James Loy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Loy
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| United States Secretary of Homeland Security | |
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Acting
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| In office February 1, 2005 – February 15, 2005 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 on August 10, 1942, is a retired Admiral from the United States Coast Guard. He held important leadership roles in the U.S. government. From 2003 to 2005, he served as the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. For a short time in 2005, he was the acting U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security. Before these roles, he was in charge of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from 2002 to 2003. He also led the commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard from 1998 to 2002.
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Early Life and Schooling
James Loy grew up in Altoona, Pennsylvania. As a young person, he achieved the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America, becoming an Eagle Scout. Later, as an adult, he received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.
In 1960, Loy began his military journey by entering the United States Coast Guard Academy. After his time there, he continued his education. He earned master's degrees in history and government from Wesleyan University. He also earned a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Rhode Island.
A Career in Service
James Loy had a long and distinguished career in the United States Coast Guard. He was an officer and 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 rose through the ranks to become an Admiral.
In May 1998, Admiral Loy became the 21st Commandant of the Coast Guard. This meant he was the top leader of the entire U.S. Coast Guard. He held this important position until 2002.
Leading After 9/11
As the Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Loy played a key role after the September 11 attacks in 2001. Immediately after the attacks, the Coast Guard closed most major ports in the U.S. to ensure safety. Loy helped supervise the reopening of sea trade across the country.
For long-term safety, Loy led the U.S. team to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). He was very important in getting a new set of rules approved in 2002. These rules, called the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, helped make shipping and port facilities safer worldwide. The code officially started in 2004.
Working for Homeland Security
In May 2002, the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation, Norman Mineta, chose Loy for a new role. Loy became the Deputy Undersecretary for the brand-new Transportation Security Administration (TSA). He helped set up this agency, which is responsible for airport security. Later, the TSA became part of the United States Department of Homeland Security.
On October 23, 2003, President George W. Bush nominated Loy to be the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. He officially started this role on November 4, 2003. When the previous Secretary, Tom Ridge, left office, Loy became the acting United States Secretary of Homeland Security for a short period, from February 1 to February 15, 2005. After Michael Chertoff was confirmed as the new Secretary, Loy resigned from his Deputy Secretary role on March 1, 2005.
After leaving government service, Loy joined the Cohen Group as a Senior Counselor in April 2005. In August 2005, he also joined the Board of Directors for Lockheed Martin, a large aerospace and defense company.
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 has given speeches and brought other important visitors to the Academy. He also taught a special class to cadets about the international shipping industry and how to keep it safe.
Awards and Honors
Admiral James Loy received many awards and decorations for his service. Some of his notable awards include:
- 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)
- Distinguished Eagle Scout Award
See also
In Spanish: James Loy para niños
- Commandant of the United States Coast Guard
- List of Eagle Scouts
