Mastering the Art of Command is an examination of Admiral Chester W. Nimitz's leadership during World War II. It describes how he used his talents to guide the Pacific Fleet following attacks on Pearl Harbor to win crucial victories against the Imperial Japan forces and seize the initiative in the Pacific. Once Nimitz's forces held the initiative, they maintained it through an offensive campaign of unparalleled speed overcoming Japanese defenses and creating conditions for victory. Mastering the Art of Command explores how Nimitz used his leadership skills, command talents, and strategic acumen to achieve decisive results. Nimitz's "strategic artistry" is a pattern worthy of study and emulation, for today's military officers, civilian leaders, and managers in large organizations.

Trent Hone is an award-winning naval historian and Vice President of Solution Architecture with ICF International, based in Fairfax, Virginia. He is the author of Learning War: The Evolution of Fighting Doctrine in the U.S. Navy, 1898–1945, which explores how the US Navy developed learning mechanisms before World War II that accelerated victory during the conflict. His article, “U.S. Navy Surface Battle Doctrine and Victory in the Pacific” was awarded the US Naval War College’s Edward S. Miller Prize and the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Ernest M. Eller Prize. His essay, “Guadalcanal Proved Experimentation Works” earned second place in the 2017 Chief of Naval Operations Naval History Essay Contest. 

Pre-registration is required for this event. Please call 703-737-7195, email balchlib@leesburgva.gov or register online https://tinyurl.com/TBLEvents