Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, Maryland, 2017.
Reviewed by Rear Admiral John D. Butler, United States Navy (Retired), Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
Wells served in both British Intelligence and the Royal Navy as a British citizen and then later in U. S. Intelligence and the United States Navy as an American citizen. In this book, Wells writes of the
US-UK Special Relationship forged during World War II and follows the unique and enduring relationship our two navies have enjoyed through the course of the Cold War to current day. The book is not a formal history and strict chronology of the period but rather a presentation and analysis of key events during that period, along with the interactions of the two navies. The themes of each of its chapters are based on criteria that reflect on what drives change at all levels; from the high-level institutional and organizational aspects of political-military decision making down to the effects of significant technical changes that in due course impact policy making and operations.
Wells has written this book as an instrument of naval thinking, not only how it impacts every level of naval activity but also how it relates to strategic decision making and the national defense. He seeks a dialog between the author and the reader so that individu- ally and collectively they may contribute to the debate on actions needed to keep both countries’ naval strategies deeply rooted and focused on well-reasoned fact, intellectual integrity and rigor to support an enduring US-UK global maritime strategy. This insightful look at the special relationship is especially relevant given emerging and increasing threats both nations face today.
No matter your level of knowledge about the period addressed in this book, there will be new facts revealed to you throughout. His unique perspective of the challenges faced by both navies and the special relationship they have experienced, is highlighted through his presentation of such events as the attack on USS LIBERTY, the Walker spy ring, and the Falklands War. The author’s ability to weave together historical events and his own experiences and research, make this book a delightful read.
