Eric Wertheim is a defense consultant, columnist, and author specializing in naval and maritime affairs. Frequently interviewed by the news media, he has served as a speechwriter for Pentagon officials and a consultant to private industry and the U.S. government. He has been a columnist for Proceedings magazine since 1994. He lives in the Washington D.C. area.

Articles by Eric Wertheim

An artist's concept of a maneuver support vessel (light).

Combat Fleets

By Eric Wertheim
December 2019
The U.S. Army prepares for a new landing craft, and New Zealand decommissions some disappointing patrol craft.
Aerial port quarter view of a Chinese Type-075 class amphibious assault ship

Combat Fleets

By Eric Wertheim
November 2019
China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy launched its first Type 075 and Italy decommissioned its last two Minerva-class corvettes in September.
Port bow view of a Jordanian response boat-medium underway

Combat Fleets

By Eric Wertheim
October 2019
Jordan took delivery of two RB-Ms, Singapore decommissioned three Fearless-class patrol combatants, and France commissioned the offshore support vessel Seine.
Port bow view of the French nuclear-powered attack submarine Suffren on the builder's ways

Combat Fleets

By Eric Wertheim
September 2019
France launched a new SSN, Germany announced plans for a new type of replenishment tanker, and the RFA Tideforce entered service in July.
Surface port bow view of the German frigate Baden-Württemberg underway

Combat Fleets

By Eric Wertheim
August 2019
In June 2019 Germany commissioned its first Type 125 frigate, Italy launched its first PPA patrol ship, and the RANS Success decommissioned.
Italian amphibious assault ship Triest launching at Stabia, Italy

Combat Fleets

By Eric Wertheim
July 2019
The Italian and Philippine navies launched new ships while the United States began advanced construction of the Columbia (SSBN-826).
Computer rendering of the U.S. Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter

Combat Fleets

By Eric Wertheim
June 2019
U.S. Coast Guard's polar security cutter contract awarded, Poland orders Agusta‌Westland AW101 helicopters, and Brazil orders the German MEKO A-100 corvette.
Computer rendering of the new MCM vessel ordered by Belgium and the Netherlands in 2019

Combat Fleets

By Eric Wertheim
May 2019
Belgium and the Netherlands will acquire 12 new mine countermeasures (MCM) vessels, Japan commissioned the submarine Shōryū, and Spain commissioned the offshore patrol vessel Furor.
Aerial port bow view of the French frigate Bretagne underway at sea

Combat Fleets

By Eric Wertheim
April 2019
February 2019 saw the French Navy commission the frigate Bretagne, the F-35C Lightning II achieve initial operational capability with the U.S. Navy, and Singapore launch its first Type 218SG submarine.