Your Favorite WWII Based Podcast

This week on What's The Scuttlebutt Podcast, our friend Zach Morris returns to the show, filling in as guest host for Jeff. Together, we welcome acclaimed historian and author Craig L. Symonds to discuss his latest book, Annapolis Goes to War. In this insightful conversation, Symonds shares the compelling story of how the U.S. Naval Academy and its midshipmen transformed in response to the global crisis of World War II. Drawing from years of research, he explains how Annapolis became a critical pipeline for naval leadership during the war, and how the institution adapted to prepare young officers for the immense challenges ahead. Craig L. Symonds is Professor Emeritus of History at the U.S. Naval Academy, where he taught for over 30 years. A former department chair and recipient of the prestigious U.S. Navy Superior Civilian Service Award, Symonds is widely recognized as one of the foremost scholars of naval history. He is the author of numerous award-winning books, including Lincoln and His Admirals (which won the Lincoln Prize), Decision at Sea, and Neptune: The Allied Invasion of Europe and the D-Day Landings. His work is known for its rigorous scholarship, compelling narrative, and accessibility to both academic and general readers. Join us for a rich discussion that dives deep into the intersection of education, leadership, and wartime innovation—and gain a new appreciation for the role Annapolis played in shaping the U.S. Navy's wartime legacy.