In this episode of the US Navy History Podcast, hosts Dale and Christophe delve into the often-overlooked naval bombardments of Japan during the summer of 1945. As Allied forces gained overwhelming dominance in the Pacific, the US Navy, supported by British units, conducted a series of calculated naval strikes against Japan's industrial infrastructure. These bombardments aimed to destroy key industrial sites, test coastal defenses, support air operations, and prepare for a potential invasion. The episode explores the strategic, psychological, and operational impacts of these bombardments on both Allied sailors and Japanese civilians, ultimately contributing to Japan's realization of the futility of continued resistance. The discussion is complemented by a tribute to Gunner's Mate Third Class Paul Henry Carr, a US Navy hero who displayed extraordinary bravery in action.

In this episode of the US Navy History Podcast, Dale and Christophe delve into the captivating story of the raid on Algiers harbor by Italian frogmen and manned torpedoes on December 11th, 1942. This clandestine operation, carried out by Italy's elite Decima MAS unit, targeted allied shipping during World War II. The hosts detail the planning, execution, and aftermath of the raid, highlighting its strategic impact, the bravery of the Italian commandos, and the subsequent changes in naval warfare tactics. They also reflect on the human experiences of those involved and the broader historical significance of this remarkable episode.

In this episode of the US Navy History Podcast, Dale and Christophe commemorate Pearl Harbor Day, focusing on the personal, lesser-told stories from December 7, 1941. They explore the human experiences of sailors, marines, nurses, airmen, and civilians during the attack, offering insights into the emotional and psychological impact of the event. The script also delves into the harrowing efforts of survivors and rescue teams, the rapid salvage and rebuilding operations, and the lasting legacy of resilience and unity forged that day. The episode concludes with reflections on the broader significance of Pearl Harbor, emphasizing its enduring influence on the US Navy and the nation.

In this episode of the US Navy History Podcast, hosts Dale and Christophe recount a lesser-known but dramatic encounter during the Battle of the Atlantic. On June 6th, 1942, the American tanker SS Stanvac Calcutta faced the German surface raider Steir. Despite being heavily outgunned, the American crew displayed remarkable bravery, defying the enemy until their ship was ultimately sunk. The narrative details the broader strategic context, the role of stealthy German surface raiders, and the vital but perilous duties of American merchant mariners and Navy armed guard sailors. The episode concludes with a tribute to Flight Officer Benny R. Carbajal, exemplifying the sacrifices made by servicemen during World War II.

In this episode of the US Navy History Podcast, Dale and Christoph delve into the gripping story of the USS Atik, an American Q-ship during World War II. On the night of March 27, 1942, the Atik was engaged in a deceptive mission to lure German U-boats near the Virginia coast. This episode explores the encounter between the Atik and the German submarine U-123, commanded by Captain Lieutenant Reinhard Hardegen. Despite Atik's courageous efforts, the engagement revealed the outdated nature of Q-ships in modern submarine warfare. The hosts also discuss the broader implications of the encounter, including how it influenced naval strategy and technology. The episode concludes with a tribute to Captain Lance P. Sijan, a Medal of Honor recipient who demonstrated extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War.

In this episode of the US Navy History Podcast, hosts Dale and Christophe dive into the lesser-known yet impactful bombardment of Samsun on June 7th, 1922, during the Turkish War of Independence. They explore the strategic, tactical, and moral dimensions of the Greek naval attack, the aftermath of which saw civilian deaths, widespread destruction, and complicated diplomatic ripples. The episode examines how this brief yet devastating event underscores the limits of naval power, the responsibilities of maritime warfare, and its lasting impact on modern military practices and humanitarian laws. The hosts also honor fallen hero Specialist Devin J. Kuhn, reflecting on his life, service, and ultimate sacrifice.

In this episode of the US Navy History Podcast, hosts Dale and Christophe delve into a significant event from 2005 that served as a wake-up call for the US Navy. The episode recounts how the Swedish submarine HMS Gotland, employing Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), managed to stealthily breach the defenses of the USS Ronald Reagan during military exercises, simulating multiple torpedo kills. This humbling experience led the US Navy to lease the Gotland for two years to better understand its silent stealth capabilities and to incorporate those lessons into their own anti-submarine warfare strategies. The discussion elaborates on how this event spurred significant changes in naval training, tactics, and strategy, influencing the future of undersea warfare globally. The episode concludes with a tribute to Sergeant Major James G. Ryan Sartor, a decorated Green Beret who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan.

In this episode of the US Navy History Podcast, hosts Dale and Christophe delve into the storied legacy and enduring fascination with battleships, particularly the Iowa class giants born during World War II. They explore the contrasting views on modern naval strategy against the backdrop of historic sea power. With insights from naval scholar James Holmes, they discuss the psychological and nostalgic allure of battleships in the age of advanced technology. The discussion examines the implications of potentially reviving such ships, comparing past and present naval capabilities, and considering the symbolic and practical lessons that battleships impart to modern and future naval strategy. The episode concludes with a tribute to Corporal Delbert K. Sand, reflecting on the human costs and historical sacrifices that underscore naval history.