UNCLAS Read Board with CDR Salamander
by CDR Salamander
Sal's hotwash podcast for paid subscribers only (in the future). Mostly Navy, natsec, or other related issues. A less formal companion, maybe, of the Midrats podcast you can find on iTunes. Sound quality might be iffy, so don't be grumpy. cdrsalamander.substack.com
Episodes
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Episode 49: 28OCT2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In Episode 49 of the UNCLASS Read Board Podcast, Sal reflects on voting ahead of election day, how Washington-area Navy leadership can shape civilian perceptions of the service, and why he believes...
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Episode 48: 07OCT2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary Sal discusses current geopolitical tensions, the state of Iran, the importance of reindustrialization, and the resilience of Western systems, providing insights into global security and policy...
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Episode 47: 23SEP2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary This episode explores recent developments in US military strategy, technology, and infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of fundamentals and realistic planning in national defense. Key Topics *...
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Episode 46: 02SEP2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show Links * Operation Economic Outcast is a recipe for success against Iran, Richard Goldberg * USS Abraham Lincoln Commander Dan Keeler arrives in Pattaya, Thailand * U.S. Navy Ships deployed in Iran…
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Episode 42: 08JUL2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Key Topics: * Reflection on America’s 250th celebration and patriotic observances, including the significance of the World Cup and tall ships. * Analysis of Iran’s naval activities and the prospects of…
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Episode 41: 17JUN26
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary Sal discusses recent geopolitical developments including Iran’s negotiations, US military operations, UK military decline, Ukraine’s resilience, and global strategic shifts. This episode offers…
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Episode 40: 03JUN2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show Links * Ukrainian FP-1/2 drone attacks Russian frigate Admiral Essen at the Novorossiysk Naval Base * Ukrainian attack on the Kronstadt Naval Base * Attack on Kuwait International Airport * Saronic...
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Episode 39: 20MAY2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In this episode, Sal discusses recent congressional testimonies by Navy leaders, the MQ-25 Stingray, and the realities of directed energy weapons on ships. He emphasizes learning from past military...
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Episode 38: 06MAY2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary A 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...
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Episode 37: 29APR26
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show 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…
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Episode 36: 15APR2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com In 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…
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Episode 35: 25FEB26
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show 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...
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Episode 34: 28JAN2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In 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…
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Episode 32: 15JAN2026
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In 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...
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Episode 30: 05DEC2025
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In 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...
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Episode 29: 19NOV2025
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In 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...
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Episode 28: 05NOV2025
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In 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...
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Episode 27: 08OCT25
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show 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. McKenzie Summary In this conversation, Sal discusses various...
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Episode 26: 24SEP25
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show Links * Trump says he now thinks Ukraine can win back all territory taken by Russia * Operation Granby and stockpiles Summary In this episode, the host discusses various pressing national security…
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Episode 25: 20AUG2025
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show 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....
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Episode 24: 23JUL2025
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show Links * Reforming the promotion system in DOD * Australian Missile Canister Loading Equipment (MCLE) * USNS Oscar V. Peterson (T‑AO 206) Summary In this episode of the Commander Salamander UNCLAS Read...
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Episode 23: 09JUL2025
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show 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....
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Episode 22: 25JUN2025
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In 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.…
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Episode 21: 18JUN2025
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In 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…
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Episode 20: 28MAY2025
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show 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...
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Episode 19: 07MAY25
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Shownotes * 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...
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Episode 18: 23APR25
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show 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 Highmast…
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Episode 17: 17APR2025
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show 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 *...
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Episode 16: 26MAR2025
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Show 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...
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Episode 15: 18MAR2025
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In 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,...
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Episode 14: 05MAR25
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In 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…
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Episode 13: 26FEB2025
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In 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...
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Episode 12: 05FEB2025
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In 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...
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Episode 11: 15JAN25
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In 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...
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Episode 10: 18DEC2024
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In 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...
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Episode 9: 11DEC2024
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Showlinks * Midrats with Seth Folsom on Syria * XLUUV * ISW on Syria * Europe is out of time Keywords Syria, military strategy, naval readiness, uncrewed systems, European security, military authorization,...
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Episode 8: 04DEC2024
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In 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...
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Episode 7: 19NOV2024
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary: 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...
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Episode 6: 06NOV2024
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Showlinks * 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 older Summary…
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Episode 5: 31OCT2024
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Showlinks: * 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? Summary In this episode of Commander Salamander, Sal...
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Episode 4: 15OCT2024
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Summary In 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...
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Episode 3: 02OCT2024
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com Episode 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...
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Episode 2: 24SEP2024
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com As 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...
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20 Years of the Salamander Interview
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...
About this show
Sal's hotwash podcast for paid subscribers only (in the future). Mostly Navy, natsec, or other related issues. A less formal companion, maybe, of the Midrats podcast you can find on iTunes. Sound quality might be iffy, so don't be grumpy.
cdrsalamander.substack.com
Hosted by
CDR Salamander
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