The next-true life NCIS story from New York Times bestselling authors Mark Harmon and Leon Carroll, Jr.

Panama, 1989. The once warm relationship between United States and Gen. Manuel Noriega has eroded dangerously. Newly elected President George Bush has declared the strongman a drug trafficker and a rigger of elections. Intimidation on the streets is a daily reality for U.S. personnel and their families. The nation is a powder keg.

Naval Investigative Service (NIS) Special Agent Rick Yell has worked the job in Panama since 1986, and lives there with his wife Annya and infant child. Like most NIS agents, he's a civilian with no military rank with a specialty in working criminal cases. The dynamic changes suddenly when Yell inadvertently develops an intelligence source with unparalleled access to the Noriega regime. Now the agent is thrust into a world of spy-versus-spy, of secret meetings and hidden documents.

Yell's source - known as The Old Man - warns when Cuban military personnel arrive and identifies anti-American officers within the Panamanian Defense Forces, provides information about an imprisoned CIA asset and helps track Noriega's movements, agitating for the dictator's kidnapping. The reports created by Yell and his NIS colleagues shape the decisions made in Washington D.C., CIA headquarters in Langley and the innermost sanctums of Pentagon.

The powder keg is lit on December 16, 1989, when a young U.S. Marine is gunned down at a checkpoint in Panama City. Yell and his cadre of trusted agents deploy immediately to investigate the killing, and what they determine will decide the fate of two nations. When President Bush hears the details they uncover, he orders an invasion that puts Yell's family, informants and fellow agents directly in harm's way.

Using a blend of research and interviews with the NIS agents who were directly involved, Ghosts of Panama reveals the untold, clandestine story of counterintelligence professionals placed in a pressure cooker assignment of historic proportions.

Award-winning author Michael Walsh looks at twelve momentous battles that changed the course of Western history.

A sequel to Michael Walsh's Last Stands, his new book A Rage to Conquer is a journey through the twelve of the most important battles in Western history. As Walsh sees it, war is an important facet of every culture - and, for better or worse, our world is unthinkable without it. War has been an essential part of the human condition throughout history, the principal agent of societal change, waged by men on behalf of, and in pursuit of, their gods, women, riches, power, and the sheer joy of combat.

In A Rage to Conquer, Walsh brings history to life as he considers a group of courageous commanders and the battles they waged that became crucial to the course of Western history. He looks first at Carl Von Clausewitz, the seminal thinker in the Western canon dealing with war. He then moves on to Achilles at Ilium, Alexander at Gaugamela, Caesar at Alesia, Constantine at the Milvian Bridge, Aetius at the Catalaunian Plains, Bohemond at Dorylaeum and Antioch, Napoleon at Austerlitz, Pershing at St.-Mihiel, Nimitz at Midway and Patton at the Bulge with a final consideration of how the Battle of 9/11 was ultimately lost by the U.S. and what that portends for the future.

A compelling (The Wall Street Journal) account of the only mutiny in the history of the United States Navy--a little-known but once notorious event that cost three young men their lives--part murder mystery, part courtroom drama, and as propulsive and dramatic as the bestselling novels of Patrick O'Brian.

On December 16, 1842, the US brig-of-war Somers dropped anchor in the New York Harbor at the end of a voyage intended to teach a group of adolescents the rudiments of naval life. But this routine exercise ended in catastrophe. Commander Alexander Slidell Mackenzie came ashore claiming he had prevented a mutiny that would have left him and his officers dead. Some of the thwarted mutineers were being held under guard, but three had already been hanged at sea: Boatswain's Mate Samuel Cromwell, Seaman Elisha Small, and Acting Midshipman Philip Spencer, whose father was the secretary of war, John Spencer.

Eighteen-year-old Philip Spencer, according to his commander, had been the ringleader who encouraged the crew to seize the ship and become pirates so that they might rape and pillage their way through the northern coast of South America and the Caribbean. While the young man might have been fascinated by stories of pirates, it soon became clear the order that condemned the three men had no legal basis. And, worse, it appeared possible that no mutiny had actually occurred, and that the ship might instead have been seized by a creeping hysteria that ended in the sacrifice of three innocents.

