TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 New NWC President

3 PNWC Letter

New Corporate Support

4 Letter from the Executive Director

5 Planned Giving – Pamela Ribbey

6 Ethics Conference

7 Faculty Spotlight – Martin Cook

8 Corporate Spotlight – Northern Trust

Upcoming Events

9 Sailor Recognition

Colombia President Visit

10 George Will Lecture

11 Evolution of Carrier Aviation

12 Civil War Era Sword

NSDM Gets New Name

13 Robert Agostinelli

14 NCC Class of 2011

15 Foundation Store

16 Wisecup Farewell

A deeper understanding

The Bridge

On 30 March, all duties associated with the Office of the President of the Naval War College were passed from its 52nd President, RADM James P. “Phil” Wisecup, to the 53rd President, RADM John N. Christenson. Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), ADM Gary Roughead officiated at the ceremony in Spruance Auditorium.

The Distinguished Service Medal was presented to RADM Wisecup for his superb leadership and dedicated service during his more than 28-month tenure as the War College’s President.

In his remarks, ADM Roughead commended the Naval War College for its role in shaping our nation’s

future military leaders. He stated that the War College, under RADM Wisecup’s leadership, has allowed us to “keep one hand on the past while reaching for the Navy we must be in the future.” He continued looking to the future, stating that RADM Christenson is the right officer to ensure the War College continues providing the nation with the critical thinkers it needs in these turbulent times.

In his remarks, RADM Wisecup thanked the CNO for the privilege of serving as the leader of this great institution. He also thanked the War College’s faculty and staff

www.nwcfoundation.org tel: 401 848-8300 fax: 401 848-8302 May 2011 Volume 9

The Naval War College Welcomes its 53rd President

53rd President continued on page 2

(l-r) RADM Phil Wisecup, ADM Gary Roughead, RADM John Christenson

2Photos by MCC (AW/AC) Robert Inverso and NWC Public Affairs Office 2

New President NWC – rAdM John N. Christenson USN

for the support they provided him and our students during his tenure. RADM Wisecup also expressed his appreciation to the Naval War College Foundation for its continued support to the college, citing the Foundation’s funding of the John A. van Beuren Chair of Asia-Pacific Studies as just one example of the wonderful partnership we enjoy.

Upon reading his orders assigning him as the 53rd President of the Naval War College, RADM Christenson told those assembled that he believed the War College was “at flank speed and dead on course for the future.” He closed by telling the students their orders were to “read, study, think and write” and that in doing so their lives would be

changed forever, as his was when he studied at the Naval War College.

The ceremony was attended by members of RADM Wisecup’s and RADM Christenson’s families, numerous distinguished guests, along with the War College students, faculty, staff, and Foundation members.

The Foundation congratulates RADM Christenson on his new assignment and wishes RADM Wisecup continued success as he and his family move to Washington, D.C., where he will assume the duties of the Navy’s Inspector General and be promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral.

Professor Robert L. Carney

RADM John Christenson became the 53nd president of the US Naval War College on March 30, 2011. He most recently served as President, Board of Inspection and Survey. The fourth of six sons of a Navy Skyraider pilot and a Navy nurse, he graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1981.

At sea, he served as the anti-submarine warfare officer and main propulsion assistant aboard USS Cook (FF 1083), aide to commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group 1 in USS Long Beach (CGN 9), weapons officer aboard USS Downes (FF 1070), Destroyer Squadron 21 combat systems officer in USS Nimitz (CVN 68), and as executive officer aboard USS Harry W. Hill (DD 986). He commanded USS McClusky (FFG 41), Destroyer Squadron 21 in USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), and Carrier Strike Group 12, the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Strike Group. He deployed eight times on seven ships and twice in command of McClusky.

Ashore, he served at the US Naval Academy

as company officer, celestial navigation instructor, assistant varsity soccer coach and member of the admissions board, at Headquarters United States Marine Corps in the Strategic Initiatives Group, the Joint Staff, J5 and executive assistant to the assistant chairman, in command of the Surface Warfare Officers School in Newport, and as a new flag officer as the commander of Naval Mine and Anti-submarine Warfare Command, Corpus Christi.

He graduated with distinction from the Naval War College, earning his

master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. He was also a Navy Federal Executive Fellow at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

Christenson has been awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (four awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Navy Commendation Medal (five awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal.

NWC Welcomes 53rd President continued from page 1

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This will be the last article I have the privilege to write for “The Bridge.” As I sit here in my office looking out on the Narragansett Bay, it is hard to imagine how quickly the time has passed since our family arrived in the fall of 2008. We have made so many terrific new friends, reacquainted with old friends and were blessed to be surrounded by so very many talented people. Please know that we are truly grateful for the inspiring support of the faculty, staff and students and the Naval War College Foundation. You all are a blessing. Simply put, we could not function without you.

