James D. Watkins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James David Watkins
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Admiral Watkins in 1982.
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| 6th United States Secretary of Energy | |
| In office March 1, 1989 – January 20, 1993 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | Donald P. Hodel |
| Succeeded by | James D. Watkins |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 7, 1927 |
| Died | July 26, 2012 (aged 85) Alexandria, Virginia, U.S. |
| Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Spouses | Sheila Jo McKinney (1950–1996) Janet McDonough |
Admiral James David Watkins (born in 1927) was a highly respected officer in the U.S. Navy. He also held very important jobs in the U.S. government. He was the Chief of Naval Operations, which is the Navy's top officer. Later, he became the United States Secretary of Energy, managing energy for the country.
Watkins held several key roles in the U.S. government:
- He was the Chief of Naval Operations during part of the Reagan Administration.
- He led a special group called the Watkins Commission that studied AIDS.
- He served as the United States Secretary of Energy.
- He was the Chairman of the United States Commission on Ocean Policy.
He also worked with many non-government groups, like the Carnegie Corporation of New York. He was also involved with oceanographic research and the Naval Academy.
Contents
James David Watkins went to the Webb School of California. He then graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1949. He earned a master's degree in mechanical engineering in 1958.
Admiral Watkins spent 37 years serving in the Navy. He worked on different types of ships, including destroyers and submarines. He also had jobs on land, managing Navy personnel.
During his time in the Navy, Watkins held many important leadership roles:
- He was the Chief of Naval Operations.
- He commanded the Sixth Fleet.
- He was the Vice Chief of Naval Operations.
- He was the Commander-in-chief of the Pacific Fleet.
He received many awards for his service. These include the Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. He also received awards from other countries like Brazil, Korea, and Japan.
In 2001, Watkins was given the title of President Emeritus of CORE. He also received the Navy's Distinguished Public Award. In 2005, a building at the Naval Postgraduate School was named Watkins Hall in his honor.
Civilian Honors
In 1983, Watkins became a Knight of Malta. This is a special honor.
In 1991, he received the AAES Chairs' Award. This award came from the American Association of Engineering Societies.
Working with Presidents
President Reagan chose Watkins to lead his President’s Commission on the HIV Epidemic. This group studied the AIDS epidemic. Admiral Watkins gained the support of many people who worked to raise awareness about AIDS.
On March 9, 1989, Watkins became the United States Secretary of Energy. He was sworn in by President Bush Sr..
As Secretary of Energy, he made many important decisions:
- In 1989, he announced a Ten-Point Plan. This plan aimed to improve environmental protection at the Energy Department's facilities.
- He created the Office of Environmental Restoration and Waste Management. This office focused on cleaning up waste.
- In 1990, he announced plans to increase oil production. This was to help with oil shortages caused by the Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait.
- In 1991, he presented the Administration's energy bill to Congress.
- In 1992, he stated that the U.S. was not building new nuclear weapons. This was the first time since 1945.
He stayed in his role as Energy Secretary until 1993.
Later, in 2001, Admiral Watkins was again chosen to lead a presidential commission. He became the Chairman of the United States Commission on Ocean Policy.
Family Life
Watkins was married twice and had six children with his first wife. He passed away on July 26, 2012, at the age of 85. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Images for kids
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James Watkins, Chief of Naval Operations in March 1982
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Watkins is sworn in as Energy Secretary. From left to right: James Watkins, Sheila Watkins, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, President George H. W. Bush.
See also
In Spanish: James D. Watkins para niños
