Kenneth Braithwaite facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kenneth Braithwaite
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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 1960) is an American diplomat, businessman, and former United States Navy officer. He served as the 77th United States Secretary of the Navy from May 2020 to January 2021. Before that, he was the U.S. ambassador to Norway starting in February 2018. Braithwaite is a retired U.S. Navy rear admiral who served in conflicts like the Iraq War.
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Early Life and Education
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, he continued his studies at the University of Pennsylvania. He received a master's degree in government administration in 1995. He also gained more qualifications from the Naval War College and the Air Command and Staff College.
Before his national roles, Braithwaite was involved in local government. From 1993 to 1996, he served as a town councilman in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. He also worked as a top advisor for U.S. Senator Arlen Specter from 1997 to 2000.
Military Career
Kenneth Braithwaite started his Navy career as an ensign in 1984. He first worked in the Navy's office that deals with Congress. In 1986, he became a naval aviator. He flew anti-submarine patrol missions from Hawaii.
Later, he took on public affairs roles. He was the director of public affairs on the aircraft carrier USS America (CV-66). He also became the chief of public affairs for the commander of the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. He was part of NATO deployments to the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean during the start of the Gulf War.
Braithwaite's active duty ended in 1993. However, he immediately joined the Navy Reserve. From 1993 to 2002, he served in various roles. These included working with the 6th Fleet and 7th Fleet.
In 2002, he led Navy Combat Camera Atlantic (Reserve). He was deployed with his unit during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. In 2004, he became the director of the Joint Public Affairs Support Element-Reserve. This role involved leading a team that supported military commanders during conflicts. In 2005, he went to Islamabad, Pakistan. There, he worked as the director of Strategic Communications, helping with disaster response.
He was promoted to rear admiral (lower half) in 2007. He then served as the Navy's vice chief of Information until he retired in June 2011.
Business Career
After leaving active duty in 1993, Braithwaite attended the University of Pennsylvania. He then worked for Atlantic Richfield (ARCO) as a Manager of Operations. He managed a large team of workers there. Later, he moved to ARCO's Washington D.C. office to work on government rules and regulations.
Donald Trump Administration
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President Donald Trump chose Kenneth Braithwaite to be the U.S. ambassador to Norway. The U.S. Senate approved his nomination on December 21, 2017.
On November 24, 2019, President Trump announced he would nominate Braithwaite to become the United States Secretary of the Navy. He was officially nominated on March 2, 2020. The Senate confirmed him on May 21, and he was sworn in on May 29, 2020. He served in this role until January 20, 2021.
Awards and Decorations
Braithwaite has received many 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, a daughter named Grace and a son named Harrison.
See also
In Spanish: Kenneth J. Braithwaite para niños
