J. Paul Reason
Encyclopedia
Joseph Paul Reason was Commander in Chief, United States Atlantic Fleet from 1996 to 1999. Earlier in his career, as a commander, he was naval aide to the President of the United States, Jimmy Carter
, from December 1976 to June 1979. In 1996, Reason became the first, and to date only African-American officer in the United States Navy
to become a four-star admiral
.
and director of libraries at Howard University
, and his wife, Bernice, a high school teacher of biology, Reason grew up in a multiracial environment, living from 1944 in a home on Girard Street, NE, in Washington, DC. He participated in an integrated Boy Scout Troop and attended McKinley Technology High School
, spending a period every summer at a camp on Lake Winnipesaukee
in New Hampshire
. In 1957-58, during his senior year in High School, Reason became interested in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps
, but was not selected although he ranked second out of 300 applicants. Following this rejection, he spent his freshman year at Swarthmore College
, his sophomore year at Lincoln University (Pennsylvania)
, and his junior year at Howard University
. As he was completing his junior year at Howard University
, Congressman Charles Diggs, Jr., (D-MI), contacted him and encouraged him to apply to the United States Naval Academy
. Accepted for the Naval Academy Class of 1965, Reason reported to Annapolis as a Midshipman
on 28 June 1961 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science
degree in naval science and a commission as an Ensign
on 9 June 1965. Three days later, he married Diane Lillian Fowler in the Naval Academy Chapel
. They have a son and a daughter.
, before attending the Naval Nuclear Power School at Bainbridge, Maryland from September 1965 to March 1966, then attended the Naval Nuclear power training Unit at Schenectady, New York
from March to September 1966. On completion of his nuclear power training, Reason was assigned to USS Truxtun (CGN-35) and participated in the ship’s first deployment to Southeast Asia in 1968 during the Vietnam War
. In September 1969, he entered the Naval Postgraduate School
as a student, where he earned a Master of Science
degree in computer systems management.
In December 1970, Reason was assigned to the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65)
, in which he served until January 1973, making two deployments to the Southeast Asian and Indian Ocean areas. From January to August 1973, he attended the Naval Destroyer School at Naval Station Newport
, Rhode Island
, followed by the Combat System Technical Schools Command at Mare Island
from August 1973 through January 1974.
Returning to USS Truxtun (CGN-35), Reason served as her Combat Systems Officer from January 1974 until June 1976. On completion of this sea assignment, Reason became a detailer for Surface Nuclear Junior Officer Assignment and Placement Branch, Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington until December 1976, when he was assigned to the White House as Naval Aide to the President of the United States, Jimmy Carter
.
In June 1979, he became executive officer of USS Mississippi (CGN-40)
and remained in that post until May 1981, when he was ordered to the Surface Warfare Officers School Command at Newport, Rhode Island
in preparation for assignment in command of USS Coontz (DDG-40)
. Taking up his first command in September 1981, he remained in USS Coontz (DDG-40)
, until December 1982. From sea duty, he was assigned to Naval Reactors
, Department of Energy
for instruction until April 1983, when he took command of the nuclear powered guided missile cruiser USS Bainbridge (CGN-25)
until July 1986, during which period he was promoted to Captain on 1 October 1983.
Selected for promotion to Rear Admiral (lower half) on 26 June 1986, he served as Commander, Naval Base, Seattle, Washington
from July 1986 to September 1988, in which position he was responsible for all naval activities in the states of Washington, Oregon
, and Alaska
. Returning to sea duty, he commanded Cruiser-Destroyer Group One until November 1990, then, promoted to Rear Admiral (upper half). At the same time, he commanded Battle Group Romeo in operations in the Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf regions. Following his selection to Vice Admiral
in 1991, He commanded Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, from January 1991 to July 1994.
From August 1994 to November 1996, Reason served as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Plans, Policy, and Operations (N3/N5). In November 1996, he was selected for promotion to four-star admiral and assigned as Commander in Chief, United States Atlantic Fleet until he retired from active duty in 1999.
He has been a Director of Amgen, Inc., Norfolk Southern Corporation, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Todd shipyards, as well as a member of the Oak Ridge Associated Universities, and the National War Powers Commission. In 2008, he was appointed to a four-year term as a member of the Secretary of the Navy's Advisory Subcommittee on Naval History
.
