| Keynote Speaker Spotlight |
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| 2026 Majoras History Conference Why Wars Come Faster Than We Expect — and What Readiness Really Requires In person at the Jack C. Taylor Conference Center, U.S. Naval Institute, or online. | The Independent Forum of the Sea Services History repeatedly shows that wars arrive faster than nations expect. Captain Charlie Plumb flew 74 successful combat missions over North Vietnam and made over 100 carrier landings. On his 75th mission, just five days before the end of his tour, Plumb was shot down over Hanoi, taken prisoner, tortured, and spent the next 2,103 days in North Vietnamese Prisoner of War camps. During his nearly six years of captivity, Plumb distinguished himself as a pro in underground communications. He was a great inspiration to all the other POWs and served as chaplain for two years. Join Captain Plumb as he examines the lessons of the past to better prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. | 
Opening Keynote
“War Does Not Wait: Time, Miscalculation, and the Illusion of Readiness” Eliot A. Cohen, Ph.D. · Arleigh A. Burke Chair in Strategy, CSIS; Professor Emeritus, Johns Hopkins SAIS - (confirmed) | 
Lunch Keynote
“Preparing for the Unexpected” CAPT Charlie Plumb, USN (Ret.) · Naval Aviator, Vietnam Veteran, former Prisoner of War, Author, Speaker - (confirmed) | 
Afternoon Keynote
"Operational, Strategic, and Leadership Dimensions of Readiness" ADM Charles "Brad" Cooper II, USN · Commander, U.S. Central Command - (invited) |
| Mark your calendar for 4 November! Registration is open now. Seating is limited — reserve your place early. | 
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