Kent Lee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kent Lee
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VADM Lee while Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Enterprise (CVN-65)
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| Birth name | Kent Liston Lee |
| Born | July 28, 1923 Florence County, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | August 11, 2017 (aged 94) Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1940–1976 |
| Rank | Vice Admiral |
| Commands held | Attack Squadron 46 Carrier Air Wing Six USS Alamo (LSD-33) USS Enterprise (CVN-65) Task Unit 77.1 Naval Air Systems Command |
| Battles/wars | World War II Korean War Vietnam War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit (2) Air Medal (3) |
Kent Liston Lee (born July 28, 1923, died August 11, 2017) was a very important leader in the United States Navy. He was a Vice Admiral, which is a very high rank. Lee served in the Navy for 36 years. He fought in major wars like World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He even commanded a huge aircraft carrier called the Enterprise (CVN-65). People especially remember him for helping to create the amazing F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet.
Kent Lee was born in Florence County, South Carolina. His parents were R. Irby and Hettie Lee. He joined the United States Navy on August 15, 1940, when he was still young.
In 1942, he began training to become a pilot. He earned his wings and became an ensign (a junior officer) on August 7, 1943. He flew planes with Bomber Squadron 15 and Fighter Squadron 15. These squadrons were based on the aircraft carrier Essex (CV-9). During World War II, he even shot down one Japanese aircraft!
Flying and Leading
After World War II, the Navy sent Kent Lee to Columbia University. There, he studied mathematics and physics. This helped him understand the science behind flying and technology.
During the Korean War, Lee continued to fly. He was part of Attack Squadron 115. They flew missions from the aircraft carrier Philippine Sea (CV-47). In 1954, he earned a master's degree in physics from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Lee took on many important leadership roles. He commanded Attack Squadron 46 and Carrier Air Wing Six. He also commanded two ships: the Alamo (LSD-33) and the famous aircraft carrier Enterprise (CVN-65).
A Leader and Innovator
Kent Lee also held important positions on Navy staff. He helped plan strategies and programs. One of his most important jobs was leading the Naval Air Systems Command. In this role, he played a key part in developing and getting the F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet for the Navy. This jet is still used today!
Lee retired from the Navy on October 31, 1976, after a long and successful career.
Later Life
After retiring, Kent Lee lived in Charlottesville, Virginia. He was married to Mary Edith "Mimi" Lee for 69 years. They had three daughters and nine grandchildren.
Kent Lee passed away in August 2017 at the age of 94. He and his wife are buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
