Ernest J. King

Ernest J. King, born on November twenty-third, eighteen seventy-eight, was a distinguished fleet admiral in the United States Navy. He played a pivotal role during World War II, serving as both Commander in Chief of the United States Fleet (COMINCH) and Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). Appointed by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, King was tasked with overseeing global American naval strategy, a responsibility he managed with unprecedented authority in his dual roles.

Graduating fourth in his class from the United States Naval Academy in nineteen oh one, King began his naval career with his first command of the destroyer USS Terry during the occupation of Veracruz in nineteen fourteen. His service during World War I included a position on the staff of Vice Admiral Henry T. Mayo, the commander in chief of the Atlantic Fleet. Post-war, he led the Naval Postgraduate School and commanded submarine divisions, earning his first Navy Distinguished Service Medal for directing the salvage of the submarine USS S-51.

In nineteen forty-one, King became commander in chief of the Atlantic Fleet, shortly before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Following this event, he was appointed as COMINCH and later succeeded Admiral Harold R. Stark as CNO in March nineteen forty-two. Under his leadership, the Navy established numbered fleet organizations, including the First Fleet for offensive submarine operations and the Tenth Fleet for antisubmarine efforts. His influence extended to all subordinate commanders, empowering them to execute global tactical operations.

King's strategic vision was instrumental in shaping the U.S. Navy's approach during the war. He represented the Navy at high-level Allied conferences, advocating for a Europe First strategy to ensure a swift victory and facilitate post-war reconstruction efforts. His focus on naval operations distinguished him as a leading voice in the development of global military strategy during a critical period in history.