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Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC)
@cimsec.bsky.social
170 followers 18 following 200 posts
Non-partisan think tank building a global community of practitioners and academics in maritime security.

CIMSEC is a non-profit, non-partisan think tank.

https://cimsec.org/
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"Charting a Course: Addressing Chinese Maritime Coercion Around Taiwan", by Anthony Marco and Nils Peterson

#MaritimeSecurity #GrayZoneConflict #TaiwanStrait

cimsec.org/charting-a-c...
Charting a Course: Addressing Chinese Maritime Coercion Around Taiwan | Center for International Maritime Security
By Anthony Marco and Nils Peterson On September 13th, 2025, a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel entered the restricted waters around the Republic of China’s (ROC) Dongsha Atoll, also known as the Prata...
cimsec.org
January 19, 2026 at 6:55 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
CIMSEC Is Hiring!

CIMSEC is looking for candidates to build out our technical support team with volunteers who can help manage and upgrade our Wordpress site, as we remake our website. Interested applicants can reach out to [email protected].

www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
CIMSEC Volunteer Position | CIMSEC: Center for International Maritime Security
CIMSEC Is Hiring! CIMSEC is looking for candidates to build out our technical support team with volunteers who can help manage and upgrade our Wordpress site. This is an important line of effort as w...
www.linkedin.com
January 14, 2026 at 8:56 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
Interview - RDML T.J. Zerr on Strengthening Surface Force Lethality

CIMSEC recently engaged the commander of the Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC), RDML T.J. Zerr, to discuss the latest developments and priorities of the command.

cimsec.org/rdml-t-j-zer...
RDML T.J. Zerr on Strengthening Surface Force Lethality | Center for International Maritime Security
By Dmitry Filipoff CIMSEC recently engaged with the commander of the Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC), RDML T.J. Zerr, to discuss the latest developments and priorities of the c...
cimsec.org
January 14, 2026 at 8:51 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
"Cosmetics versus Combat: Inspect for Warfighting Over Rust", by Spike Dearing

U.S. 7th Fleet ships operate on the front line, but an emphasis on appearance-focused upkeep over warfighting readiness risks degrading real combat performance.

cimsec.org/cosmetics-ve...
Cosmetics versus Combat: Inspect for Warfighting Over Rust | Center for International Maritime Security
By Spike Dearing From the moment we leave our homeports, the ships of 7th Fleet live under the shadow of Chinese weapons and in the ever-present gaze of their ISR network. We are far from home, and ve...
cimsec.org
January 13, 2026 at 2:49 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
SWO Specialization Week Concludes on CIMSEC

Last week CIMSEC published submissions to our Call for Articles on SWO specialization.

The lineup can be found at the link below, and we thank these authors for their excellent contributions.

cimsec.org/swo-speciali...
SWO Specialization Week Concludes on CIMSEC | Center for International Maritime Security
By Dmitry Filipoff Last week CIMSEC published submissions sent in response to our Call for Articles on whether U.S. Navy surface warfare officers should specialize. Authors offered a variety of viewpo...
cimsec.org
January 12, 2026 at 1:32 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
CIMSEC SWO Specialization Week

"The Surface Warfare Officer Career Path – An Egalitarian Construct in need of some Improvement", by Mike Fierro

#SWOSpecializationWeek #SurfaceWarfare #NavalLeadership #FleetReadiness

cimsec.org/the-surface-...

cimsec.org/swo-speciali...
The Surface Warfare Officer Career Path – An Egalitarian Construct in need of some Improvement | Center for International Maritime Security
SWO Specialization Week By Mike Fierro As a SWO, my career included serving as the Surface Commander Detailer and CRUDES Placement Officer. My career included four tours in engineering billets afloat ...
cimsec.org
January 12, 2026 at 1:27 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
Sea Control 594 — "From Hulls to Pods"

Dr. Emma Salisbury discusses her essay, “From Hulls to Pods: Why NATO’s Navies Should Beware of the Allure of Mission Modularity".

#SeaControl

sea-control.simplecast.com/episodes/sea...
Sea Control: 594: From Hulls to Pods | Sea Control
J. interviews Dr. Emma Salisbury about her essay “From Hulls to Pods: Why NATO’s Navies Should Beware of the Allure of Mission Modularity” in the new book in the ISPK SeaPower Series Guardians of the ...
sea-control.simplecast.com
January 11, 2026 at 1:36 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
CIMSEC SWO Specialization Week

"No Time to Specialize", by Chris Rielage

#SWOSpecializationWeek #NavalWarfighting #PacificSecurity.

cimsec.org/no-time-to-s...

cimsec.org/swo-speciali...
No Time to Specialize | Center for International Maritime Security
SWO Specialization Week By Chris Rielage SWO specialization was a good idea for the last generation of officers, but time is now too short. Implementing it in 2026, with the possibility of great power...
cimsec.org
January 8, 2026 at 8:38 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
CIMSEC SWO Specialization Week

