The NSL presents an annual Submarine History Seminar, highlighting a significant event or time in submarine history. It is often a panel discussion with people who were there and people who have studied and written about the topic. This event is open to the public.
Organizations interested in sponsoring the annual NSL Submarine History Seminar should contact corpmem@navalsubleague.org.
2024 Submarine History Seminar - A History of the Chinese Submarine Force
Moderator – David A. Rosenberg, PhD – Military historian and NSL History Seminar Chairperson
Panelist – CAPT Christopher P. Carlson, USN (Ret) – former Defense Intelligence Agency Senior Intelligence Officer and former nuclear submarine officer
Panelist – Andrew S. Erickson, PhD – Professor of Strategy in the Naval War College’s China Maritime Studies Institute
Panelist – Jonathan D. T. Ward, PhD – President of Atlas Organization and senior fellow at Hudson Institute
Panelist – CAPT Daniel Packer, USN (Ret) – COMSUBFOR Director for AUKUS and former nuclear submarine officer
In recent years, China has increased the pace of building submarines, both nuclear and non-nuclear powered. How does this activity fit in China’s political strategy? What are the implications for the Indo-Pacific region? CAPT Carlson will present the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) submarine force’s historical development and how its capabilities have evolved. Dr. Erickson will discuss the implications of that development in naval history and for the U.S. Navy. Dr. Ward will outline the geopolitical implications of China’s submarine force and its role in China’s public statements about its national goals. CAPT Packer will conclude the webinar with  some thoughts about the role of the U.S. and its allies, especially AUKUS.