James Loy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Loy
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| United States Secretary of Homeland Security | |
|
Acting
|
|
| In office February 1, 2005 – February 15, 2005 |
|
| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Tom Ridge |
| Succeeded by | Michael Chertoff |
| 2nd United States Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security | |
| In office November 4, 2003 – March 1, 2005 |
|
| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Gordon R. England |
| Succeeded by | Michael P. Jackson |
| 2nd Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration | |
| In office July 19, 2002 – November 7, 2003 |
|
| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | John Magaw |
| Succeeded by | David M. Stone |
| 21st Commandant of the Coast Guard | |
| In office May 30, 1998 – May 30, 2002 |
|
| President | Bill Clinton George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Robert E. Kramek |
| Succeeded by | Thomas H. Collins |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Milton Loy
August 10, 1942 Altoona, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Independent |
| Education | United States Coast Guard Academy (BS) Wesleyan University (MA) University of Rhode Island (MPA) |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Coast Guard |
| Years of service | 1964–2002 |
| Rank | Admiral |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War Gulf War |
| Awards | Transportation Distinguished Service Medal Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal (4) Defense Superior Service Medal Bronze Star (with valor) |
James Milton Loy (born August 10, 1942) is a retired admiral from the United States Coast Guard. He held several important jobs in the U.S. government. For a short time in 2005, he was the acting U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security. Before that, he served as the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security from 2003 to 2005.
Admiral Loy also led the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from 2002 to 2003. The TSA is the agency that keeps travelers safe, especially at airports. From 1998 to 2002, he was the commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, which means he was the top leader of the Coast Guard.
Contents
James Loy's Early Life and Schooling
James Loy was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania. When he was a young boy, he became an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. This is the highest rank a scout can earn. Later, as an adult, he received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.
In 1960, Loy joined the United States Coast Guard Academy. This is a special college that trains future Coast Guard officers. After graduating, he continued his education. He earned master's degrees in history and government from Wesleyan University. He also got a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Rhode Island.
James Loy's Important Career Roles
James Loy began his career as an officer in the United States Coast Guard. He even served in combat during the Vietnam War. He was the commanding officer of a patrol boat called the USCGC Point Lomas. Over time, he worked his way up through the ranks and became an admiral.
In May 1998, Admiral Loy became the 21st Commandant of the Coast Guard. He was in charge of the entire U.S. Coast Guard until 2002.
During his time as Commandant, a very important event happened: the September 11 attacks in 2001. After the attacks, the Coast Guard had to quickly close most major U.S. ports to keep people safe. Admiral Loy helped to get sea trade moving again in the U.S. He also worked with other countries to improve safety for ships and ports around the world. He helped create the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, which made shipping safer.
In May 2002, Admiral Loy was chosen to help lead the new Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA was created to make sure travel, especially by air, was safe after the 9/11 attacks. He helped set up this important agency. Later, the TSA became part of the United States Department of Homeland Security.
In October 2003, U.S. President George W. Bush nominated Loy to be the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. He started this job in November 2003. When the Secretary of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge, left his position, Loy became the acting Secretary for a short time in February 2005. He served until Michael Chertoff took over the role. Loy then resigned as Deputy Secretary in March 2005.
After leaving government service, Loy joined a company called the Cohen Group as a Senior Counselor in April 2005. He also joined the Board of Directors for Lockheed Martin in August 2005.
In 2006, Admiral Loy was honored as the first Chair of the Tyler Institute for Leadership at the United States Coast Guard Academy. In this role, he teaches and brings other important visitors to the Academy. He taught a class to students about how the international shipping industry works and how to keep it safe.
Awards and Honors
Admiral James Loy received many awards for his long and distinguished service. These awards recognize his bravery and leadership.
- Transportation Distinguished Service Medal
- Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal (four times)
- Defense Superior Service Medal
- Bronze Star Medal (with a "V" device for valor in combat)
- Legion of Merit
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Coast Guard Commendation Medal
- Coast Guard Achievement Medal
- Combat Action Ribbon
- National Defense Service Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Humanitarian Service Medal
- Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, Commander with Star
- Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
- Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation
- Vietnam Campaign Medal
See also
- Commandant of the United States Coast Guard
- List of Eagle Scouts
Images for kids
-
Admiral Loy's uniform with ribbons.