In one of my previous columns I stated “from where I sit, the need for this school and the Foundation’s support for the College’s programs has never been greater.” That has not changed and, if anything, has increased in this time of significant budget pressures. Looking at the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and the upheaval throughout North Africa and the Middle East, the rapid pace of change in the world has not and will not subside in the near term, making what we are doing in Newport all the more important. I really believe this.

We are immensely proud of our partnership with the Foundation. Some simple highlights of accomplishments I’ve been privileged to witness:

Outgoing President Salutes The Foundation1. receiving funds to endow the first of six Regional Studies Chairs, the John A. van Beuren Chair of Asia-Pacific Studies, 2. refurbishment of the historic Mahan Reading Room and the technological upgrade of Spruance Auditorium,3. development and awarding of a major maritime history prize (for major contribution to the advancement of the study of maritime history), The Hattendorf Prize – and I was here to see it funded with the inaugural prize and check to be awarded in October 2011,4. with the Foundation’s help, the evening lecture program has seen some very interesting speakers such as George Will,

Sylvia Earle, and Dr. Robert Ballard. All in all, the Naval War College has certainly felt the impact of the Foundation’s first ever year of million dollar support. The “edge” that the Foundation provides has never been sharper.

Anne and I thank you for all that you do in support of the Naval War College. Words simply cannot express our gratitude for the significant and profound impact the Foundation is making, here and now. We will miss the fine friends and stimulating experiences we have gained here in Newport, and will always look very fondly on our memories here. We wish you all the best.

RADM James “Phil” Wisecup, USN

Please Welcome and Thank Our Newest Corporate Supporters!• Corporate Leader, Northern Trust, Located in Boston, MA

• Corporate Partner, Infrastructure Group, Incorporated, located in New York City, NY

• Corporate Member, ISS Facility Services, Incorporated, located in Livingston, NJ

• Corporate Member, Northern Trust, located in Stamford, CT

• Corporate Member, Sargent Aerospace & Defense, located in Tucson, AZ

• Corporate Member, The Kruse Group, located in Richboro, PA

• Corporate Small Business Member, Lodestar Logistics Corporation, located in Houston, TX

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Dear Foundation Member,

During the first quarter of this year the Foundation staff was able to catch its collective breath and I was able to reflect on the terrific successes we had in 2010. We raised more than $2,500,000 in support of a broad range of projects at the College.

These initiatives strengthened the curriculum, bolstered the library, brought world-class speakers to the College, and upgraded technology in student classrooms. The funds also enhanced historic collections, funded student prizes, and sponsored faculty research travel. It was a fantastic year, and your support of the Foundation adds a visible and very sharp edge to the College.

With your considerable help, membership dollars grew by 17% in 2010, with the vast majority derived from individual and corporate membership upgrades. Our Annual Campaign had more donors and raised more dollars than ever before! We are, indeed, grateful for all of your support…

So today we celebrate a wonderful year past and squarely face the challenge of continuing to hone the College’s edge!

As I write, we have 13 project proposals from the College in hand, an all-time high, ranging

in size from $4,000 to $2 million. The projects include five Regional Studies Chairs, several conferences, up to three post-doctoral teaching fellowships, and some smaller yet noteworthy initiatives including museum procurements and continuing classroom technology upgrades.

Many of these efforts have naming possibilities for those who wish to link their family name to

the world-renowned work and reputation of the College.

Let me close by welcoming RADM John Christenson to the helm of the College. He is an exceptional leader and scholar who will undoubtedly make an important mark at the NWC and add to the momentum and reputation of this exceptional institution.

I would also like to wish RADM Phil Wisecup and his family smooth sailing as he leaves the Naval War College for his new post in Washington, D.C. where he will assume the duties of the Navy’s Inspector General and be promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral.

In closing, I look forward to seeing many of you in Newport next month!

RADM Roger T. Nolan, USNR (Ret.)

A message from the executive director

In our efforts to reduce paperwork, we are sending more and more invitations by email. Even the College this year is sending out CSF invitations by email. We would like to make sure you are informed of upcoming events, special lectures and other opportunities.

If your email has changed, or if you are not receiving these notices, please email your name and email address to our Events Manager, Stephen Stasiuk. You can contact him at Stephen.Stasiuk@usnwc.edu and he will make sure your file is updated.