Months of accusations and counteraccusations were followed by a highly public court-martial that put Mackenzie on trial for his life, and a storm of anti-Navy sentiment drew the attention of such leading writers of the day as Herman Melville and James Fenimore Cooper. But some good did come out of it: public disgust with Mackenzie's hapless training gave birth to Annapolis, the distinguished naval academ that within a century would produce the mightiest navy the world had ever known.

Vividly told and filled with tense shown directly in court-martial transcripts, Richard Snow's masterly account of this all-but-forgotten episode is a hell of a yarn (Kirkus Reviews) and naval history at its finest.

Akagi and Kaga were the second and third aircraft carriers to enter service with the Imperial Japanese Navy. Akagi was initially laid down as a battle cruiser, and Kaga as a battleship; both hulls were converted into aircraft carriers during the 1920s. The two ships played key roles in most of the early engagements of the Pacific War, and both were sunk at the Battle of Midway.

This is the illustrated history of both ships, including a historical synopsis, full technical description, and more than 100 photographs and diagrams. Naval historians Lars Ahlberg and Hans Lengerer have established themselves as experts on and specialists in the warships of the Imperial Japanese Navy during WWII. Their work is differentiated by being primarily driven by the utilization of Japanese-language primary source material.

From twenty-two-year naval and marine veteran Montel Williams comes a page-turning history of how one World War II aircraft carrier's crew defied all odds, redefining the very meaning of what it means to struggle, persevere and survive.

1944. The USS Intrepid set sail on its first combat voyage, only to be struck by a Japanese torpedo plane, jamming its rudder at a forty-five-degree angle. It could only sail in circles amid treacherous waters.

The task force abandoned ship as it tried to make the 3,300-mile voyage to Pearl Harbor. For a day, the captain was able to slalom, alternating use of the ship's engines, but the seas became too perilous. Until one resilient crewman came up with the ingenious idea of rigging a 3,000-square-foot high sail on the second deck to steer the ship home safe. Incredibly, the makeshift sail proved to be their ticket to the shorelines.

With grit and determination, this spellbinding story details a remarkable survival story against all odds, for readers of Tom Clavin and Bob Drury.

The at-sea department head is among the most challenging surface navy assignments. Prospective and serving department heads will find this collection of best practices and helpful advice invaluable in preparing for these demanding roles. Offering an overview of the relevant billets, the practical guidance from successful department heads provides pragmatic advice in employing effective leadership and management tools, supporting command leadership, and integrating sound watch-standing practices. The Surface Warfare Officer's Department Head Guide is an important addition to the professional libraries of surface warfare officers seeking success in their coming tour and beyond.

For more than a decade this annual volume has provided an authoritative summary of all the developments in the world's navies and their ships in the previous twelve months. It combines regional surveys with major articles on important new warships and looks at wider issues of significance to navies such as aviation and weaponry. The contributors come from around the globe and as well as providing a balanced picture of naval developments, they interpret their significance and explain their context.

As well as its regular regional reviews, a major feature of the 2025 edition is an analysis of the naval lessons of the Russo-Ukrainian war, while this year's Significant Ships describe in depth the U.S. John Lewis class AORs, French Suffren class SSNs and Italian Paolo Thaon di Revel class offshore patrol vessels. The regular Regional Reviews summarize developments in the world's naval forces but also spotlight the lesser-known fleets of Portugal and the Philippines. In the Technology section, David Hobbs provides his broad-ranging annual survey of naval aviation. Norman Friedman outlines trends in naval technology since the Cold War, while Richard Scott analyses the AN/SPY-6 radar, and the editor looks at the challenges surrounding the delivery of new Royal Navy warships.

Now firmly established as the only annual naval overview of its type in the world, the Seaforth World Naval Review is essential reading for professional and enthusiast alike. It takes the reader to the heart of contemporary maritime affairs.

