A Tale of Two Navies

A Tale of Two Navies is an analysis of the unique relationship between the United States Navy and the Royal Navy from 1960 to present. This loosely chronological study examines the histories, strategies, operations, technology, and intelligence activities of both navies. The special intelligence relationship is highlighted by unique knowledge and insights into the workings of U.S. and British intelligence. Bringing his extensive experience in both navies to bear, Anthony Wells provides a revealing look at the importance of naval thinking — how it impacts not only every level of naval activity, but also national defense as a whole. A Tale of Two Navies probes selective key themes and offers a discourse between the author and readers. Throughout, Wells challenges his reader to consider how the U.S. and the U.K. can best collaborate to advance their common strategic interests. This insightful look at the “special relationship” is especially relevant given emerging and increasing threats from China, Russia, and radical Islamist terror organizations. The readers are presented with questions as this study unfolds for example - how should we best exploit emerging technologies for the strategic and tactical benefit of both navies and that fit optimally the national security needs of the US and UK? This book is about naval thinking its impact at every level of naval activity and interaction with national defense in its many complexities - providing a framework for thinking through where both navies need to go in the future and why, and perhaps most of all how to steer a successful course through what is often a minefield of opponents, who do not always grasp the basics of maritime strategy. The book provides thought provoking guidance and stimulation a thoughtful dialogue with each reader to individually and collectively contribute to the debate and actions that need to be taken in order to keep both countries naval strategies deeply rooted and focused on well-reasoned fact, intellectual integrity, and rigor. This book aims to provide a bedrock experience that can help shape the future. This book is singular in its field - with new material, insights, and analysis - presented in a dialogue format to challenge the reader to think and consider - not tell - to relate the facts, analyze, and draw conclusions. However, the abiding conclusion of this book is the critical and enduring need for a US-UK joint maritime strategy now and for the future, and how this may evolve. The unique presentation of US-UK naval strategy, plans, policies, program, operations, and intelligence over the 55 year period presents the reader with new approaches and angles, particularly regarding the Special Intelligence relationship, that the two navies represent. The book exemplifies and challenges thought regarding the crown jewels of naval strategy - without hyperbole the book takes the thinking of past writers to a new level of not just information, but conceptual thinking that ensures the future need for, and dominance, of naval strategy.