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91-582: Arleigh Albert Burke (October 19, 1901 – January 1, 1996) was an admiral of the United States Navy who distinguished himself during World War II and the Korean War , and who served as Chief of Naval Operations during the Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations. USS  Arleigh Burke  (DDG-51) , the lead ship of its class of Aegis -equipped guided missile destroyers ,

182-595: A Japanese minefield. Admiral Halsey radioed to ask what he was doing in a Japanese minefield. ‘Thirty-one knots,’ replied Burke”. In March 1944, Burke was promoted to Chief of Staff to the Commander of Task Force 58 , the Fifth Fleet's Fast Carrier Task Force , which was commanded by Admiral Marc Mitscher . The transfer stemmed from a directive from the Chief of Naval Operations , Admiral Ernest King , that required

273-500: A critical time in world history, during the depths of the Cold War . He was relatively young, age 53, compared to other Flag Officers at the time. He was a hard worker, and seemingly tireless, working fifteen-hour work days six days a week as a norm. He was also an excellent leader and manager, and his ability to create an effective organization were keys to his success. He supported the notoriously demanding Admiral Hyman Rickover in

364-508: A fast-carrier task force is four carriers, six to eight support vessels and not less than 18 destroyers, preferably 24. More than four carriers in a task group cannot be advantageously used due to the amount of air room required. Less than four carriers requires an uneconomical use of support ships and screening vessels." The ships of each task group sailed in a circle formation centered on the carriers. The supporting ships sailed relatively close by, and added their anti-aircraft fire to that of

455-691: A four-star admiral from the lower-ranking admirals who may also be referred to as "Admiral". The United States Navy did not have any admirals until 1862, because many people felt the title too reminiscent of royalty—such as the British Royal Navy —to be used in the new nation's navy. Others saw the need for ranks above captain, among them John Paul Jones , who pointed out that the Navy had to have officers who "ranked" with army generals. He also felt there must be ranks above captain to avoid disputes among senior captains. The various secretaries of

546-593: A major operation was underway the task force would concentrate all four groups together. Each group would remain distinct but operate in close proximity to the other groups to provide the task force with maximum protection and maximum striking power. The Fast Carrier Task Force worked in conjunction with the other two major components of the Pacific Fleet: the Amphibious Force, which was much larger overall and which carried and provided direct support to

637-506: A mine layer, four barges and inflicting severe damage on enemy shore installations and subsequently effected a skillful withdrawal without damage to his vessels... As Chief of Staff, Commander Fast Carrier Task Force, Pacific (Task Force 38), Burke was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a second Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, a Gold Star in lieu of a second Legion of Merit, and a Letter of Commendation, with authorization to wear

728-465: A new ship. In spite of all difficulties, he maintained tactical control of the Task Force throughout, thereby contributing materially to the success of the operations... For exceptionally meritorious conduct... as Chief of Staff to Commander, Carrier Task Force, Pacific Fleet, from March 27 to October 30., 1944... (He) planned and executed a long series of successful offensive operations in support of

819-717: A number of capacities, including once more as Admiral Mitscher's chief of staff, until the latter's death in 1947. Burke then took command of the cruiser USS  Huntington for a cruise down the east coast of Africa. He was promoted to rear admiral in 1949 and served as Navy Secretary on the Defense Research and Development Board. At the outbreak of the Korean War , Admiral Forrest Sherman , then Chief of Naval Operations, ordered Burke to duty as Deputy Chief of Staff to Commander Naval Forces Far East . From there, he assumed command of Cruiser Division Five, and, in July 1951,

910-676: A period of growth and progress in the Navy. Upon completing his third term, he was transferred to the Retired List on August 1, 1961. Burke, of Swedish descent, was the senior representative of the United States of America at the funeral of King Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden in 1973. Arleigh Burke died on January 1, 1996, at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland . He was 94 years old. He

1001-407: A position bearing that rank, they have no more than 60 days to be appointed or reappointed to a position of equal importance before they must involuntarily retire. Historically, officers leaving four-star positions were allowed to revert to their permanent two-star ranks to mark time in lesser jobs until statutory retirement, but now such officers are expected to retire immediately to avoid obstructing

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1092-411: A rapid construction program of Polaris submarines was underway. Burke as Chief of Naval Operations was intimately involved in the Eisenhower administration discussions on limiting the size of the submarine force. Asked "how much is enough?", as to the number of US ballistic missile submarines needed for deterrence , Burke argued that a force of around 40 Polaris submarines (each with 16 missiles )

1183-424: A surface commander such as Admiral Raymond A. Spruance to have an aviator as Chief of Staff, and an air commander, such as Mitscher, to have a surface officer as Chief of Staff. Neither Mitscher nor Burke were happy with the arrangement, but as time passed Burke realized he had been given one of the most important assignments in the Navy, and his hard work and diligence eventually caused Mitscher to warm to him. Burke

1274-725: A third Distinguished Service Medal by President John F. Kennedy at the White House on July 26, 1961. On January 10, 1977, Burke was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Gerald Ford . Burke was also entitled to wear the Presidential Unit Citations presented to Destroyer Squadron 23, USS  Bunker Hill  (CV-17) , USS  Lexington  (CV-16) , and to USS  Enterprise  (CV-6) . Those vessels were, at various times during his period of service, flagships of

1365-430: A third Legion of Merit. The citation further states: Bringing a sound knowledge of Naval Administration and professional skill to his assigned task, Rear Admiral Burke reorganized the rapidly expanded staff to meet its ever increasing responsibilities and, through his unusually fine conception of the essentials of modern warfare, materially improved the mutual functioning of the operation, plans and intelligence sections of

