UNCLAS Read Board with CDR Salamander

Latest Episodes:

Episode 47: 23SEP2026 Sep 24, 2026

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This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com

Summary

This episode explores recent developments in US military strategy, technology, and infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of fundamentals and realistic planning in national defense.

Key Topics

* US-Greenland-US relations and strategic agreements

* Impact of NATO and European NATO capabilities

* Development and deployment of the MQ-25A

* Challenges in mai…

Episode 46: 02SEP2026 Sep 03, 2026

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This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com

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* Operation Economic Outcast is a recipe for success against Iran, Richard Goldberg

* USS Abraham Lincoln Commander Dan Keeler arrives in Pattaya, Thailand

* U.S. Navy Ships deployed in Iran conflict graphic, @Schizointel

* The Guns at Last Light: The War in Western Europe, 1944-1945, Rick Atkinson

* Germany says Russia behind Leipzig airport drone attack

S…

Episode 42: 08JUL2026 Jul 09, 2026

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This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com

Key Topics:

* Reflection on America’s 250th celebration and patriotic observances, including the significance of the World Cup and tall ships.

* Analysis of Iran’s naval activities and the prospects of extended punitive campaigns in the Gulf.

* Insights into Ukraine’s ongoing conflict, new missile capabilities, and the normalization of long-range conventional st…

Episode 41: 17JUN26 Jun 18, 2026

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This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com

Summary

Sal discusses recent geopolitical developments including Iran’s negotiations, US military operations, UK military decline, Ukraine’s resilience, and global strategic shifts. This episode offers insights into current international security dynamics and future implications.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context of the Iranian Conflict

02:55 Goals an…

Episode 40: 03JUN2026 Jun 04, 2026

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This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com

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* Ukrainian FP-1/2 drone attacks Russian frigate Admiral Essen at the Novorossiysk Naval Base

* Ukrainian attack on the Kronstadt Naval Base

* Attack on Kuwait International Airport

* Saronic commentary by John Konrad on gCaptain

* AV-8B closes its story

* MQ-25A opens its story

* AUKUS update

Summary

Sal discusses the ongoing Ukraine conflict, its historical cont…

Episode 39: 20MAY2026 May 21, 2026

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This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com

Summary

In this episode, Sal discusses recent congressional testimonies by Navy leaders, the MQ-25 Stingray, and the realities of directed energy weapons on ships. He emphasizes learning from past military delays, the importance of technological progress, and the significance of understanding bureaucratic growth through Parkinson’s Law.

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* Acting S…

Episode 38: 06MAY2026 May 07, 2026

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This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com

Summary

A shorter than usual UNCLAS Read Board Podcast, with look around current naval developments, military actions in the Strait of Hormuz, the state of the Royal Navy, and Japan’s growing ties with its Western Pacific neighbors.

Chapters

00:00: Introduction and Overview of Current Naval Issues

03:24: The State of the Royal Navy

06:04: Japan’s Military D…

Episode 37: 29APR26 Apr 30, 2026

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This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com

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* Substack posts

* Did China Culminate and No One Noticed?

* I’ll take LCC-21, 22, and yes, 23 and 24, thank you

* So, the SECNAV has Departed

* CVN Status

* The Day of Battle: The War in Sicily and Italy, 1943-1944, by Rick Atkinson

Summary

Sal discusses current naval operations, geopolitical developments, and strategic insights, including the state of the US …

Episode 36: 15APR2026 Apr 16, 2026

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This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com

In this episode, Sal discusses recent naval activities, U.S. Iran tensions, and the strategic importance of maritime power. The conversation emphasizes the significance of maritime and aerospace capabilities in national security and offers insights into geopolitical choke points, regional alliances, and the future of U.S. military readiness.

Key topics:

* T…

Episode 35: 25FEB26 Feb 26, 2026

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This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit cdrsalamander.substack.com

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* NYT article on U.S. buildup around Iran.

* CSIS Graph mentioned by Shashank Joshi

* 2017 Navy Times article on Ford-class toilets

* Captain Luther’s note circa 2011/12 on the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77)’s plumbing issues

* Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s 2011 article on same issue

Summary