"Specialization vs. Warfighting: Balancing Technology and the Human Element in War", by Gerry Roncolato

#SWOSpecializationWeek #HumanElement #NavalWarfighting #CommandAndLeadership

cimsec.org/specializati...

cimsec.org/swo-speciali...
Specialization vs. Warfighting: Balancing Technology and the Human Element in War | Center for International Maritime Security
SWO Specialization Week By Gerry Roncolato Introduction "Despite the remarkable developments in military technology, despite the weapons and machines which have vastly expanded our striking power, it ...
cimsec.org
January 8, 2026 at 8:35 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
CIMSEC SWO Specialization Week

"Preparing for the Future Fight: A Blended Career Path for Surface Warfare Officers", by Scott Mobley

#SWOSpecializationWeek #SurfaceWarfare #NavalLeadership #MilitaryEducation #MaritimeStrategy

cimsec.org/preparing-fo...

cimsec.org/swo-speciali...
Preparing for the Future Fight: A Blended Career Path for Surface Warfare Officers | Center for International Maritime Security
SWO Specialization Week By Scott Mobley Specialization debates are hardly new to the U.S. Navy or the Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) community. Rapid technological change over the past two centuries re...
cimsec.org
January 7, 2026 at 12:56 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
CIMSEC SWO Specialization Week

"The Merchant Marine Specialized 100 years ago. The Navy should have then, and needs to now.", by Jeffrey W. Jaeger

#SWOSpecializationWeek #Seamanship #MilitaryProfessionalism #SurfaceNavy #MaritimeLeadership

cimsec.org/the-merchant...

cimsec.org/swo-speciali...
The Merchant Marine Specialized 100 years ago. The Navy should have then, and needs to now. | Center for International Maritime Security
SWO Specialization Week By MIDN 1/C Jeffrey W. Jaeger, USNR Since 1899, the U.S. Navy has used a generalist career track for its surface warfare officers. This coincides with the Arthur administration...
cimsec.org
January 7, 2026 at 12:54 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
CIMSEC SWO Specialization Week

"SWO Specialization: Specialize by Platform Groups to Win the High-End Fight, Pt. 1", by LCDR JR Dinglasan

#surfacewarfare #navalwarfighting #MilitaryReform #greatpowercompetition

cimsec.org/swo-speciali...

cimsec.org/swo-speciali...
SWO Specialization: Specialize by Platform Groups to Win the High-End Fight, Pt. 1 | Center for International Maritime Security
SWO Specialization Week By LCDR JR Dinglasan, USN Introduction  To win the fight against a peer adversary, the navy’s surface warfare officer (SWO) community must display a level of warfighting profic...
cimsec.org
January 6, 2026 at 12:55 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
CIMSEC SWO Specialization Week

"The Commanding Officer Must Be a Fighting Engineer — Surface Warfare and Generalism", by Rob Watts

#SurfaceWarfare #USNavy #MilitaryLeadership #DefenseAnalysis

cimsec.org/the-commandi...
The Commanding Officer Must Be a Fighting Engineer — Surface Warfare and Generalism | Center for International Maritime Security
SWO Specialization Week By Rob Watts The debate over whether Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs) should be “generalists” or “specialists” is an old and vigorous one.1 For more than 125 years, SWOs have fo...
cimsec.org
January 5, 2026 at 1:04 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
SWO Specialization Week Kicks Off on CIMSEC

This week, CIMSEC is publishing submissions for our Call for Articles on whether U.S. Navy surface warfare officers should specialize.

Articles can be found at the link below and will receive ongoing updates.

cimsec.org/swo-speciali...
SWO Specialization Week Kicks Off on CIMSEC | Center for International Maritime Security
By Dmitry Filipoff This week CIMSEC is publishing submissions sent in response to our Call for Articles on whether U.S. Navy surface warfare officers should specialize. The long-running debate between...
cimsec.org
January 5, 2026 at 12:56 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
CIMSEC’s Top 10 of 2025

Our top ten most-viewed articles from 2025 can be found at the link below, and we look forward to an exciting year in 2026!

#YearinReview

cimsec.org/cimsecs-top-...
CIMSEC’s Top 10 of 2025 | Center for International Maritime Security
By Dmitry Filipoff In the past year, numerous authors wrote for CIMSEC to offer useful insights and analysis on a broad range of maritime security topics and naval affairs. We are grateful to our read...
cimsec.org
December 18, 2025 at 10:38 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
Sea Control 593 — Information and Warfighting with General Robert Neller

Host @briankerg.bsky.social talks with General Robert Neller, USMC (ret) to discuss the role of information in warfighting and the Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group (MIG).