Explore San Diego's Nautical Past: From Township Origins to Iconic Shipyards, Uncover Local Navy History, Impactful Events, and Intriguing Stories.

Dive into the vibrant maritime history of San Diego with The History of Shipyards in San Diego. This comprehensive guide takes you on an enlightening journey through the evolution of the city's original township, its pivotal relocation, and the subsequent growth that paved the way for the emergence of iconic shipyards.

This book unravels the intertwined history of the local Navy, the fishing industry and the Port of San Diego, shedding light on their significant roles in shaping the local shipbuilding industry, also exploring the fascinating history of Barrio Logan, a community with deep-rooted connections to this industry.

The economic upheavals of the Great Depression and the global conflicts of the World Wars had a profound impact on the shipbuilding industry. The narrative then seamlessly transitions into a detailed examination of 25 shipyards, revealing intriguing insights about their origins, founders, and unique stories.

The book also has graphical representations of the shipyards' operational timelines and their geographical locations on the San Diego Bay map, providing a visual and chronological perspective of their existence. Two captivating chapter brings to life lesser-known tales about the area, the industry, and the renowned local ships associated with the shipyards and the city.

The journey culminates with a chapter that encapsulates 125 years of historical shipyard events in a chronological listing, providing a holistic understanding of San Diego's shipyard history. From the early stages of the original township to the rise of shipyards as a powerhouse industry, this book enriches your knowledge of San Diego's nautical past and its enduring maritime legacy. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to appreciate the historical depth and cultural richness of this vibrant coastal city.

Before the ink was dry on the U.S. Constitution, the establishment of a permanent military became the most divisive issue facing the new government. The founders--particularly Jefferson, Madison, and Adams--debated fiercely. Would a standing army be the thin end of dictatorship? Would a navy protect from pirates or drain the treasury and provoke hostility? Britain alone had hundreds of powerful warships.

From the decision to build six heavy frigates, through the cliff-hanger campaign against Tripoli, to the war that shook the world in 1812, Ian W. Toll tells this grand tale with the political insight of Founding Brothers and the narrative flair of Patrick O'Brian.

A New York Times bestseller

The secret history of America's submarine warfare is revealed for the first time in this vividly told, impressively documented, (The New York Times) and fast-paced chronicle of adventure and intrigue during the Cold War.

For decades, only a select and powerful few knew the truth about the submarines that silently roamed the ocean in danger and in stealth, seeking information and advantage. Based on six years of groundbreaking investigation into the silent service, Blind Man's Bluff uncovers an epic story of adventure, courage, victory, and disaster beneath the surface. With an unforgettable array of characters from the Cold War to the twenty-first century, Sontag and Drew recount scenes of secrecy from Washington, DC, to the depths of the sea. A magnificent achievement in investigative reporting, Blind Man's Bluff reads like a spy thriller with one important difference: everything is true.

A battleship of the Pennsylvania class, USS Arizona is most famous for her disastrous loss, along with over 1,000 of her men, during the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor.

Armed with 12 14-inch guns, and numerous smaller weapons, Arizona was one of the most powerful warships in the world when commissioned in 1917.

This volume illustrates the modifications and improvements made to the ship during her service, and her subsequent loss and partial salvage. Today the battleship remains on the bottom of Pearl Harbor, spanned by a memorial to the sacrifice of her men.

Through carefully researched archival documents and photographs, author David Doyle has constructed a pictorial history of this warship and the men who crewed her, featuring more than 300 photographs.

It was late November--one of the coldest periods to be on a ship near Alaska. The Coast Guard Cutter Jarvis had run aground during a severe storm and was taking on water. The engine room flooded, disabling the engines. Mountainous seas and gale force winds pounded the Jarvis, and to make matters worse, the ship was floating toward a rocky coastline that would surely destroy it and probably kill most, if not all, of the men.

The ship's captain ordered an emergency message be sent to the Seventeenth Coast Guard District Office in Juneau requesting Coast Guard assistance. But there were no Coast Guard assets near enough to provide immediate help.