Foundation going green with emails

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One of Pam Ribbey’s earliest and most vivid memories of her grandfather, Captain Charles Hamilton Maddox, USN (1886-1964), is of a conversation while constructing an erector set bridge on the floor one Christmas morning. With the natural curiosity of a child, she asked her grandfather about her mother’s vague statement that he “had served in Pearl Harbor.” Her innocent inquiry, “What does that mean?” transformed her grandfather. His smile faded, and he fell uncharacteristically silent.

His reaction, and his persistent reluctance to discuss Pearl Harbor the rest of his life, inadvertently led Pam on a quest. After his death, she researched his service. Pam learned that her grandfather gave the orders to sink a hostile Japanese midget submarine at the entrance to Pearl Harbor, just over an hour before the air attack.

Later, she located dozens of Pearl Harbor survivors with whom she maintained friendships for years. After 50 years of silence, some of the survivors finally began to share the long held, but rarely spoken memories — stories about bold and decisive moves and heroic acts that were never acknowledged.

Today, Pam wants to do her part to make sure the stories are told and the lessons they reveal are understood. She firmly believes that a more complete study of the events of this period will shed light on a fateful period in our nation’s history that cannot be forgotten.

In what she characterizes as a moral imperative

that could not be ignored, Pam has made generous planned gifts — specifically, the Captain Charles Hamilton Maddox Research Grant and The Hattendorf Prize — that will support the College’s mission. She was able to structure the gifts so that her Charitable Remainder Trust at the Foundation will eventually help to endow the Prize in a tax-advantaged manner.

The savings and investment realized as a result of this structure were secondary. Her primary

objective in making the gifts was to further the College’s core objectives: The study of US Naval history to ensure that the lessons of the past will help to guide decisions that will be made in the future.

C A P T M a d d o x treasured the education he received at the NWC from 1935 -1939. She recalls that he viewed his time at NWC as pivotal to his illustrious naval career which included ground breaking naval intelligence staff work in collaboration with British Empire forces in the Atlantic in the late 1930s and intelligence operations at Pearl Harbor in the Pacific from 1940-1941.

The Foundation and the Naval War College are profoundly grateful for these generous gifts, which together allow for the expansion of a body of research on important and largely unstudied aspects of Anglo-American naval cooperation for the Pacific War in the 1935-1945 period. More details on each of these initiatives, including an article on the first recipient of the Prize, when identified, will follow in later editions of The Bridge.

Planned giving as a Loving Tribute

To learn more about Planned Giving Opportunities through the Naval War College Foundation and how you can create a lasting legacy, please contact Eric Archer at 401-848-8300 or via email at eflaw@yahoo.com.

Pam and her grandfather, Christmas 1961

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ethics Conference engages Students & Foundation Members

Professional commitment, technology and even perseverance were common elements of the major Professional Military Ethics conference of the 2010-11 academic year in February — and not just amongst the speakers and topics. Inclement weather presented a challenge for the College staff and presenters who were snowed in, or out. The last minute adaptations and logistics they pulled off to make it possible for the presenters to share their expertise with the audience through videoconferencing actually underscored the theme of the conference.

As students in the Junior Class, members of the Foundation and other community guests gathered for the opening presentation of the three-day conference the morning of Feb. 1, the technology staff executed feats of wizardry. Ultimately, all but one of the speakers was able to deliver their presentation. All sessions were recorded and are available on the Naval War College website for viewing at www.usnwc.edu/Events/Ethics-Conferences/February-2011-Ethics-Conference.aspx.

Speakers and topics included Dr. Don Snider, “Strategic Leaders: Stewards of the Profession of Arms;” Dr. George Lucas, “Ethics and Emerging Military Technologies;” Dr. Richard Kohn, “Reconciling Civilian Control with Military Effectiveness: The Primacy of Military Professional Norms and

Values;” LTC Andrew Milburn, USMC “Breaking Ranks;” Professor Charles Dunlap, “Lawfare: Legal and Ethical Constraints in Modern Warfare;” and Dr. Brian Orend, “Post-War Justice: What, If Anything, Do We Still Owe Iraq and Afghanistan.”

As the conference wrapped up, students and Foundation members took the opportunity on the final afternoon to discuss and review the presentations together. The annual February conference is the second of three dedicated ethics events during the academic year. The first, delivered by Dr. Martin Cook, The Admiral James Bond Stockdale Professor of Professional Military Ethics at the Naval War College, occurs on the afternoon of the Fall Convocation.

This presentation highlights the importance of ethical reflection as a bedrock of the War College education. (For more information about Dr. Cook and the role of ethics education at the College, see Faculty spotlight, page 7.)

