Alfred Thayer Mahan Synopsis by Lt Cdr Mohamad Sabri bin Salleh RMN (Siaga) He was a Rear Admiral in US Navy.

Born in Sep 27 1840 and died at the age of 74th years old. He was known as naval officer, geostrategist and an educator. Significantly his idea about importance of sea power has influenced navies all around the world. By doing research on naval history, he has come up with a book title The Importance of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783, published in 1890. He was raised in West Point New York, his farther was a professor at Military Academy, which could give a brief idea how he was brought up and destined to be. He was known more on historian in rather than a sailor in the naval service. Most of the book he wrote has proven that he is the most influential naval historian. His contribution to the navy was started when he appointed at Naval Academy, he has hold a number of appointment at Naval Academy along his service. It has made him to come up with most of his book base on his study and experience while lecturing in the naval academy. He believes that control of seaborne commerce was a critical to domination in war. If a country could deny the other country defenses on the sea, the other country economy could collapse and leading to victory. His idea was to make a capable fleet to destroy enemy forces in a single decisive battle. It will lead to the blockade of merchant ship to approach and the enemy would unable to rebuilding their country. His book has been translated into several languages and being used by those country naval academies. Japan has benefited his book at their naval academy and exercises his idea in Pearl Harbour war. England versus France also an example of his idea was used while England has won that war which has prevented France invasion. After his service, he has actively contributed to idea to the naval strategy like American Spanish war. He has died because of heart failure on Dec 1, 1914. Several ship was name after his name and a hall at US Naval Academy also named after his name to honor his contribution.