Alfred Thayer Mahan

"The study of history lies at the foundation of all sound military conclusions and practice."

"The history of Sea Power is largely, though by no means solely, a narrative of contests between nations, of mutual rivalries, of violence frequently culminating in war."

"It may be urged that, with the extensive sea−coast of the United States, a blockade of the whole line cannot be effectively kept up. No one will more readily concede this than officers who remember how the blockade of the Southern coast alone was maintained."

"I am frankly an imperialist"