The academic year will conclude on May 20 with a one-day conference, which will feature an address by GEN Jack Keane, former Vice Chief of Staff of the Army and the architect, from retirement, of the Iraq “surge” policy; Lieutenant General Eric Schoomaker, Surgeon General of the Army, who will address ethical dimensions of care of returning veterans; and Major Linell Letendre, USAF JAG, who will address the ethical and constitutional issues in balancing First Amendment issues regarding religious practices in the military.

Although these three events are specifically dedicated to ethics during the year, the theme of ethics runs throughout the curriculum. Each of the teaching departments integrate the consideration of ethics, as appropriate, into the core curriculum. The Ethics Program at the War College is intended to augment the core curriculum by posing more concentrated ethical questions and providing resources to the teaching faculty and students to assist them in recognizing and understanding the ethical dimensions of the curriculum as they progress through their studies.

Dr. Don Snider

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Shortly after convocation each fall, Dr. Martin Cook, the Admiral James Bond Stockdale Professor of Professional Military Ethics, sets the framework for the student’s ongoing ethics deliberations that will run throughout the year long curriculum. Drawing parallels to the medical and legal professions, he builds a strong case for viewing military leadership as a profession that has its own, unique ethical obligations. “The usual joke is that military ethics is a contradiction in terms,” he quips; however, even the briefest conversation with him reveals his passion for helping prepare senior officers for the decisions they will face in the future. Cook views this as crucial, noting that the ethical dilemmas will look quite different as the officers become more senior. The issues become more complex and require the development of skills in moral reasoning and subtlety that go well beyond any of the standard approaches to problem solving.

Although not a military man, Cook was born into a military family and has lived around the military most of his life. Giving up a tenured position in the humanities to teach at the Air Force Academy in 1991, he explains that this move, together with the ongoing 1991 Gulf War, made him realize that the universe of people who have a Philosophy background and knowledge of the military is actually quite small. As he puts it, “You need to take the time to understand how the military works from the inside out. You have no credibility with these guys just for having a PhD. One of the tests of professional ethics is being relevant to them and the situations they face every day. You can’t just be an armchair philosopher. You have to be deeply engaged with the profession.” Words that Dr Cook strives to live up to on a daily basis.

Faculty Spotlight: Martin Cook Sets A high Standard For Professional ethics

Dr. Cook serves as a professor of Leadership and Ethics with the College of Operational and Strategic Leadership and is also the co-editor of The Journal of Military Ethics. To view Dr. Cook’s professional profile, visit www.usnwc.edu/Academics/Faculty/Martin-Cook.aspx

PassagesOver the last nine months the Foundation has been notified of the passing of 29 of its members. We offer our sincere condolences to their families and friends.

Founder MembersRADM Bernard S. Browning SC, USNR (Ret.) Mr. Robert C. HuntMr. John L. Roper IIIThe Honorable Fraser Wilkins

Corporate Small BusinessMr. George L. Davis, Scarborough Partners, Inc.

Life MembersMr. Andrew N. BaurMr. Edward B. Connelly

Mr. Jeffrey D. KridaMr. John E. KushnerMr. Anthony J. Lutkus Mr. Robert J. MarkovicMr. Sumner J. Waring Jr.CAPT Alden T. Wulff USNR (Ret.)

Associate PartnerMr. Stephen W. Spencer

Associate MembersMr. Irving KesslerDr. Don W. McCoyMiss Priscilla Manning Porter

Graduate PatronCAPT Clifton B. Cates Jr. USN (Ret.)

Graduate Life MembersCAPT Harry F. Fischer Jr. USN (Ret.), CNW 58LCDR Patrick J. Mack USCG, CNC&S 06CAPT Sinclair S. Martel USN (Ret.), CNW 77CAPT George A. O’Connell Jr. USN (Ret.), CNW 47CAPT Edward M. Porter Jr. USN (Ret.), CNW 67

Graduate MembersDr. Rodney V. Cox Jr., CNW 78CDR Gregory V. Gushaw USN (Ret.), CNC&S 74VADM Michael P. Kalleres USN (Ret.), CNC&S 71CAPT Clifton R. Largess Jr. USN (Ret.), CNC&S 55, CNW 63CDR Richard E. Selvitz USN (Ret.), CNC&S 57CAPT David A. Webb USCG (Ret.), CNW 64

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When William Buccella, the president of Northern Trust in Massachusetts, first visited the Naval War College last year, he was uncertain it would fit into Northern Trust’s philanthropic giving strategy.

With an expansion of Northern Trust’s core asset management, asset servicing and banking businesses underway in Rhode Island and throughout the northeastern United States, Buccella was open to the concept of embracing another community partner — if it was a good fit.

