The following is a digitized version of a selected article from White House History Quarterly, Issue 71, originally released in print form in 2023. Single print copies of the full issue can be purchased online at Shop.WhiteHouseHistory.org No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. All photographs contained in this journal unless otherwise noted are copyrighted by the White House Historical Association and may not be reproduced without permission. Requests for reprint permissions should be directed to rights@whha.org. Contact books@whha.org for more information. © 2023 White House Historical Association. All rights reserved under international copyright conventions.
REFLECTIONS reflections Six Future Presidents Fair Winds and Who Served in the Following Seas U.S. Navy STEWART D. M C LAURIN PRESIDENT, WHITE HISTORICAL STEWART D.HOUSE M C LAURIN ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT, WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
JOHN F. KENNEDY The first president who served in the navy was the charismatic John F. Kennedy, who attained the rank of lieutenant junior grade. During World War II, he commanded PT-109, a patrol torpedo boat, in the Pacific. On the night of August 2, 1943, the boat was cut in two by a Japanese destroyer. Kennedy’s bravery and leadership in rescuing his crew members left an indelible mark on his character. His naval service
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not only shaped his presidency but also contributed to the American spirit of resilience and courage. LYNDON B. JOHNSON Lyndon B. Johnson was appointed lieutenant commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1940 and called to active duty after Pearl Harbor. He was assigned to the Pacific theater, where he observed firsthand the sacrifices and hardships endured by American servicemen. He later rose to the rank of commander. His naval experience influenced his later decisions as president, particularly during the tumultuous years of the Vietnam War. Johnson understood the profound impact of military action on the lives of those involved and the nation as a whole. RICHARD M. NIXON Richard M. Nixon joined the U.S. Naval Reserve as a lieutenant junior grade and rose to the rank of commander. Volunteering for sea duty during World War II, he served in the Pacific, where he was responsible for managing logistics and supply chain operations. Later in the war he was assigned to the Navy Department’s Bureau of Aeronautics, working in various East Coast cities. GERALD R. FORD Gerald Ford was the fourth of five presidents who served in the navy during World War II. He enlisted as an ensign after Pearl Harbor, at first teaching and coaching at a Navy Preflight School. Applying for sea duty, he was assigned to the aircraft carrier the
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above above Stewart Stewart McLaurin McLaurin is joined joined by by Susan Susan is Ford on on the the USS USS Ford Gerald R. R. Gerald Ford on on the the Ford occasion of of the the occasion launch of the launch of the 2023 2023 White White House House Christmas Christmas Ornament, Ornament, February 2023, 2023, February which features features the the which Ford presidency. presidency. Ford
WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASS OCIATION WHITE HOUSE HISTORICA L ASS OCIATION
the united states navy has been pivotal in shaping the nation’s history, protecting its interests, and advancing its values across the world’s oceans. The navy’s role in maintaining the sea lanes, conducting humanitarian missions, and responding to crises reflects its enduring importance. In times of war, the navy is the nation’s first line of defense. It has always been a symbol of strength, resolve, and diplomacy on the global stage. Several American sailors who would go on to become president of the United States found their calling and early careers in the navy. The skills and values instilled in them during their naval service shaped their leadership and decision-making styles. They learned courage and resilience, strategic thinking, and the value of cooperation and diplomacy. It is hard to believe that it took 172 years of presidential history before a navy veteran was elected president. World War II made it inevitable. Since then, we have had six presidents who served in the U.S. Navy. Here are their naval histories.
N I X O N, J O H N S O N : N AVA L H I S T O R Y A N D H E R I TA G E C O M M A N D / K E N N E D Y, F O R D , C A R T E R , B U S H : G E T T Y I M A G E S
Six future presidents are pictured during their service in the U.S. Navy (clockwise from top left): John F. Kennedy, c. 1940; George H. W. Bush, c. 1943; Gerald R. Ford, c. 1944; Jimmy Carter, 1946; Lyndon Johnson, 1942; Richard M. Nixon, 1945.
USS Monterey as a lieutenant and eventually rose to the rank of lieutenant commander. His naval service honed his leadership skills, and his calm and steady demeanor became essential qualities when he assumed the presidency. Ford’s ability to bring stability to a turbulent period in American politics demonstrated the value of his navy-honed resilience. JIMMY CARTER Jimmy Carter, a man of many accomplishments, was the only U.S. president to have graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. Rising to the rank of lieutenant, he trained as a submariner and served aboard the USS Pomfret, with additional training in engineering. Carter’s naval background influenced his approach to foreign policy during his presidency. His commitment to diplomacy, peace, and human rights
mirrored the lessons he learned during his time in uniform, where cooperation and strategic thinking were paramount. GEORGE H. W. BUSH George H. W. Bush joined the navy right after graduating from high school in 1942 and trained as a naval aviator. During World War II, he flew combat missions in the Pacific, where his plane was shot down and he was rescued by a navy submarine. He attained the rank of lieutenant junior grade. His service instilled in him a deep love for his country and a commitment to public service. As president, Bush navigated the nation through a transformative period, overseeing the end of the Cold War. His naval background gave him the strength to tackle challenging international issues with diplomacy and grace.
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