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Craig Hooper

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Dr. Craig Hooper is the founder and CEO of the Themistocles Advisory Group, a consulting firm specializing in maritime and national security strategy. Trained as an infectious disease expert, he has been a keen observer of navies and coast guards for over two decades.

Author Archive

The Navy's uncrewed surface vessel Ranger transits the Pacific Ocean during an exercise in September 2023. U.S. Navy photo.

It’s time to prepare for autonomy

"The maritime prosperity zone concept is a great idea that risks being run aground by sloppy execution." Shutterstock.AI image

Maritime prosperity zones adrift in red tape

The SHIPS Act, while still in draft form, has been unusually influential in pushing America’s long-ignored maritime sector to the political forefront. Shutterstock photo.

Cheer the SHIPS Act

File photo: A littoral combat ship under construction at Austal USA's shipyard in Mobile, Ala. U.S. Navy photo by Shannon Eve Renfroe.

Steel, subsidies, and second thoughts in US shipbuilding

America has far too few naval architects and marine engineers to fully exploit the opportunities ahead. Shutterstock photo.

The US needs more naval architects

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) transits near the Singapore Straits, Feb. 29, 2024. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Steve Strohmaier.

Coast Guard needs a service secretary

Shutterstock photo.

Trump’s maritime moment: Big promises, bigger risks

Latest News
A scrap metal barge fire near Reedy Island in New Castle County, Del., March 10 spread plumes of black smoke and affected air quality as far north as Philadelphia. Channel 6 ABC video image.
March 10, 2026

Coast Guard, firefighters battle Delaware barge fire

The FERRIES Act would increase funding for ferry programs through the Highway Trust Fund, advanced appropriations, and authorized appropriations. Shutterstock photo.
March 10, 2026

Bipartisan bill would boost federal ferry funding to $1.35 billion annually

Salvage law has evolved through the years, but the basic idea has remained steady. Shutterstock photo.
March 10, 2026

Breakaway barge case illustrates the operation of marine salvage law

Colder than usual January temperatures found the 650' lake freighter Algoma Intrepid battling ice on northern Lake Michigan. A Coast Guard icebreaker arrived to assist. Coast Guard Great Lakes District photo.
March 9, 2026

Putting Great Lakes shipping delays on ice

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