Foreign decorations
Jimmy Carter
James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr. is an American politician who served as the 39th President of the United States and was the recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, the only U.S. President to have received the Prize after leaving office...
, from December 1976 to June 1979. In 1996, Reason became the first, and to date only African-American officer in the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
to become a four-star admiral
Admiral (United States)
In the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard and the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, admiral is a four-star flag officer rank, with the pay grade of O-10. Admiral ranks above vice admiral and below Fleet Admiral in the Navy; the Coast Guard and the Public Health...
.
Family, early life, and education
The son of Joseph Reason, a professor of romance languagesRomance languages
The Romance languages are a branch of the Indo-European language family, more precisely of the Italic languages subfamily, comprising all the languages that descend from Vulgar Latin, the language of ancient Rome...
and director of libraries at Howard University
Howard University
Howard University is a federally chartered, non-profit, private, coeducational, nonsectarian, historically black university located in Washington, D.C., United States...
, and his wife, Bernice, a high school teacher of biology, Reason grew up in a multiracial environment, living from 1944 in a home on Girard Street, NE, in Washington, DC. He participated in an integrated Boy Scout Troop and attended McKinley Technology High School
McKinley Technology High School
McKinley Technology High School is a public city-wide 9-12th grade high school in the District of Columbia Public Schools in northeast Washington, D.C.. The school was originally an off shoot of Central High School , was called McKinley Technical High School and was located at 7th and Rhode Island...
, spending a period every summer at a camp on Lake Winnipesaukee
Lake Winnipesaukee
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in the U.S. state of New Hampshire. It is approximately long and from wide , covering — when Paugus Bay is included—with a maximum depth of ....
in New Hampshire
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state was named after the southern English county of Hampshire. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian...
. In 1957-58, during his senior year in High School, Reason became interested in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps
Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps
The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program is a college-based, commissioned officer training program of the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps.-Origins:...
, but was not selected although he ranked second out of 300 applicants. Following this rejection, he spent his freshman year at Swarthmore College
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore College is a private, independent, liberal arts college in the United States with an enrollment of about 1,500 students. The college is located in the borough of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, 11 miles southwest of Philadelphia....
, his sophomore year at Lincoln University (Pennsylvania)
Lincoln University (Pennsylvania)
Lincoln University is the United States' first degree-granting historically black university. It is located near the town of Oxford in southern Chester County, Pennsylvania. The university also hosts a Center for Graduate Studies in the City of Philadelphia. Lincoln University provides...
, and his junior year at Howard University
Howard University
Howard University is a federally chartered, non-profit, private, coeducational, nonsectarian, historically black university located in Washington, D.C., United States...
. As he was completing his junior year at Howard University
Howard University
Howard University is a federally chartered, non-profit, private, coeducational, nonsectarian, historically black university located in Washington, D.C., United States...
, Congressman Charles Diggs, Jr., (D-MI), contacted him and encouraged him to apply to the United States Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
. Accepted for the Naval Academy Class of 1965, Reason reported to Annapolis as a Midshipman
Midshipman
A midshipman is an officer cadet, or a commissioned officer of the lowest rank, in the Royal Navy, United States Navy, and many Commonwealth navies. Commonwealth countries which use the rank include Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Kenya...
on 28 June 1961 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science
A Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completed courses that generally last three to five years .-Australia:In Australia, the BSc is a 3 year degree, offered from 1st year on...
degree in naval science and a commission as an Ensign
Ensign (rank)
Ensign is a junior rank of a commissioned officer in the armed forces of some countries, normally in the infantry or navy. As the junior officer in an infantry regiment was traditionally the carrier of the ensign flag, the rank itself acquired the name....
on 9 June 1965. Three days later, he married Diane Lillian Fowler in the Naval Academy Chapel
Naval Academy Chapel
The United States Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis, Maryland, is one of two houses of worship on the grounds of the Navy's service academy. Protestant and Catholic services are held there. The Naval Academy Chapel is a focal point of the Academy and the city of Annapolis...
. They have a son and a daughter.
Naval career
Following his commissioning, from June to September 1965, Reason served as operations officer in USS J. Douglas Blackwood (DE-219)USS J. Douglas Blackwood (DE-219)
USS J. Douglas Blackwood , a of the United States Navy, was named in honor of Commander J. Douglas Blackwood , who was killed in action, aboard the cruiser , during the Battle of Savo Island on 9 August 1942....
