What Did Jimmy Carter Do in the Navy?
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, served as a naval officer in the United States Navy from 1946 to 1953. During his Navy career, Carter rose through the ranks from a cadet to a full nuclear submarine officer. Here are some of the key details about Jimmy Carter’s Naval career:
Early Training and Service
Carter first enlisted in the Navy at the age of 13, in 1942, when he participated in the V-12 training program at the University of Georgia. This program enabled him to attend college for a year while also commissioning as an ensign in the Navy. Later, he was transferred to the naval academy in Maryland, where he studied maritime law and international relations, graduating in 1947.
Submarine Life
Carter’s active duty service began in February 1949, on the USS Bartholomew, a submarine commissioned in 1945 during World War II. Although the war had ended six years prior, the submarines continued to play a role in the Navy’s ongoing efforts. Carter served in various positions on the boat, including as a first-class petty officer and operations officer. He also developed his skills in scuba diving and even spent several days underwater repairing a broken propeller using only his own diving team.
Commanding Experience
In 1953, Carter became the CO of the USS Sealion, a World War II-era submarine designed for covert operations. One of his most notable contributions was to lead the U-2 spy plane pilots to a secret air force base, in case of a nuclear attack or Soviet invasion. Following this mission, Carter helped establish a network of hidden bunkers underneath the submarine, designed as emergency shelters in case of severe threats.
Promotion and Later Life
Between 1953 and his discharge in 1959, Carter continued to perform his duties with distinction and received multiple promotions. While in the Navy, Jimmy Carter met his future spouse, Rosalyn Smith, and the pair got married in 1961. After leaving active duty, Carter returned home to Plains, Georgia and started a peanut farm on his family’s land to make a living. Additionally, he went on to serve in the Georgia House of Representatives (1964-1967) before entering national politics.
Here’s a brief summary of Jimmy Carter’s Naval Highlights:
| Year | Boat/Role | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1949 | USS Bartholomew | Second-class officer, first experience with submarine operations |
| 1952 | Underwater Propeller Repair Dive | Developed scuba-diving skills and repaired an underwater propeller |
| 1953 | Commander of USS Sealion (SS-315) | Led covert operations, introduced U-2 spy plan pilots to secret air-force base |
| 1960s | Active duties and command | Multiple Navy Commendations, further promoted |
Notably, Jimmy Carter took over 100 officer courses, covering various warfare, command, and officer skills during his naval journey. In the Navy he demonstrated strong leadership skills throughout his 23-year- long military career, moving up from a young student to an accomplished nuclear power plant engineer.
Overall Legacy
Jimmy Carter will be remembered for his *sincere dedication* to serving his country via both the Navy and a subsequent 20-year lifetime as an international diplomat – after he left office – with his Nobel prize-winning* work for Mideast peace and an array of humanitarian initiatives. As an American President serving 4 years, Jimmie Carter was an impressive and successful naval officer ahead of time.
