DiscoverThe John Batchelor Show1. Nimitz Takes Command at Pearl Harbor: Manager vs. Fighter AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay Chester Nimitz arrived at Pearl Harbor by seaplane on Christmas 1941 to take over a w
1. Nimitz Takes Command at Pearl Harbor: Manager vs. Fighter AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay Chester Nimitz arrived at Pearl Harbor by seaplane on Christmas 1941 to take over a w

1. Nimitz Takes Command at Pearl Harbor: Manager vs. Fighter AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay Chester Nimitz arrived at Pearl Harbor by seaplane on Christmas 1941 to take over a w

Update: 2025-10-12
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1. Nimitz Takes Command at Pearl Harbor: Manager vs. Fighter



AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds



BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay



Chester Nimitz arrived at Pearl Harbor by seaplane on Christmas 1941 to take over a wrecked command, tasked with bringing stability and recovery. He was chosen by FDR and Secretary Knox, who knew him personally from his time as Bureau Chief of Naval Personnel. Admiral Ernest King, however, was initially skeptical, viewing Nimitz as a "fixer" or manager, doubting his toughness. Nimitz, despite private anxieties, maintained a calm, confident presence for his staff. A key irony is that Nimitz had previously suggested a more senior officer (Kimmel) take the Pacific Fleet command, saving himself from being the victim of the Japanese attack. The Navy's internal "brown shoes" (aviators) versus "black shoes" rivalry is also introduced.

1890 USS NAHUNT








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1. Nimitz Takes Command at Pearl Harbor: Manager vs. Fighter AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay Chester Nimitz arrived at Pearl Harbor by seaplane on Christmas 1941 to take over a w

1. Nimitz Takes Command at Pearl Harbor: Manager vs. Fighter AUTHOR: Professor Craig Symonds BOOK TITLE: Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay Chester Nimitz arrived at Pearl Harbor by seaplane on Christmas 1941 to take over a w

John Batchelor