As Buccella learned more about the NWC and the Foundation, the mutual value of a partnership came into focus. “Our clients are passionate about community service and leadership. These are key areas the Naval War College strives to cultivate in its students and those align well with Northern Trust’s principles,” Buccella said.

Buccella attended the lecture of renowned ocean explorer Dr. Robert Ballard in December at the NWC. “It was an honor to hear Dr. Ballard’s insights, and to speak with the Fleet Commander for the

Corporate Spotlight: Northern Trust Provides Support to the NWC Foundation

USS Eisenhower and Admiral Wisecup,” he said.

Northern Trust, founded in 1889 and headquartered in Chicago, services successful individuals, families, foundations and privately held businesses through its Personal Financial Services business unit. Corporate and Institutional Services serves the complex needs of corporations, governments and public entities as well as investment managers, financial institutions, larger endowments and foundations, insurance companies and sovereign wealth funds worldwide. As of December 31, 2010, Northern Trust had $644 million in assets under investment management and $4.1 trillion under custody.

Northern Trust has a rich tradition of community service.

The company dedicates a substantial amount of resources, both financial assets and volunteer hours, to community outreach and support with a focus on education, culture and social welfare. In 2010, Northern Trust employees donated nearly 200,000 hours of work to charitable causes and the company donated $14.2 million globally.

Over the next several months, there are a number of exciting events our members will be hearing about. Below is just a partial listing. For more information, please visit our website at www.nwcfoundation.org and don’t forget to check your email!

3 Jun Commemoration of the Battle of Midway 6 Jun Annual Foundation Members Meeting and Luncheon — All members are invited to attend. 7-8 Jun Current Strategy Forum 2011 — Hosted by the Secretary of the Navy. Topic is “Energy

and National Security: Vulnerability and Opportunity.” This event is by invitation only. 9 Jun Student Award Ceremony. This event is by invitation only. 10 Jun Graduation Ceremony. This event is by invitation only. 20-24 Jun Annual International Law Conference. For information, please call 401.841.4632 16 Aug Convocation — With guest speaker Dr. Clifford L. Stanley. This event is by invitation only. 16 Aug Ethics Conference. This event is by invitation only. 29 Nov Annual Dinner in Philadelphia — Union League of Philadelphia. Save the date!

Upcoming Events

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Sailor recognition and Awards Program

Former Colombian President Visits the NWC

Former President of Colombia Alvaro Uribe (3rd from right) dines with Chairman Peter Pelletier (4th from right), Trustees and Members of the Naval War College Foundation while visiting the College in March 2011.

Above, YN1 (SW) Eric R. Wilmoth’s wife Lori, and five-month-old son Donovan, accept the award from RADM Wisecup and RADM Nolan on his behalf. Wilmoth

is currently on assignment in Afghanistan.

At the Awards Ceremony in Spruance Lobby on 25 February 2011, the following Sailors were recognized:

Senior Sailor of the Year 2010

YN1 (SW) Eric Wilmoth

Junior Sailor of the Year 2010

IC2 (SW) General Livingston

Sailor of the 1st Quarter 2011

LN2 Fitima Falcher

In addition to official Navy recognition, each received a monetary award courtesy of the Sailor Recognition Program established by NWC Foundation Trustee Emeritus Edward M. Polk. The Foundation salutes these outstanding petty officers and wishes them continued success.

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Addressing a packed Spruance Auditorium, the distinguished political columnist George Will, an unabashed conservative, had plenty to say on just about every contentious political issue currently on the agenda within the halls of government. In his straight-forward style, he explained that the real problem today is that we aren’t governing ourselves well at all.

With a rapidly aging population, a shrinking percentage of taxpayers supporting a bigger government and a burgeoning sense of entitlement in society in general, the fiscal system simply isn’t in balance. Yet, we seem steadfast in our rejection of simple measures to stop it.

The problem: although these measures are perfectly understandable, they would require a degree of personal accountability that, at the moment, we seem unwilling to employ, he

said. As a result, the national debt is moving into uncharted territory. To cap it all, the situation is only going to get worse over the next 30 years, as the “Baby Boomer” generation retires.

Although he didn’t have many kind words for the “boomers,” who he said have simply lived beyond their means, he pointed out that they are also a symptom of a greater problem. He acknowledged that the issue is far-reaching and impossible to place at the feet of any single generation. Decades of irresponsible credit habits from individuals, corporations and governments has led to the current situation. It isn’t just a case of deciding to become “thrifty” again either — that would simply stagnate the economy and create even more problems. Nor, he believed, is it possible to “re-flate” by embarking on a large, “New Deal” style public

“it’s not rocket Science…but it won’t be easy either!”works spending spree. This has no history of success, in any context.

