kids encyclopedia robot

James G. Roche facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
James Roche
James Roche.jpg
20th United States Secretary of the Air Force
In office
June 1, 2001 – January 20, 2005
President George W. Bush
Preceded by F. Whitten Peters
Succeeded by Peter B. Teets (Acting)
Personal details
Born
James Gerard Roche

(1939-12-16) December 16, 1939 (age 85)
New York City, New York, U.S.
Political party Democratic
Education Illinois Institute of Technology (BA)
Naval Postgraduate School (MS)
Harvard University (DBA)
Military service
Allegiance  United States
Branch/service  United States Navy
Years of service 1960–1983
Rank Captain

James Gerard Roche, born on December 16, 1939, is an American politician. He was the 20th Secretary of the Air Force from 2001 to 2005. Before this important role, Mr. Roche spent 23 years in the United States Navy. He also worked as a leader at Northrop Grumman, a big aerospace company.

Early Life and Navy Career

James Roche was born in Brooklyn, New York. He joined the United States Navy and served for 23 years. When he retired in 1983, he held the rank of Captain.

During his time in the Navy, he had many important jobs. He helped plan policies for the U.S. State Department. He also worked with the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, which deals with important national security information.

Mr. Roche also led a guided missile destroyer ship called the USS Buchanan. In 1974, his ship won the Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy. This award is given to the Navy's most improved combat unit in the Pacific Ocean.

Working at Northrop Grumman

After his Navy career, Mr. Roche worked for Northrop Grumman Corp. This is a large company that builds aircraft and defense systems. He held several leadership positions there.

Before joining Northrop Grumman in 1984, he worked for the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee. He was the Democratic Staff Director, helping the committee with its work.

Leading the Air Force

As Secretary of the Air Force, James Roche was a member of the Secretary of Defense's Policy Board. This group helps make important decisions about defense. He was also part of the Council of Foreign Relations and the International Institute of Strategic Studies. These groups study global issues and strategies.

Mr. Roche received many awards and medals for his service in the military.

An Important Investigation

In 2003, an investigation looked into a situation involving Mr. Roche. This happened during discussions about replacing KC-135 aircraft with new KC-767 tanker planes.

During this time, an official named Ms. Robin Cleveland asked Mr. Roche for help finding a job at Northrop Grumman. Mr. Roche had previously worked as a senior leader at Northrop Grumman. He agreed to help her and replied using government communication channels.

An investigation found that Mr. Roche had used his government position to help someone find a job. This was seen as a concern regarding the proper use of his office. However, the investigation did not suggest any specific actions be taken against him. The Secretary of Defense at the time, Donald Rumsfeld, decided not to pursue the matter further.

His Education

James Roche press conference
Roche at a Pentagon briefing.

Career Timeline

  • 1960–1983: He served as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy, retiring as a captain.
  • 1983–1984: He was the Democratic Staff Director for the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington, D.C..
  • 1984–1989: He worked as vice president and director of the Analysis Center at Northrop Grumman Corp. in Washington, D.C.
  • 1989–1991: He was vice president and special assistant to the chairman, president, and chief executive officer at Northrop Grumman Corp. in Los Angeles, California.
  • 1991–1992: He served as vice president of Advanced Development and Planning at Northrop Grumman Corp. in Los Angeles, California.
  • 1992–1996: He was the Chief Advanced Development, Planning, and Public Affairs Officer at Northrop Grumman Corp. in Los Angeles, California.
  • 1996–2001: He was corporate vice president and president of the Electronic Sensors & Systems Sector at Northrop Grumman Corp. in Baltimore, Maryland.
  • 2001–2005: He served as the Secretary of the Air Force in Washington, D.C.

Awards and Recognition

  • US Defense Superior Service Medal ribbon.svg  Defense Superior Service Medal
  • Legion of Merit ribbon.svg  Legion of Merit
  • Navy and Marine Corps Commendation ribbon.svg  Navy Commendation Medal
  • Navy Expeditionary Medal ribbon.svg  Navy Expeditionary Medal
  • National Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg  National Defense Service Medal
  • Vietnam Service Medal ribbon.svg  Vietnam Service Medal
  • US Navy Distinguished Public Service Award Ribbon-vector.svg  United States Navy Distinguished Public Service Medal
  • 2003: Department of the Army Distinguished Civilian Service Award
  • 2003: Illinois Institute of Technology Professional Achievement Award
  • 2003: U.S. Air Force Order of the Sword
kids search engine
James G. Roche Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.