Kenneth Braithwaite facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kenneth Braithwaite
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Official portrait, 2020
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| 77th United States Secretary of the Navy | |
| In office May 29, 2020 – January 20, 2021 |
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| President | Donald Trump |
| Deputy | Gregory J. Slavonic (acting) |
| Secretary | Mark Esper Christopher C. Miller (acting) |
| Preceded by | Richard V. Spencer |
| Succeeded by | Carlos Del Toro |
| 31st United States Ambassador to Norway | |
| In office February 8, 2018 – May 29, 2020 |
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| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Samuel D. Heins |
| Succeeded by | Marc Nathanson |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Kenneth John Braithwaite II
1960 (age 64–65) Livonia, Michigan, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | United States Naval Academy (BS) University of Pennsylvania (MPA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1984–1993 (active) 1993–2011 (reserve) |
| Rank | Rear Admiral (lower half) |
| Battles/wars | Gulf War Iraq War |
| Awards | Legion of Merit Defense Meritorious Service Medal Combat Action Ribbon |
Kenneth John Braithwaite II (born in 1960) is an American diplomat and businessman. He also served as a U.S. Navy rear admiral. From 2020 to 2021, he was the 77th Secretary of the Navy under President Donald Trump. Before that, he was the U.S. ambassador to Norway from 2018 to 2020. He is a member of the Republican Party.
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Early Life and Schooling
Kenneth Braithwaite was born on December 24, 1960, in Livonia, Michigan. He attended the United States Naval Academy. In 1984, he earned a bachelor's degree in naval engineering and political science. Later, in 1995, he received a master's degree in government administration from the University of Pennsylvania.
He also studied at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. Additionally, he attended the Air Command and Staff College in Montgomery, Alabama.
Military Service
Braithwaite started his military career as an ensign in 1984. He first worked as a special assistant in the Navy's legislative office. In 1986, he became a naval aviator. He flew anti-submarine missions with Patrol Squadron 17 in Hawaii.
In 1988, he moved to public affairs. He became the director of public affairs on the aircraft carrier USS America (CV-66). By 1990, he was the chief of public affairs at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. He took part in NATO missions in the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean during the Gulf War.
Braithwaite's active duty ended in 1993. However, he immediately joined the Navy Reserve. From 1993 to 2002, he held various roles. He served with the 6th Fleet, 7th Fleet, and U.S. Pacific Fleet.
In 2002, he led Navy Combat Camera Atlantic (Reserve). During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, he supported combat operations. In 2004, he became director of the Joint Public Affairs Support Element-Reserve. This role involved leading a team of 50 people. They supported military commanders during conflicts. In 2005, he went to Islamabad, Pakistan. There, he was the director of Strategic Communications.
He was promoted to rear admiral (lower half) in 2007. This promotion was approved by the U.S. Senate. He served as the Navy's vice chief of Information until he retired in June 2011.
Career in Business and Government
After leaving active duty in 1993, Braithwaite worked for Atlantic Richfield (ARCO). He managed operations and later worked on government rules.
From 1993 to 1996, he was a town councilman in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. He then became a top advisor for U.S. Senator Arlen Specter from 1997 to 2000.
He later held leadership roles in healthcare organizations. He was vice president for St. Thomas Health systems and then for Ascension Health. In 2007, he became a senior vice president at the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania. He later worked as a group senior vice president at Vizient, a healthcare company.
Braithwaite had discussions with a company called Cambridge Analytica. He stated he only gave informal advice and signed a non-disclosure agreement. Rules require disclosing such ties.
Service in the Trump Administration
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President Donald Trump nominated Braithwaite to be the U.S. ambassador to Norway. The Senate approved his nomination in December 2017.
In November 2019, Trump announced he would nominate Braithwaite as the U.S. Navy Secretary. This followed the resignation of Richard V. Spencer. During his confirmation hearing in May 2020, Braithwaite promised to rebuild trust in naval leadership. He mentioned two ship collisions in 2017 and an earlier bribery scandal. He was sworn into office on May 29, 2020.
In November 2020, Braithwaite suggested bringing back the First Fleet in the United States Pacific Fleet. He said this was needed to increase the U.S. Navy's presence in the Indo-Pacific region. This was to address the growing threat from China.
In December 2020, as Secretary of the Navy, he created a "Tri-Service" strategy. This plan aimed to combine the forces of the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. It outlined a stronger approach to prevent military actions by Russia and China.
In January 2021, he led the creation of a strategy to protect marine resources and shipping routes in the Arctic. This involved increasing the Navy’s presence there.
During his eight months as Secretary of the Navy, Braithwaite traveled to various locations. He explained that it was important to lead people deployed around the world in person.
Awards and Honors
Braithwaite has received several awards for his service. These include the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. He also earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Personal Life
Kenneth Braithwaite is married to Melissa Losito Braithwaite. They have two children, Grace and Harrison.
See also
In Spanish: Kenneth J. Braithwaite para niños