Finding an answer is a very serious and vexing business. As Will put it, “how can the world’s largest borrower be the world’s greatest power?” Sobering thoughts for students at the War College, where the connections between fiscal solvency and power are acknowledged, but rarely stated in such direct terms.

In Will’s opinion, recovery will begin as an individual commitment. It will depend on our collective willingness to begin saving again. It also means becoming personally accountable for our own quality of life and making intelligent choices that will provide for our own future. Everyone is living far longer than was predicted when Social Security was established, and we need to take measures to adjust its entitlements to better reflect the modern facts. A higher retirement age is an obvious start, but what is really needed is a renewed sense of personal accountability across the board. As he put it: “fixing social security is easy, but finding the political willingness to do so is the hard part.”

Professor Angus K. Ross

This Contemporary Civilization Lecture was sponsored by the NWCF through the generosity of the Colonel John A. and Eileen F. Carr Fund and the Edwin S. Soforenko Foundation

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This year marks the centennial anniversary of naval aviation. It has been a remarkable history of innovation, sacrifice and victory in battle. Foundation members may not realize the important role the Naval War College played in the development of naval aviation.

After returning from duty as Commander, US Naval Forces in Europe during World War I, Admiral William Sims began his second stint as President of the College. He returned as an aviation enthusiast.

Soon after taking up station in Newport, he directed the Tactics Department, now the Wargaming Department, to conduct a series of games to explore the potential of aviation at sea. These games revealed that the aircraft carrier could be a powerful weapon, but only if it could operate a sufficient

Within six months he developed the mid-ships barrier that would stop aircraft that missed the arresting wires. After arrestment, the barrier would be lowered and the aircraft taxied forward to park on the deck. Thus aircraft could land within a minute of each other. Langley went from operating 12 aircraft to 48. The rest, as they say, is history.

The “triangle of innovation” consisting of the NWC, the Fleet and OPNAV continued throughout the inter-war years to spark the development of further improvements to naval aviation. Former battleship officers such as Admiral Sims, Admiral Reeves and Admiral King, all NWC graduates, played key roles in the early history of the Navy’s air arm.

Professor Robert “Barney” Rubel

number of aircraft. At the time, in the early 1920s, the newly converted USS Langley could only realistically operate a dozen aircraft. This was due to the fact that the crew had to lower each airplane, individually, down to the hangar deck after landing before the ship could embark the next one. By the time number twelve had landed therefore, given the short fuel endurances of the day, number thirteen would be out of gas.

Admiral Moffett, chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics, received these game reports from Newport, and decided to order Captain Joseph Reeves, director of the College’s Tactics Department, to San Diego as Commander Aviation Squadrons, with instructions to find a way to operate more aircraft from Langley.

The evolution of Carrier Aviation

USS Langley from this… to this

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The late Professor Neill H. Alford, Jr., of the University of Virginia has left to the Naval War College Foundation the sword once carried by LT Alfred Thayer Mahan during the Civil War. Professor Alford directed in his will that the sword be donated in memory of VADM Bernard L. Austin, who had been the President of the NWC at the time that Professor Alford held the Stockton Chair of International Law at the College in 1961-62.

Neill H. Alford, Jr. (1919-2007) a long-serving law professor at the University, had a strong interest in history and collected historical autographs, documents, books and militaria. He had earned his BA in history from The Citadel in 1940. During World War II, Alford was an infantry officer in the Army’s 65th Division and fought in France,

duty with the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Less than a year later, in September 1862, Mahan was assigned to the Naval Academy staff at Newport, RI, where he served in the

Seamanship Department under LCDR Stephen B. Luce.

The Higgins Armory in Worcester, MA, will conserve the sword, using funds provided by the NWC Foundation. Upon completion, the sword will become a permanent part of the new “Naval Academy in Newport, 1861-1865” display in the NWC Museum. Here it will be an iconic artifact that links the Naval Academy and the NWC through the key figures that taught and studied at the Naval Academy during the Civil War and later went on to become the early leaders of the NWC.

Germany, and Austria, earning the Bronze Star and combat badge. He remained on active duty until 1946 in charge of a displaced persons camp near Linz, Austria, and officer in charge of the allied government of Berchtesgaden. After his military service, he graduated from the University of Virginia Law School in 1947, and earned his JSD degree from Yale University Law School in 1966.

Mahan received his 1852 type US naval officer’s sword, engraved with his name and the date of his promotion to Lieutenant, 31 August 1861, just before reporting to USS Pocahontas for combat

Naval War College Museum Acquires Mahan’s Civil War era Sword

The National Security Decision Making (NSDM) Department at the Naval War College officially changed its name to the National Security Affairs (NSA) Department in March. The name was changed to better reflect the nature and scope of the curriculum and to improve understanding of the department’s important role, both within the College and beyond.

