USNI Happy Hour - Newport

A typical "smoker" at Naval Auxillary Air Station (NAAS) Oceana, in which a hangar has been converted into a boxing auditorium. Note the Navy band at left, in uniform, the aircraft under repair in the background and the (admittedly few) female guests. These events were sailors' entertainment in the mostly rural part of Princess Anne County (Virginia Beach).

From the USNI Blog.

Mid 20th Century the “Happy Hour” was a common occurrence in the USN. It was an opportunity for sailors to blow off some steam, and maybe even get a little exercise. Also known as a “smoker,” in those days a “Happy Hour” was usually series of boxing or wrestling matches when the ships weren’t busy.

In our post-prohibition world it means something a bit different, but still gives us a chance to blow off some steam. On Thursday, 12 December, The Naval Institute will host a Happy Hour in Newport, Rhode Island for members, prospective members, or anyone who wants to show up to talk about daring “to read, think and write” about sea power and national security.

A member of our Editorial Board will be there to answer questions, and some writers and thinkers who have contributed to the Institute to share some of their experiences. While there will be no punches thrown, sparing over strategy and grappling with the naval issues of the day will be encouraged.

If you are in Newport, please join us to splice the main brace at the USNI Happy Hour/Social:

The Malt
150 Broadway
Newport, RI
12 December 2013, 1700 until the tab runs out or the grog runs dry.

More of this.

Every year for the past several I have found a way to get a hold of the unclassified final winning papers from the Spring graduating class at the Naval War College. Yes, I've even driven from Albany to Newport and attended the awards ceremony to beg for copies of papers. Every year in reflection, some of those papers represent the best thing I read all year - and I read a lot.

I am convinced the Naval War College is, consistently every year, one the most incredible idea factories on the topic of seapower in the world. It is unfortunate that few of those ideas are exposed to the general public despite these papers being unclassified. In seeking the reason why, I have found that the overwhelming majority of students believe it is better for their career not to have their work published, no matter how good it is. That perception says a lot, and nothing good.

Personally, I think the NPS model of posting everything online is better, and I do hope one day the Naval War College takes a similar approach.

I have long believed that USNI is the one organization that could positively make a difference to the situation if they can get folks who write excellent material to take a few hours, condense those works, and somehow funnel the material into USNI for publishing via the range of publishing options available at the Institute (Proceedings, Web, Multiple Article Collections on a Single Topic for Books, etc.). This "Happy Hour" appears to me an excellent opportunity to move the ball down the road a bit, and I hope every one in Newport with an interest in Seapower shows up to support this activity - both faculty and students.