Fair Wind and Following Seas – the Role of the Navy in the Civil War
The February 25th Muster & Mingle was an evening full of history, hearty food, and plenty of stories—some serious, some just plain fun. Dinner was S.O.S., and Navy veteran Jim Erbaugh, who served as a cook in Vietnam, had the honor (we hope) of helping serve the meal. His presence added a tangible connection to the Navy’s history and traditions, and the meal gave everyone a taste of classic Navy fare.
Captain Shane “Splash” Moore was the night’s featured speaker, taking attendees on a journey through a transformative period in U.S. naval history. He focused on the shift from wooden, sail-powered warships to steam-powered ironclads, highlighting how technology, industrial capacity, and adaptive leadership reshaped naval warfare during the American Civil War. The clash between the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia at the Battle of Hampton Roads served as a vivid example of this rapid change.
Captain Moore emphasized that while technology drives innovation, leadership, human character, and core values remain critical to long-term success. He drew parallels between the naval transformations of the 19th century and modern challenges, including autonomous systems, cyber warfare, and artificial intelligence, reminding the audience that progress must be paired with principle.
When asked about his call sign, “Splash,” Captain Moore offered only a smile and a teasing, “an incident in training,” leaving the audience imagining what kind of mischief earned him the name.
A few historical tidbits also caught the audience’s attention: some Civil War sea battles were fought off the coast of France, and one Confederate captain operating in the Pacific didn’t even attack whaling vessels until after the war had ended—then promptly went into hiding. Moments like these highlighted how history is full of surprises and human stories, not just strategy and technology.
Even with only a few photos to capture the evening, it was clear that the event struck the right balance of education, entertainment, and nostalgia. Attendees left with a deeper appreciation for naval history, the evolution of technology, and the enduring importance of leadership and values. In short: technology changes, but the principles that guide us remain constant—then, now, and always.
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