#SeaControl

cimsec.org/sea-control-...
Sea Control: 593 Information and Warfighting with General Robert Neller | Center for International Maritime Security
Host Brian Kerg talks with General Robert Neller, USMC (Ret.) to discuss the role of information in warfighting and the Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group (MIG). General Robert Neller served...
cimsec.org
December 16, 2025 at 12:54 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
Annual Fiction Week Concludes on CIMSEC

For the last two weeks, CIMSEC featured short stories submitted in response to our Call for Fiction, available at the link below.

We thank them for their excellent contributions.

#CallforFictionWeek

cimsec.org/annual-ficti...
Annual Fiction Week Concludes on CIMSEC | Center for International Maritime Security
By Dmitry Filipoff For the last two weeks, CIMSEC featured short stories submitted in response to our Call for Fiction. Authors explored a wide variety of scenarios and dilemmas. From unmanned warship...
cimsec.org
December 16, 2025 at 12:52 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
Sea Control 592 — The US Coast Guard in the Aleutian Islands with Steven Hulse

Host Walker D. Mills talks with USCG CDR Steven Hulse about Coast Guard operations in the Aleutian Islands and the Bering Sea – and why they matter.

#SeaControl

cimsec.org/sea-control-...
Sea Control 592: The US Coast Guard in the Aleutian Islands with Steven Hulse | Center for International Maritime Security
Walker interviews U.S. Coast Guard Commander Steven Hulse about his Proceedings article, “Bases on the Aleutians Islands Would Project Power Across the Pacific.” Hulse discusses his own experience ope...
cimsec.org
December 12, 2025 at 1:12 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
Annual Call for Fiction Week

"What is Old Is New Again", by Michael Hanson

#CallforFictionWeek

cimsec.org/what-is-old-...

cimsec.org/annual-ficti...
What is Old Is New Again | Center for International Maritime Security
Fiction Week By Michael Hanson Summer 2031 When the war that the Marine Corps anticipated for more than a decade finally began in 2031, it didn’t unfold the way the Marines had expected, and certainly...
cimsec.org
December 12, 2025 at 1:10 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
Annual Call for Fiction Week

"Ghost Town", by Kenyan Medley

#CallforFictionWeek

cimsec.org/ghost-town/

cimsec.org/annual-ficti...
Ghost Town | Center for International Maritime Security
Fiction Week By Kenyan Medley USS John F Kennedy Philippine Sea 0237, 04 OCT 2034 Four years after the blockade of Taiwan… Commander Dave Anderson stared into the retina scanner on the bulkhead outsid...
cimsec.org
December 11, 2025 at 10:21 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
Annual Call for Fiction Week

"The Phantom’s Last Ride", by Karl Flynn

#CallforFictionWeek

cimsec.org/the-phantoms...

cimsec.org/annual-ficti...
The Phantom’s Last Ride | Center for International Maritime Security
Fiction Week By Karl Flynn March 13, 2026 “Grandpa, there’s a car coming up the driveway!” “OK, I’ll be right there.” Detlev Ganzhorn, grandfather of seven and a 30-year Navy veteran, handed the lates...
cimsec.org
December 10, 2025 at 1:09 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
Annual Call for Fiction Week

"Perspective", by Daniel Lee

#CallforFictionWeek

cimsec.org/perspective/

cimsec.org/annual-ficti...
Perspective | Center for International Maritime Security
Fiction Week By Daniel Lee The following takes place between the hours of 1000-1100 SMT on the surface of the planet Jyrmfür. Dominion forces occupy a heavily-fortified research complex under a large ...
cimsec.org
December 9, 2025 at 10:00 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
Annual Call for Fiction Week

"Fit to Print" by Ben Van Horrick

#callforfictionweek

cimsec.org/fit-to-print/

cimsec.org/annual-ficti...
Fit to Print | Center for International Maritime Security
Fiction Week By Ben Van Horrick  15 April 2027, 2354 EST 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY "Who else has this picture?" said Abe Collins, the Times' senior-most editor tonight. "The Teddy is sinking. Ev...
cimsec.org
December 9, 2025 at 9:58 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
Annual Call for Fiction Week

"No Fly Zone", by Bryan Williams

#callforfictionweek

cimsec.org/no-fly-zone/

cimsec.org/annual-ficti...
No Fly Zone | Center for International Maritime Security
Fiction Week By Bryan Williams RAMONA, CALIFORNIA. 1416R hours. 25 MAY 2029. Go figure, it all starts when he’s in the shower. He’s standing there in the cold water washing off the stink when the ligh...
cimsec.org
December 8, 2025 at 6:59 PM
cimsec.bsky.social
Annual Call for Fiction Week

"The Henry Protocol", by Joe Huskey

#callforfictionweek

cimsec.org/the-henry-pr...

cimsec.org/annual-ficti...
The Henry Protocol | Center for International Maritime Security
Fiction Week By LCDR Joe Huskey He leaned against the table, bent over at the waist. His breathing ragged, his heart raced, beads of sweat ran down his face, dripping from his chin and nose. Small poo...
cimsec.org
December 8, 2025 at 6:57 PM