, before attending the Naval Nuclear Power School at Bainbridge, Maryland from September 1965 to March 1966, then attended the Naval Nuclear power training Unit at Schenectady, New York
Schenectady, New York
Schenectady is a city in Schenectady County, New York, United States, of which it is the county seat. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 66,135...
from March to September 1966. On completion of his nuclear power training, Reason was assigned to USS Truxtun (CGN-35) and participated in the ship’s first deployment to Southeast Asia in 1968 during the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
. In September 1969, he entered the Naval Postgraduate School
Naval Postgraduate School
The Naval Postgraduate School is an accredited research university operated by the United States Navy. Located in Monterey, California, it grants master's degrees, Engineer's degrees and doctoral degrees...
as a student, where he earned a Master of Science
Master of Science
A Master of Science is a postgraduate academic master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is typically studied for in the sciences including the social sciences.-Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay:...
degree in computer systems management.
In December 1970, Reason was assigned to the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65)
USS Enterprise (CVN-65)
USS Enterprise , formerly CVA-65, is the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the eighth US naval vessel to bear the name. Like her predecessor of World War II fame, she is nicknamed the "Big E". At , she is the longest naval vessel in the world...
, in which he served until January 1973, making two deployments to the Southeast Asian and Indian Ocean areas. From January to August 1973, he attended the Naval Destroyer School at Naval Station Newport
Naval Station Newport
The Naval Station Newport is a United States Navy base located in the towns of Newport and Middletown, Rhode Island. Naval Station Newport is home to the Naval War College and the Naval Justice School...
, Rhode Island
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
, followed by the Combat System Technical Schools Command at Mare Island
Mare Island
Mare Island is a peninsula in the United States alongside the city of Vallejo, California, about northeast of San Francisco. The Napa River forms its eastern side as it enters the Carquinez Strait juncture with the east side of San Pablo Bay. Mare Island is considered a peninsula because no full...
from August 1973 through January 1974.
Returning to USS Truxtun (CGN-35), Reason served as her Combat Systems Officer from January 1974 until June 1976. On completion of this sea assignment, Reason became a detailer for Surface Nuclear Junior Officer Assignment and Placement Branch, Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington until December 1976, when he was assigned to the White House as Naval Aide to the President of the United States, Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter
James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr. is an American politician who served as the 39th President of the United States and was the recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, the only U.S. President to have received the Prize after leaving office...
.
In June 1979, he became executive officer of USS Mississippi (CGN-40)
USS Mississippi (CGN-40)
USS Mississippi , a Virginia class, nuclear fuel powered, U.S. Navy guided-missile cruiser, was the fourth ship of the United States Navy named in honor of the 20th state admitted to the Union....
and remained in that post until May 1981, when he was ordered to the Surface Warfare Officers School Command at Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States, about south of Providence. Known as a New England summer resort and for the famous Newport Mansions, it is the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War...
in preparation for assignment in command of USS Coontz (DDG-40)
USS Coontz (DDG-40)
USS Coontz was a Farragut-class destroyer leader/frigate in the United States Navy. She was named after Admiral Robert Coontz, the US Navy's second chief of naval operations....
. Taking up his first command in September 1981, he remained in USS Coontz (DDG-40)
USS Coontz (DDG-40)
USS Coontz was a Farragut-class destroyer leader/frigate in the United States Navy. She was named after Admiral Robert Coontz, the US Navy's second chief of naval operations....
, until December 1982. From sea duty, he was assigned to Naval Reactors
Naval Reactors
Naval Reactors is an umbrella term for the U.S. government office that has comprehensive responsibility for the continued safe and reliable operation of the United States Navy's nuclear propulsion program and thus for United States Naval reactors...
, Department of Energy
United States Department of Energy
The United States Department of Energy is a Cabinet-level department of the United States government concerned with the United States' policies regarding energy and safety in handling nuclear material...
for instruction until April 1983, when he took command of the nuclear powered guided missile cruiser USS Bainbridge (CGN-25)
USS Bainbridge (CGN-25)
USS Bainbridge was the only ship of her class. Initially a guided missile destroyer leader in the United States Navy, she was re-designated as a guided missile cruiser in 1975. This ship was nuclear-powered.-Construction:...
until July 1986, during which period he was promoted to Captain on 1 October 1983.