At 7:04 p.m., for one of the few times in Coast Guard history, a MAYDAY call for help would come from a Coast Guard vessel.

This is the incredible story of the grounding and near sinking of the USCGC Jarvis and how her crew fought to save their ship--and themselves--from disaster.

WAS THE JAPANESE ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR INEVITABLE?

It's November 1941. Japan and the US are teetering on a knife-edge as leaders on both sides of the Pacific strive to prevent war between them. But failed diplomacy, foiled negotiations, and possible duplicity in the Roosevelt administration thwart their attempts.

Drawing on now-declassified original documents, Diplomats & Admirals reveals the inside story of one fateful year, including:

- How the hidden agendas of powerful civilian and military leaders pushed the two nations toward war

- The miscommunications, misjudgments, and blunders that doomed efforts at peace

- China's role in the US ultimatum that triggered the attack on Pearl Harbor

- Why the carrier-to-carrier showdown at Coral Sea proved a fatal mistake for Japan

- How courageous US navy pilots snatched victory from defeat at the Battle of Midway

The defining events of WWII could have ended very differently. Combining perspectives from both military and civilian leaders, Diplomats & Admirals uncovers new insights into the Pacific naval battles that shaped the world-and the men behind them.

Throughout the chronicle of Britain's history, one factor above all others has determined the fate of kings, the security of trade, and the integrity of the realm. Without its navy, Britain would have been a weakling among the nations of Europe, could never have built or maintained the empire, and in all likelihood would have been overrun by the armies of Napoleon and Hitler. Now, for the first time in nearly a century, a prominent naval historian has undertaken a comprehensive account of the history and traditions of this most essential institution. N. A. M. Rodger has produced a superb work, combining scholarship with narrative, that demonstrates how the political and social history of Britain has been inextricably intertwined with the strength-or weakness-of her seapower. From the early military campaigns against the Vikings to the defeat of the great Spanish Armada in the reign of Elizabeth I, this volume touches on some of the most colorful characters in British history. It also provides fascinating details on naval construction, logistics, health, diet, and weaponry. A splendid book. It combines impressively detailed research with breadth of perception....[Rodger] has prepared an admirable historical record that will be read and reread in the years ahead.--Times [London]

The first-hand account of life as a surfman by one of the most skilled boat handlers in the Coast Guard at one of the USCG's most dangerous stations, Cape Disappointment in the state of Washington.

Always a classic and now even better--a masterful account of one of history's most poignant and tragic secrets.--Lee Child

Now available in an updated trade paperback edition, In Harm's Way is the bestselling adrenaline-charged account of America's worst naval disaster during World War II--and of the heroism of the men who, against all odds, survived.

On July 30, 1945, the USS Indianapolis was torpedoed in the South Pacific by a Japanese submarine. An estimated 300 men were killed upon impact; close to 900 sailors were cast into the Pacific Ocean, where they remained undetected by the navy for nearly four days and nights. Battered by a savage sea, they struggled to stay alive, fighting off sharks, hypothermia, and dementia. By the time rescue arrived, all but 316 men had died. The captain's subsequent court-martial left many questions unanswered: How did the navy fail to realize the Indianapolis was missing? Why was the cruiser traveling unescorted in enemy waters? And perhaps most amazing of all, how did these 316 men manage to survive?

Interweaving the stories of three survivors--the captain, the ship's doctor, and a young marine--journalist Doug Stanton has brought this astonishing human drama to life in a narrative that is at once immediate and timeless. The definitive account of a little-known chapter in World War II history, In Harm's Way is a classic tale of war, survival, and extraordinary courage.

- Notorious incident: In 1967 the spy ship USS Liberty was attacked by Israeli fighter jets and torpedo boats in international waters during the Six-Day War. Thirty-four sailors were killed and more than 170 wounded, many critically. Israel claimed mistaken identity, which a U.S. naval court of inquiry confirmed, but that explanation is contradicted by the facts of the case.