In announcing the change, which was effective March 1, 2011, College Provost AMB Mary Ann Peters said, “The name is intended to encompass the full scope of the curriculum, which focuses broadly on the applied study of contemporary national security affairs.”

NSA has also revised course names to better differentiate the

of Defense. His most recent post was as a Senior Research Fellow at the National Defense University.

In an interview shortly after his appointment, Cooper said, “The (NSA) faculty features a significant amount of talent and benefits from the diversity of having active duty military, retired military and career civilian scholars on board.” Cooper said, “We require this high degree of professional ability from our faculty because we’re preparing our students to understand the complexities of the contemporary national and international security environments and to function effectively as leaders at different levels in the national security decision-making process.”

By David Reese

significant difference in focus between the senior and intermediate levels. The department is making these strategic changes under relatively new leadership provided by Dr. David Cooper, who joined the College in August 2011 as the Chair of then-NSDM. Dr. Cooper comes to the NWC after a career as a foreign and defense policy member of the Senior Executive Service in the Office of the Secretary

NWC’s National Security department gets New Leader, New Name

Dr. David Cooper

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Financier discusses implications of US Fiscal Situation

In a typical display of the many and varied resources available through the Foundation, noted financier Robert Agostinelli, co-founder of the Rhône Group, gave a standing room only lecture in the newly refurbished Mahan Reading Room on February 15. Speaking on the implications for US national security as a result of the policy decisions taken in reaction to the 2008 financial crisis, Mr. Agostinelli shared his insights and views with faculty, students, and Foundation trustees and members.

He argued that since the meltdown, the US and global financial sectors remain more fragile than may meet the eye. He explained that while the initial reactions by US policy makers may have temporarily stabilized the

liquidity crunch, the decisions to pick “winners and losers” and to not allow companies to go bankrupt may have negative long term implications. Chief amongst these could be a massive drag on future US economic growth, which could result in some unprecedented intrusion into our freedoms.

On the subject of China, he argued that the US simply could not afford to support the current level of deficit spending and that unless policymakers face this head on, the US will continue to give China greater sway over our affairs. He noted that the China Investment Corporation (CIC) controls hundreds of billions of US dollars, most from buying US debt, and while there is currently a mutual interdependence between China and the US, this

(l-r) RADM Roger Nolan, Bret Stephens, Robert Agostinelli, Dr. Daniel Thys, John Kennedy

could change over time. US policymakers must therefore be prepared for possible national security repercussions.

After a very spirited question and answer period, Mr. Agostinelli answered the final question: “What keeps you awake at night?” “Debt out of control; entitlement spending out of control; and loss of economic freedom and opportunity”, is what he replied.

Following the lecture, Mr. Agostinelli attended a small gathering in the Naval War College Museum, where he surprised attendees with his generous presentation to the Museum of a replica of the flag that flew over John Paul Jones’ ship, USS BON HOMME RICHARD. The flag and plaque are currently on display in the Strategic Studies Group spaces.

Dr. Andrea J. Dew and contributions from

The Bridge staff

Stay Connected with Salve Regina University!

Did you attend the Naval War College and have a degree associated with Salve Regina University? If so, Salve Regina wants to hear from you. Learn about volunteer and networking opportunities by contacting the Office of Alumni/Parent Programs. Salve Regina offers regional and on-campus events throughout the year and welcomes your participation. Please contact Kate Brezina, Office of Alumni/Parent Programs, at 401-341-2159 or alumni@salve.edu.

(l-r) RADM Roger Nolan, Bret Stephens, Robert Agostinelli, Dr. Daniel Thys, John Kennedy

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Field Studies Program Visit to West Coast inspires NCC Class of 2011

Traveling is nothing new for the members of the Naval Command College Class of 2011. However, a unique component of the NCC – the Field Studies Program (FSP) – provides a new perspective on travel and learning for these senior international officers. During their year at NCC, the class will travel about 50 days visiting 17 cities throughout the United States and participating in more than 75 official visits this year together. They explore and see aspects of the country that many Americans may never see or fully appreciate.

The purpose of these trips is to provide a balanced understanding of U.S. institutions, ideals, society, and an increased awareness of internationally recognized human rights. The students gain a perspective of U.S. history, customs, culture, business, government, and the military.

One particular trip so far was a standout: in January, the class visited the Muir Woods National Monument, located about 12 miles north of San Francisco. The park, named after naturalist John Muir whose environmental campaigns helped establish the national park system is the first to be created from lands donated by a private individual, and was named a national monument on January 9, 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt.

