Point: High Command and War in the 21st Century,by Kenneth F. McKenzie * Longstreet: The Confederate General Who Defied the South Hardcover, by Elizabeth Varon (Author)SummaryIn this episode, Sal discusses various pressing top…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comShow Links* Reforming the promotion system in DOD* Australian Missile Canister Loading Equipment (MCLE)* USNS Oscar V. Peterson (T‑AO 206)SummaryIn this episode of the Commander Salamander UNCLAS Read Board Podcast, the host discusses various topics related to national security, military developments, and the challenges faced by the Navy. Key themes include t…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comShow Links* Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan* Modern Chinese Maritime Forces, 01JUL2025 Edition.* Frontline states say “bye” to the Ottawa Convention on Mines.* King's Navy: Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King and the Rise of American Sea Power, 1897–1947* Heritage DataViz on US Fleet promises v. PLAN Execution* MK-58 torpedoSummaryIn this episode, the host discusse…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comSummaryIn this episode, the host discusses significant geopolitical events, focusing on the recent developments in Iran and Israel, the implications of the NATO summit, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The conversation highlights the changing dynamics in the Middle East, the challenges faced by NATO allies in military spending, and the current statu…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comSummaryIn this episode, Sal discusses the ongoing Israeli-Iranian conflict, highlighting the significant military actions and geopolitical implications. He delves into the current state of the Navy, including leadership changes and recruitment successes, while also addressing challenges in military procurement and modernization. The conversation conclud…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comShow Links* USS Truman conducted largest airstrike in Navy history* This is the Greatest Existential Threat to the Republic* 2010’s Birth of The Terrible 20s* 1992-93 Somalia Intervention* USS Essex (LHD 2) 1,800nm of celestial navigationSummaryIn this episode, Commander Salamander discusses various military and geopolitical topics, including the USS Truman's ope…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comShownotes* If You Think Greenland is Strategic...* What Could China do to the USA on D+0?* We Must Not Let the F/A-18 Line Go Cold* Sinking of the Moskva* UKR Sea Baby Drone v. RUS SU-30* PRC Incursions around Taiwan* L3Harris VampireSummaryIn this episode of the Unclassed Read Board, Sal discusses various military and geopolitical topics, including the strategic imp…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comShow Links* Three Ousted Pentagon Officials* OMG Snags the Most Unhappy GS of the Week* Discrimination at the Naval Academy: the Numbers* French Frigate in Action on the Red Sea* Operation HighmastSummaryIn this episode, Sal discusses the ongoing drama at the Pentagon, highlighting the recent departures of key personnel and the implications of political dynamics …

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comShow Links* All Hail the First of Hopefully Many Maritime Focused Executive Orders* The SECNAV Received His Direction & Guidance* Navy at ‘tipping point’ with Constellation-class frigate: Lawmakers* Mackenzie Eaglen on Russia and China capacity* Heritage Foundation push on tactical nuclear weapons* Dr. Alexander S. Burns on the Battle of Lexington and Concord* The Ea…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comShow Links* The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans, Jeffrey Goldberg in The Atlantic.* Successful tests of new lightweight torpedo system on temporary platform, FMV.* Feral Jundi on Signal as part of a valid communications structure.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comSummaryIn this episode of the CDR Salamander Unclass Read Board Podcast, Sal discusses various military and geopolitical topics, focusing on recent operations in Yemen, the influence of Iran and its proxies, the ongoing negotiations regarding the Ukraine conflict, and future maritime developments. He also hints at an upcoming initiative to engage the co…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comSummaryIn this episode, Sal discusses key national security events, including Zelensky's visit to the U.S. and the subsequent European reactions. He highlights the lack of foreign policy and defense issues in the recent State of the Union address and the establishment of a shipbuilding office in the White House. Sal also addresses budget concerns relate…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comSummaryIn this episode of the Commander Salamander Unclassed Read Board, Sal expresses gratitude to his subscribers and discusses various topics including the recent German elections, migration issues, naval leadership challenges, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. He emphasizes the importance of Germany's role in security and the need for the U.S. Navy …

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comSummaryIn this episode, Sal discusses the recent changes in U.S. military leadership, the ongoing challenges of diversity and inclusion within the armed forces, and the implications of increased defense spending by NATO allies. He highlights the importance of recruitment success and the evolving nature of modern warfare, particularly in relation to weap…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comSummaryIn this conversation, Sal discusses various pressing issues within the naval community, including the controversies surrounding ship naming conventions, and the implications of political influences on military leadership. He reflects on the importance of maintaining integrity within naval traditions and the need for a fresh perspective in future …

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comSummaryIn this episode, Sal discusses various pressing topics including the military actions in Yemen, the current political landscape in the U.S., and the implications of military spending on national security. He emphasizes the importance of understanding regional dynamics and the influence of ideas on defense policy, while also reflecting on the chal…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comShowlinks* Midrats with Seth Folsom on Syria* XLUUV* ISW on Syria* Europe is out of timeKeywordsSyria, military strategy, naval readiness, uncrewed systems, European security, military authorization, public engagement, offshore patrol vesselsSummaryIn this episode, Sal discusses various pressing military and geopolitical issues, focusing on the situation in Syr…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comSummaryIn this episode, Sal discusses the current geopolitical landscape, focusing on the implications of the recent U.S. elections on national security, the challenges faced by European powers, and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Africa. He highlights the operational difficulties within the U.S. Navy, particularly regarding personnel reten…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comSummary: In this episode, Sal discusses various topics related to military professionalism, national security, and the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War. He emphasizes the importance of dressing appropriately in professional settings as a sign of respect and reflects on the current state of military leadership and readiness. Sal also touches on the challenges…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comShowlinks* Council on Geostrategy map* Change by nation in percentage of global industrial manufacturing 2000-2030* Ukraine Security Assistance impact on US manufacturing* Old ships getting olderSummaryIn this episode of the UNCLAS Read Board podcast, Sal discusses the implications of President Trump's re-election, focusing on national security, foreign policy,…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comShowlinks:* No Time for Woke Name Games at Sea* A Larger Navy is Not in the Cards* Admiral Paparo’s Axis* A year in the Red Sea gained what again?SummaryIn this episode of Commander Salamander, Sal discusses the growth of his community and the importance of subscriber feedback. He delves into the debate between 'sea blindness' and 'ocean literacy', highlighting…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comSummaryIn this episode of Commander Salamander’s UNCLAS Read Board, Sal discusses various topics including the discussion of humanitarian assistance and disaster response on last Sunday’s Midrats, military readiness, national security issues, and the challenges faced by the United Nations. He also critiques the state of shipbuilding in the U.S. and the …

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comEpisode 3 of the paid-subscriber-only podcast.I review a little bit of previous posts and last Sunday’s Midrats with Steve Deal, a preview of tomorrow’s Substack. Showlinks* Eastern Mediterranean naval forces.* Interesting speaker at the US Naval Academy’s Bancroft Lecture on October 10th.* …and she has more thoughts.* Houbei-class guided-missile craft from the…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.comAs promised, or threatened, this will start the paid-subscriber-only podcast.I will try to put up one a week, but maybe less and if events demand, perhaps more.After thanking the Founding Members, I outline the plan forward, review some recent thoughts, and give a preview of upcoming Substack posts. I will also add a little commentary about a grumpy Rus…

A mentioned on Monday’s post, the 22nd was my 20th year writing as “CDR Salamander.”Over on X, Claude and I held a Spaces where in the course of almost two hours we discussed the dawn of “milblogging” and a review of the ups and downs of a couple of decades in the marketplace of ideas. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com/subscribe