21st Century Sims: Innovation, Education, and Leadership for the Modern Era

On April 30th, the Hudson Center for American Seapower will be honored to host a conversation with author and U.S. naval officer B.J. Armstrong on his second book, 21st Century Sims: Innovation, Education, and Leadership for the Modern Era.

For more than two decades William S. Sims was at the forefront of naval affairs. From the revolution in naval gunnery to his development of torpedo boat and destroyer operations, he was a central figure in preparing the U.S. Navy for both World War I and World War II. Sims served as the senior naval commander in Europe during the World War I and was instrumental in the establishment of the convoy system. Afterward, Sims became president of the Naval War College and established the foundation for the creative and innovative Navy that developed the operating concepts for submarines and aircraft carriers leading up to World War II.

Despite his dramatic impact on the U.S. Navy, Sims' books and articles are often overlooked. His lessons are especially important for today's military, facing both budget cuts and missions in transition. As a collection of Adm. Sims' written work, this book demonstrates his relevance in addressing the questions confronting today's military personnel and policymakers.

Hudson Center for American Seapower Director Dr. Seth Cropsey and Deputy Director Bryan McGrath joined LCDR Armstrong to discuss Sims, Armstrong's previous work on A.T. Mahan, and why continuing to evaluate the wisdom of these men is critical to America's maritime future.