Conversations with History: Institute of International Studies, UC Berkeley

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This interview is part of the Institute's "Conversations with History" series, and uses Internet technology to share with the public Berkeley's distinction as a global forum for ideas.

Welcome to a Conversation on International Affairs. I'm Harry Kreisler of the Institute of International Studies. Our distinguished guest today is Admiral Thomas H. Moorer, United States Navy. Admiral Moorer's distinguished career in the United States Armed Forces includes service as Chief of Naval Operations, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is visiting the campus as the 1990 Chester Nimitz Lecturer.

1. Background ... Depression-era difficulties ... help from "Cotton Tom" Heflin ... Annapolis ... technical aptitude ... discipline
2. Adventure in the Pacific ... at Pearl Harbor ... shot down over the Indian ocean ... rescue ... bombed again ... staying alive ... rescued again ... ghost town ... reassessing values ... lessons for a commander
3. Changing Military Threats ... Pacific vs. Atlantic theaters ... Soviet vs. low-intensity threats ... budgets ... technological advances
4. Working in Washington ... congressional testimony ... straightforward answers ... being put on the spot ... overturns with each new administration ... bureaucracy and politics ... the Johnson years ... Nixon ... need to engage the public in war effort ... McNamara ... Kissinger
5. Post-Cold War World ... Cold War not yet over ... increased importance of Navy ... staying alert to threats ... advice for students ... values

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