The MOC (Maritime Operations Center) is an online journal produced by the Center for Maritime Strategy. It engages in critical analysis of foreign affairs and defense issues, situating subjects within their wider implications and relation to the maritime domain.
Authors interested in submitting their work to The MOC should email Nick Weising at nweising@navyleague.org and follow the submission guidelines here.
Dangerous Encounters in the Western Pacific
May 14, 2026
By
Admiral James G. Foggo, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
The following article is a reprint and was originally published in 2023; it can be read here. It is important to remember that, in the last two weeks, the interactions between USS CHUNG HOON and a Chinese warship and an American P-8 Poseidon Marine Patrol Aircraft and a Chinese fighter jet took place in international […]
Gulf Security After the Iran War
May 14, 2026
By
Robert S. Wells
With the end of the Iran war on the horizon, a unique opportunity is at hand to establish a new Persian Gulf regional security framework that provides confidence to the maritime community, world energy consumers and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The last time we had a moment like this was in the aftermath of […]
Allied Competition or Collective Strength? The Risks of U.S. Shipbuilding Reshoring
May 12, 2026
By
Matthew Smith
The United States has renewed its focus on revitalizing domestic shipbuilding capacity as part of a broader effort to compete with China’s dominance in the maritime domain. Policymakers have increasingly viewed shipbuilding not only as an economic concern, but as a critical element of national security, enabling both naval readiness and the sustainment of maritime […]
Blue-water Navies: South Korea Becoming a Responsible Stakeholder
May 8, 2026
By
Nazia Kazi
South Korea’s geography places it in the heart of the geopolitical issues in Northeast Asia and the political relationships between its neighbors. Given the nature of the division of the Korean peninsula, the Republic of Korea (ROK) has a unique position as an emerging global leader in an increasingly destabilizing security environment. Prior to the […]
The Jones Act Waivers Aren’t Achieving Stated Purpose But Hinder Long Term Maritime Goals
May 7, 2026
By
John D. McCown
On March 17, 2026 the Department of Homeland Security issued a waiver allowing foreign flag vessels to move various energy related commodities between U.S. ports. The Jones Act reserves the movement of cargo between U.S. ports to vessels built in the U.S. and owned and crewed by U.S. citizens. The 60-day waiver was initially scheduled […]
Trade Relies on Freedom of Navigation by Cargo Ships that Drive the World’s Economies
April 20, 2026
By
John D. McCown
In 2025, some 40,000 commercial cargo ships, each more than a football field long, moved $16.5 trillion in goods across the seas. That represented 60.6% of the $26.3 trillion in the total 2025 global merchandise exports reported by UNCTAD. Compared to world GDP of $117.2 trillion disclosed by the IMF, those goods shipped on vessels […]
A Brief History of U.S. Naval Mine Warfare in the Persian Gulf, 1979–Present
April 16, 2026
By
Dr. Steven Wills
Iran’s claim to have laid mines across a broad area astride the Strait of Hormuz has again raised the prospect of a USS Samuel B. Roberts mine strike-incident and prompted renewed scrutiny of U.S. Navy mine-warfare capabilities. Observers have questioned the decision to retire and repatriate the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ships that for decades formed […]
The People’s Liberation Army Navy and the China Dream
April 14, 2026
By
Alexandru Filip
Introduction Since the formation of the People’s Republic, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) role has undergone a number of transformational changes which run parallel to the political ambitions of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Today’s PLAN intends to project power further from China’s shores as a political aim, and to wage decisive battles through […]
Iran, Stability, and Maritime Security
April 9, 2026
By
Richard B. Levine
Objectives Peace is often lost after being won by war. This was the case in our wars in Afghanistan and Iraq; it must not be so in Iran. President Trump’s and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s brave and resolute actions must presage a lasting and secure peace for the Middle East. This can only be so if […]
The Amazing Beauty Of Trade & Its Manifold Benefits For America/Americans
April 7, 2026
By
John D. McCown
On November 20, 1982, President Reagan addressed the country in a radio broadcast that remains a reminder of why trade historically and justly has enjoyed broad and bipartisan support. Reagan eloquently argued the benefits of international trade, noting that when other countries don’t grow, they buy less from us, and we see fewer jobs created […]
The Hormuz Crisis and the Case for Reconnecting the Navy and Merchant Marine
April 1, 2026
By
CDR Ander Heiles, USN
Two weeks into Operation Epic Fury, twenty commercial vessels have been struck in the Persian Gulf. At least six seafarers are dead. Roughly 400 tankers sit idle. Insurance withdrew before the first mine was laid, and the cascading commercial decisions that followed shut the Strait of Hormuz faster than any weapon could. The mines and […]
Neptune Strike 26-1: A Good Start to Enhanced Vigilance Activity in the Europe
March 31, 2026
By
Admiral James G. Foggo, U.S. Navy (Ret.)
I had the opportunity to participate in NATO’s Enhanced Vigilance Activity (EVA) “Neptune Strike (NEST) 26-1”. NEST has been ongoing for many years and allows NATO the opportunity to exercise multiple Carrier Strike Groups (CSG) or Expeditionary Strike Groups (ESG) at one time. Likewise when the ESG’s operate in theater, NATO can practice amphibious warfare […]
