A Discussion on Fleet Admiral Nimitz, with special guest Admiral James Stavridis
A Discussion on Fleet Admiral Nimitz, with special guest Admiral James Stavridis  
Podcast: The Unauthorized History of the Pacific War
Published On: Tue Sep 20 2022
Description: Nimitz Pre WarWho was he and where did he come from?Texas Hill Country, FredericksburgToo poor to go to college, worked his tail off to go to Naval AcademySpent time in Japan before the warNimitz was a submarine officer in his early yearsCommanded a DD in the PhilippinesCommanded a cruiser division and battleship divisionXO of SC, CO ChicagoHighly experienced in the realm of command Nimitz Upon Assignment as CINCPAC56 Years Old currently occupying the office of the Bureau of NavigationWhose decision was it to promote Nimitz to the position?FDRHe had been offered the job before December 41 and turned it down for fear of upsetting senior officers.He was junior to some 50 other AdmiralsHe feared that taking the job and leapfrogging them would have created resentment and made it more difficult to do the job. Nimitz the LeaderWhat kind leadership style did Nimitz utilize?He was a people personNever cussed, raised his voice or dressed men down in publicHe gave his subordinates a lot of autonomy and assumed they knew their jobs until they proved they did notIf that occurred, he spoke in low tones, was blunt but not rude or insultingAlways looked after his men and took care of them Nimitz the ExecutiveJuggled personalities of subordinates and his boss extremely wellDealings with KingDealings with subordinatesTurnerGEN SmithHalseyTowersJO RichardsonMacArthurSpruance and Nimitz relationshipNimitz handled the various personalities in the Pacific in check much as Ike did in the ETO. Was very similar to Ike in terms of Supreme Commander, even though, Nimitz was no Supreme Commander What did Nimitz inherit in December 41 and how did he go about fixing the problems?Inherited a shattered commandDevastated moraleStaff, fleet and populaceFear of a Japanese invasionWhen he landed in Pearl on Xmas Day he asked about the relief of WakeWhen told it fell and was abandoned, he fell silentDidn’t take command immediately. Worked with Admiral Pye to get the lay of the land, latest issues and intel.Took command on December 31, 1941 aboard USS Grayling (SS-209) fittingly Nimitz’s Strategy 1941-42Be cautious, yet forceful and hit them where they least expect itStrike  back was essential(Set the stage for next episode about the Hit and Run Raids) Nimitz’s biggest gambleMidwayRecognized the role of intel and believed in it, believed in his people and their skillsNimitz’s LegacyDeveloped and implemented the island hopping strategy that won the war.Inherited a shattered fleet, trusted his subordinates, built his leadership teams and won when it was absolutely necessary.