In 1803, the US lost one of its best ships when Bainbridge hit uncharted rocks. According to Anthony Irvin, the Philadelphia was “one third of Preble’s Squadron.”

The recent “no-fly” zone has proved that Nato is not needed. In the case of Germany and Turkey’s apparent objections, it seems that Nato was not even heeded. Nato is a relic of the Cold War. It serves to annoy China and Russia, two countries who feel targeted by it. It is nothing more than […]

In October, I had no idea what was going to happen in North Africa.  Yet, I felt drawn to write a history of the “Barbary pirates.” I didn’t yet realize what would happen this year, nor did I know that Hollywood was already working on a film on that subject. The first time I remember […]

Today, in 1804, Stephen Decatur led a small band in a ketch to destroy a warship.  Horatio Nelson is said to have called it “the most bold and daring act of the age.” Well, I can’t verify Nelson having said that, but if he did then he was blockading Toulon at the time. What we […]