Selected for promotion to Rear Admiral (lower half) on 26 June 1986, he served as Commander, Naval Base, Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is the county seat of King County, Washington. With 608,660 residents as of the 2010 Census, Seattle is the largest city in the Northwestern United States. The Seattle metropolitan area of about 3.4 million inhabitants is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country...
from July 1986 to September 1988, in which position he was responsible for all naval activities in the states of Washington, Oregon
Oregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern...
, and Alaska
Alaska
Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait...
. Returning to sea duty, he commanded Cruiser-Destroyer Group One until November 1990, then, promoted to Rear Admiral (upper half). At the same time, he commanded Battle Group Romeo in operations in the Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf regions. Following his selection to Vice Admiral
Vice admiral (United States)
In the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps, and the United States Maritime Service, vice admiral is a three-star flag officer, with the pay grade of...
in 1991, He commanded Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, from January 1991 to July 1994.
From August 1994 to November 1996, Reason served as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Plans, Policy, and Operations (N3/N5). In November 1996, he was selected for promotion to four-star admiral and assigned as Commander in Chief, United States Atlantic Fleet until he retired from active duty in 1999.
Post-military career
Admiral Reason was Vice President for Ship Systems at SYNTEK Technologies, Inc. of Arlington, Virginia, from the end of his naval service in 1999 until 2000. He then became President and COO, and Vice Chairman of Metro Machine Corp., a ship repair company from 2000 to 2006.He has been a Director of Amgen, Inc., Norfolk Southern Corporation, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Todd shipyards, as well as a member of the Oak Ridge Associated Universities, and the National War Powers Commission. In 2008, he was appointed to a four-year term as a member of the Secretary of the Navy's Advisory Subcommittee on Naval History
Secretary of the Navy's Advisory Subcommittee on Naval History
The Secretary of the Navy's Advisory Subcommittee on Naval History was formally established in 1956 and is the second oldest of the historical advisory committee's within the Department of Defense.-History:...
.
Published works
- Sailing new seas by J. Paul Reason with David G. Freymann. Newport Paper, no, 13 (Newport: Naval War College Press, 1998).
Decorations and medals
United States decorations and medals |
Navy Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. The decoration is the Navy and Marine Corps equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast... |
| Legion of Merit Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements... (2) |
|
| Navy Commendation Medal (2) | |
 |
Navy Unit Commendation Medal Navy Unit Commendation The Navy Unit Commendation of the United States Navy is an award that was established by order of the Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal on 18 December 1944... , awarded to USS Enterprise (CVN-65) USS Enterprise (CVN-65) USS Enterprise , formerly CVA-65, is the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the eighth US naval vessel to bear the name. Like her predecessor of World War II fame, she is nicknamed the "Big E". At , she is the longest naval vessel in the world... |
 |
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon Meritorious Unit Commendation The Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions.... , awarded to USS Mississippi (CGN-40) USS Mississippi (CGN-40) USS Mississippi , a Virginia class, nuclear fuel powered, U.S. Navy guided-missile cruiser, was the fourth ship of the United States Navy named in honor of the 20th state admitted to the Union.... |
 |
Navy "E" Ribbon (4) |
| National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... (1) |
|
 |
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is a military award of the United States military, which was first created in 1961 by Executive Order of President John Kennedy... (1) |
| Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal The Vietnam Service Medal is a military award which was created in 1965 by order of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The distinctive design was the creation of sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones, a former employee of the Army Institute of Heraldry. The medal is issued to recognize military service during... (7 campaign stars) |
|
| Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (1) | |
Foreign decorations
 |
Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal, First Class Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal The Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal was a decoration of South Vietnam that was first created in 1953. The medal was issued in two grades and reached its height of bestowals during the years of the Vietnam War... |
 |
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Ribbon Vietnam Gallantry Cross The Vietnam Gallantry Cross was a military decoration of South Vietnam which wasestablished in August 1950. Also known as the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Gallantry Cross was awarded to any military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting an... |
 |
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal The Vietnam Campaign Medal is a military recognition awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, , to any member of the United States, Australian, New Zealand and allied military forces serving six months or more in support of Republic of Vietnam military operations.Established in 1966, the decoration is... |
- The Venezuelan Navy’s La Medalla Naval Almirante Luis Brión