- Based on new revelations: James Scott has interviewed Liberty survivors, senior U.S. political and intelligence officials, and examined newly declassified documents in Israel and the United States to write this comprehensive, dramatic account. He reveals that officers in Israel's chain of command were aware of the Liberty' s identity and shows how events in Vietnam prompted the American government to deemphasize the attack despite widespread disbelief of Israel's story.

- The son of an attack survivor: Scott's father, John, was an officer and engineer aboard the Liberty who was awarded the Silver Star for helping to save the ship from sinking.

A sweeping, lavishly illustrated one-volume history of the rise of American naval power during World War II

When he is at his best, as he often is in these pages, Kennedy can be dazzling.--Ian W. Toll, New York Times

The book makes for enjoyable reading, owing to the author's easygoing style. . . . Kennedy is an academic who does not write like one; he writes a story, not a treatise.--Robert D. Kaplan, Washington Post

Engrossing.--Brendan Simms, Wall Street Journal

In this engaging narrative, brought to life by marine artist Ian Marshall's beautiful full-color paintings, historian Paul Kennedy grapples with the rise and fall of the Great Powers during World War II. Tracking the movements of the six major navies of the Second World War--the allied navies of Britain, France, and the United States and the Axis navies of Germany, Italy, and Japan--Kennedy tells a story of naval battles, maritime campaigns, convoys, amphibious landings, and strikes from the sea. From the elimination of the Italian, German, and Japanese fleets and almost all of the French fleet, to the end of the era of the big-gunned surface vessel, the advent of the atomic bomb, and the rise of an American economic and military power larger than anything the world had ever seen, Kennedy shows how the strategic landscape for naval affairs was completely altered between 1936 and 1946.

The United States Coast Guard traces its origins to 1790, but was not officially named until 1915. At last there is one definitive volume describing its history from inception to the present. The author, Thomas P. Ostrom, served in the USCGR from 1961-69, and had basic and advanced training at the USCG Base, Alameda, California. He served subsequently in the Port Security Reserve Unit in Duluth, Minnesota, and participated in monthly and active duty assignments each summer, earning petty officer rank.

Breverton's Nautical Curiosities is arranged into thematic chapters:

1) 1) The ocean environment - animals, geography, geology, weather, coasts, islands

2) 2) Ship types and parts - from the first boat to the latest cutting-edge technology

1) 3) People - heroes, heroines, pirates, sailors, captains

2) 4) Disasters, battles, wars

3) 5) Literature - stories, myths, legends, proclamations, acts, orders

4) 6) Nautical sayings and slang

Breverton's Nautical Curiosities is about ships, people and the sea. However, unlike many other nautical compendiums, the focus of this book is on the unusual, the overlooked or the downright extraordinary. Thus, someone most of us do not know, Admiral William Brown, is given equal coverage to Admiral Nelson. Without Admiral Brown releasing Garibaldi, modern Italy might not exist. And without the barely known genius John Ericsson designing the Monitor, the Confederacy might have won the American Civil War. Readers will be stimulated to read more about the remarkable men - explorers, admirals and trawlermen - who have shaped our world.

The sea has had a remarkable effect upon our language. We hear the terms 'steer clear of', 'hit the deck', 'don't rock the boat', 'to harbour a grudge' and the like, and give little thought to them. In the pages of this book, the reader will find the origin of 'bumpkin', a 'brace of shakes', 'born with a silver spoon', 'booby prize', 'to take on board', 'above board', 'bombed' (in the sense of being drunk), the 'blues', 'blind-side', 'blind drunk', 'the pot calling the kettle black', 'reach the bitter end', 'wasters', 'ahoy', 'all at sea', 'to keep aloof', 'piss-artist', 'taken aback', 'barbecue'' and 'bamboozle'. Other colourful terms, which have passed out of common usage, such as 'bring one's arse to anchor' (sit down), 'belly timber' (food) and 'bog orange' (potato) are also included, as well as important pirate haunts, technical terms, famous battles, maritime inventors and ship speed records.