Lieutenant Commander Manuel Hernandez, representing the US Navy, was a national security affairs fellow for 2011–2012 at the Hoover Institution.

Hernandez earned a bachelor of science in economics and finance from Old Dominion University, and a master’s in public policy in international security and political economy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. A surface warfare officer, Hernandez has served in frigates and destroyers in the Pacific Fleet. His sea tours include assignments as chief engineer in USS Thach (FFG-43), auxiliaries officer in USS Rueben James (FFG 57), communications officer in USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), and as a machinist mate in USS Shasta (AE 33). Ashore, he served as engineering assessor for Pacific Fleet ships; executive officer, US Central Command, J5 Coalition Coordination Center; congressional liaison for strategy and policy, Department of the Navy, Office of Legislative Affairs; and as a strategic and long-range planner on the staff of the chief of Naval Operations. His research will focus on issues concerning maritime strategy, international maritime partnerships, and future energy sources, transmission, and infrastructure.