A Tale of Two Navies: Geopolitics, Technology, and Strategy in the United States Navy and the Royal Navy, 1960-2015

by Anthony R. Wells

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781682471203
Publisher:	Naval Institute Press
Publication date:	01/15/2017
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.20(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Anthony Wells is currently a visiting senior research fellow at the Center for Intelligence and Cyber Security, King’s College, London. He is the only living person to have worked for British intelligence and served in the Royal Navy as a British citizen and to also have worked for U.S. intelligence and the U.S. Navy as a citizen of the United States. He lives in Virginia

Table of Contents

List of Illustration ix

Acknowledgements xi

Introduction 1

Chapter 1 Organizational Change and Strategic Priorities impact the US Navy and the Royal Navy 6

Chapter 2 Limited War in the Nuclear Era: Impact on the US Navy and the Royal Navy 40

Chapter 3 The Technology Race Is On: The US and Royal Navies Face an Emerging Soviet Navy That Seeks Technological Parity 54

Chapter 4 The 1960s The Soviet Navy Challenges the US Sixth Fleet and the Royal Navy 66

Chapter 5 The US Navy and Royal Navy as Key Echelons of American and British Intelligence 99

Chapter 6 The Soviets Shift Gears and Make Serious Challenges at the Time of the Walker Spy Ring 121

Chapter 7 A Real Shooting War at Sea: The Falklands Campaign of 1982 140

Chapter 8 The Changing Tide: The Demise of the Soviet Union and the End of the Cold War 158

Chapter 9 The 1990s: A Decade of Rising Threats in the Middle East and a Period of Retrenchment with the End of the Cold War 172

Chapter 10 Conflicts, Minor Wars, and the World-Changing Event of 9/ll: The US Navy and Royal Navy in a New Era 191

Chapter 11 The New Challenge in the Middle East, the Rise of China, and a Possible Challenge from Russia 201

Chapter 12 The Sea in Future Strategy: The Future Partnership of the United States Navy and Royal Navy 220

Source Notes 225

Bibliography 232

Index 237

Editorial Reviews

The book is well suited for U.S. Navy and Royal Navy officers who wish to understand the relationship between the two Navies. I highly recommend this book as an excellent reference.” – The Hook “A Tale of Two Navies provides an interesting and readable account of a lengthy naval partnership that continues to play a vital role in ensuring global maritime security.” —Warship “Bringing his extensive experience in both navies to bear, Wells provides a revealing look at the importance of naval thinking and how it impacts not only every level of naval activity, but also national defense.” – SeaTechnology Magazine “A Tale of Two Navies has a place on the shelves of all who study and strive to understand the importance of effective maritime partnerships and strategy.” — TheStrategyBridge.com and RealClearDefense.com “Anthony Wells has called upon his vast and incredibly impressive experiences to shine a light on a this “unique relationship within a special relationship.” The shared history of both the American and British people and their navies, in concert with shared visions for how the world ought to function is indeed special. But, beyond simply being special, this relationship is critical in underwriting global security. A Tale of Two Navies has a place on the shelves of all who study and strive to understand the importance of effective maritime partnerships and strategy.” — TheStrategyBridge.com and RealClearDefense.com “The first chapter, which is worth the price of the book, compares the American and British political systems within which each navy exists, emphasizing the impact of organizational structures and bureaucratic changes over the course of the late twentieth century. A Tale of Two Navies provides an insider’s account of the concerns, especially in undersea warfare, and challenges faced by the American and British navies during the latter half of the Cold War. The book is recommended for general readers interested in an insider’s perspective on the Cold War at sea.” — H-WAR “A Tale of Two Navies provides an insider’s account of the concerns, especially in undersea warfare, and challenges faced by the American and British navies during the latter half of the Cold War. The book is recommended for general readers interested in an insider’s perspective on the Cold War at sea.” — H-WAR “Wells’ work is an excellent acquisition for those who want to expand their thinking on modern maritime affairs.” – The Northern Mariner In "A Tale of Two Navies," we have a refreshing new look at the special relationship of Britain and America written by an Englishman, Anthony Wells..." —The Washington Times “The author, who served in intelligence roles for both navies, is especially qualified to analyze the special relationship that endures between the two navies as well as the two nations.” – Seapower Magazine “The author’s ability to weave together historical events and his own experiences and research, make this book a delightful read.” – The Submarine Review "This book should be read and discussed by anyone with an interest in maritime strategy." — Naval War College Review “Few know how intertwined the American and British navies are, how they became that way, and what that means for all of us. On these subjects, Anthony Wells is the perfect instructor. Drawing on a lifetime of work at the center of both institutions, he illuminates a modern relationship fundamental to our freedom.” — RICHARD DANZIG, 71st Secretary of the U.S. Navy “This is a labour of love. Having served in both the Royal Navy and the U.S. Navy, particularly on the intelligence side, Tony Wells demonstrates affection for them both, and a keen grasp of their cultures and structures. He brings unique perspective to his analysis of the challenges they have faced together since 1960, with some fascinating insights into such incidents as Israel’s sinking of USS Liberty in 1967 and the 1982 Falklands War.” — SIR LAWRENCE FREEDMAN, Emeritus Professor of War Studies, King's College London “Tony Wells served in both the U.K. Ministry of Defence and the U.S. Department of Defense, making him the ideal author to investigate the close ties between the Royal and American navies. By combining his extensive personal experience and considerable research, Wells defines and follows our navies’ ‘special relationship’ through the course of the Cold War to current day. Wells’ ability to weave together historical events with his own experiences makes A Tale of Two Navies a must read.” — REAR ADM. JOHN D. BUTLER, USN (Ret.), Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire “Few people are as uniquely well equipped as Anthony Wells to write an account of the close and special relationship, forged in the crucible of conflict and the Cold War, between the two most capable and effective navies in the world. His penetrating and informed analysis offers us all hope for the continuance of an alliance which makes the world a safer place.” — VICE ADMIRAL SIR JEREMY BLACKHAM, Knight Commander of the Bath, editor, The Naval Review

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