BWSC Visits U.S. Naval War College, Newport

   The Blue Water Sailing Club's winter seminar series reached new heights with a day-long visit to the Naval War College in Newport, RI.  Organized by members Wendy Keller and Mark Gabrielson, over fifty members and their guests had a BWSC-exclusive tour of the War College Museum and then were transfixed by a lecture by Prof. John Hattendorf, Chairman of the Department of Maritime History and Director of the Museum.  Dr. Hattendorf told the story of the US Navy's presence in Narragansett Bay beginning prior to the Revolutionary War.  He also gave the history of the War College itself, America's oldest college for advanced naval strategic training.

   Members and guests then strolled down the hill to the Officer's Club, enjoying the sparkling day and views of the Pell bridge and early spring boating traffic.  They had an hour-long social gathering and hot buffet lunch prepared by the Officer's Club staff.  Then Dr. Joan Johnson-Freese, NWC faculty member and noted expert on international space policy, gave a fascinating talk on China and India's space programs and discussed the security of America's space assets like the GPS system and Search and Rescue (SAR) communications capabilities. The sailors in the room fully appreciated the importance of Dr. Johnson-Freese's work.  The day ended with a book give-away organized by Wendy Keller and a book signing by Dr. Johnson-Freese.  Everyone departed with a better understanding of what goes on behind the grey granite walls of the Naval War College, a place many have sailed past and wondered...