In the spring of 1945, delegates from 50 countries met in San Francisco to draft and sign

the United Nations Charter. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt died on April 12, 1945, shortly before he was to have opened the United Nations Conference. On May 19, the delegates held a commemorative ceremony in tribute to his memory in Muir Woods’ Cathedral Grove, where a dedication plaque was placed in his honor. The NCC Class of 2011, consisting of 50 officers from 48 countries, had the distinct privilege of standing in the exact location of that dedication. The class gained insights on the National Park System in the U.S., Redwood Forests, and the United Nations deliberations – three significant objectives in just two short hours.

After the trip, CDR Jan van Zanten (Netherlands and NCC 2011 Class President) and CAPT Mansour Almesad (Kuwait and NCC 2011 Class Vice President) said: “We as a class enjoy these FSPs tremendously. It’s such a special privilege, being among each other, traveling, learning and experiencing the beautiful United States…visiting places that even most Americans do not see…. Sharing cultures, personalities and politics among friends in another setting than a classroom is eye opening and the perfect foundation for everlasting friendships. During the last trip to the West Coast, surrounded by the spectacular nature, we were inspired to come up with our NCC 2011 class motto: lunctus per amicitia: United through Friendship.”

NCC 2011 at Cathedral Grove in Muir Woods – 29 Jan 2011

NWC Foundation Museum Store

Please visit our website for a wide variety of additional items at www.nwcfoundation.org or call us toll-free at 1-866-490-3334 and mention this ad. If you’re a member you’ll automatically receive 10% off your order. If you phone in your order and mention this ad, your savings will be 20%.

Not yet a member? Enjoy a 10% savings when you phone in your order.

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No matter the occasion… no matter your budget,there is something special waiting for you at

The Naval War College Foundation Museum Store!

“Little Luce” Luce Hall hand-painted miniature

$29.95 each

NWC Cross Pen and Stationery Gift Set contains box of NWC Crest writing paper and NWC cross pen in Blue $49.95 set

Sally Caswell Watercolor Print of Founders Hall, Luce Hall and

McCarty-Little Hall $54.95 ea.

NWC PillowHand Embroidered

$269.99 ea.Windsor Embossed Diploma Frame Windsor Moulding with gold inner rim, NWC Crest embossed into the matting$125.00 each

Classic Medallion Diploma Frame Matte finish moulding with an NWC medallion embedded into the blue matting$150.00 each

NWC Crest Ties in the all-over crest pattern in Navy, Green and Burgundy$34.95 each

NWC Leather Book Marks 9” long, in Navy, Black, Burgundy and Forest$9.95 each

NWC Leather Luggage Tags in Black, Forest, Burgundy and Navy Blue$12.95 each

NWC Wine Carafe $18.95 ea.

NWC Red Wine Glass $8.95 ea.

NWC White Wine Glass $8.95 ea.

NWC Wine Glass “Fluzie”choose Royal Blue or Yellow$9.95 ea.

NWC Mini Picture$42.95 each

NEW NWC Black/Cobalt

Blue coffee mug with crest

$8.95 each

NWC Black/ Cobalt Blue Soup Mug and Spoon Set with crest $11.95 each

NoN-Profit orgaNizatioN

U.S. PoStage PaiD

NewPort, riPermit No. 00253

Naval War College FouNdatioN, iNC.686 CUShiNg roaD

NewPort, rhoDe iSlaND 02841-1213

www.nwcfoundation.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Please Leave The Recipes! At a recent “farewell” reception for Rear Admiral Phil Wisecup, the Executive Director of the Foundation,

Rear Admiral Nolan, vocalized the thoughts of many who have been entertained so royally so many times during the Wisecup’s tenure and have become accustomed to their preferred European fare for hors d’ouevres. As the date of the change of command approached, he explained that he was becoming increasingly anxious to know whether any of Anne Wisecup’s wonderful French recipes were going to be left behind! Anne duly reassured all present that this would indeed be the case, clearly a relief for many!

Chairman of the Board Peter Pelletier and the Executive Director presented Admiral Wisecup with an original artwork, which is also an authentic artifact of Luce Hall. Painted by local artist, Gerald York, on one of the original slates taken from that same hall during its recent renovations, the gift left Admiral Wisecup visibly moved. He noted that there were few other imaginable gifts that could combine so many memories of the family’s time in Newport than an actual piece of the landmark College building itself.

l-r, Chairman Peter Pelletier, RADM Phil Wisecup, Anne Wisecup and RADM Roger Nolan.

Photo by Mr. Gerald P. York