1456-489: A vigorous barrage of anti-aircraft fire which assisted in shooting down seventeen Japanese planes and driving off the others. His aggressive leadership and gallant conduct under fire contributed to the protection of our beachhead at Empress Augusta Bay and to the successful establishment of our land and air forces on the Bougainville Islands. His actions at all times were in keeping with the highest traditions of

1547-547: Is buried at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery , in Annapolis, Maryland . USS  Arleigh Burke  (DDG-51) , the lead ship of her class of Aegis -equipped guided missile destroyers , was commissioned in his honor in 1991. In 1985, a few months after the ship was ordered, an early keel-laying ceremony was held at Bath Iron Works . Burke marked his initials on material that

1638-796: The American Campaign Medal ; World War II Victory Medal ; Navy Occupation Service Medal , the National Defense Service Medal with bronze star (Admiral Burke became retroactively eligible for a second award after his retirement); Korean Service Medal with bronze battle star; the Philippine Liberation Medal with bronze service star; and the United Nations Korea Medal . He was awarded the Ui Chi Medal and

1729-542: The American Civil War than any international considerations. Two years later, Congress authorized the appointment of a vice admiral from among the nine rear admirals: David Farragut . Another bill allowed the President of the United States to appoint Farragut to admiral on July 25, 1866, and David Dixon Porter to vice admiral . When Farragut died in 1870, Porter became admiral and Stephen C. Rowan

1820-614: The Battle of Cape St. George the USS ; Spence became a boiler casualty (a boiler tube was blocked by a brush used for cleaning), limiting Burke's squadron to 31 knots , rather than the 34+ of which they were otherwise capable. His nickname was "31 Knot Burke," originally a taunt, later a popular symbol of his hard-charging nature. An alternative explanation is provided by Jean Edward Smith in his biography of Eisenhower: "During World War Two, Burke mistakenly led his destroyer squadron into

1911-477: The Battle of Iwo Jima in early 1945, the Task Force included eighteen aircraft carriers, eight battleships and two Alaska -class large cruisers , along with numerous cruisers and destroyers. TF 58 alone commanded more firepower than any navy in history. The original TF 38 came into existence in August 1943, built around USS  Saratoga , and under the command of Rear Admiral Frederick C. Sherman . TF 58

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2002-529: The Navy Cross , Navy Distinguished Service Medal , Legion of Merit , and the Purple Heart . None were more cherished than two awards that came early in his career. In 1928, while serving aboard USS  Procyon  (AG-11) , he was commended for the "rescue of shipwrecked and seafaring men." In 1939 during his first command, USS  Mugford  (DD-389) , he was commended when his destroyer won

2093-538: The President from any eligible officers holding the rank of rear admiral (lower half) or above, who also meets the requirements for the position, under the advice and/or suggestion of their respective department secretary, service secretary, and if applicable the joint chiefs. For some specific positions, statute allows the President to waive those requirements for a nominee whom he deems would serve national interests. The nominee must be confirmed via majority vote by

2184-562: The Senate before the appointee can take office and thus assume the rank. The standard tour length for most four-star positions is three years, bundled as a two-year term plus a one-year extension, with the following exceptions: Extensions of the standard tour length can be approved, within statutory limits, by their respective service secretaries, the secretary of defense, the President, and/or Congress but these are rare, as they block other officers from being promoted. Some statutory limits under

2275-972: The South Pacific . Burke spent the remainder of the war in the South Pacific. He successively commanded Destroyer Division 43, Destroyer Division 44, Destroyer Squadron 12, and Destroyer Squadron 23 . DesRon 23, known as the "Little Beavers", covered the initial landings in Bougainville in November 1943, and fought in 22 separate engagements during the next four months. During this time, the Little Beavers were credited with destroying one Japanese cruiser , nine destroyers , one submarine , several smaller ships, and approximately 30 aircraft. Burke's standing orders to his task force were, "Destroyers to attack on enemy contact WITHOUT ORDERS from

2366-598: The Southwest Pacific theater was during the double landings at Hollandia and Aitape in April 1944, hundreds of miles behind Japanese enemy lines and far beyond the range of short-ranged P-40 fighters of the Allied Air Forces . TF 58 and escort carriers in Task Force 78 supported the landings. TF 58 only stayed for four days but contributed much crucial air support to one of the greatest successes in

2457-670: The Spanish–American War by authorizing the President to appoint him Admiral of the Navy . He held that rank until he died in 1917. Nobody has since held that title. In 1944, Congress approved the five-star grade of fleet admiral . The first to hold it were William D. Leahy , Ernest J. King , and Chester W. Nimitz . The Senate confirmed their appointments December 15, 1944. Fleet Admiral William F. Halsey got his fifth star in December 1945. None has been appointed since. The sleeve stripes now used by admirals and vice admirals in

2548-497: The United States date from March 11, 1869, when General Order Number 90 specified that for their "undress" uniforms admirals would wear a two-inch stripe with three half-inch stripes above it and vice admirals the two-inch stripe with two half-inch stripes above it. The rear admiral got his two-inch stripe and one half-inch stripe in 1866. The sleeve stripes had been more elaborate. When the rear admiral rank started in 1862

2639-442: The 1860s wore the same number of stars on their shoulders as admirals of corresponding grades do today. In 1899, the navy's one admiral (Dewey) and 18 rear admirals put on the new shoulder marks, as did the other officers when wearing their white uniforms, but kept their stars instead of repeating the sleeve cuff stripes. During the 20th century, the ranks of the modern U.S. admiralty were firmly established. An oddity that did exist

2730-635: The 1918 influenza outbreak, schools were closed in Boulder and he never graduated from high school. Burke won an alternate appointment to the United States Naval Academy given by his local congressman. During his time at the academy, Burke was a member of 23rd Company. He graduated from the academy in June 1923, and was commissioned as an ensign in the United States Navy . He married Roberta Gorsuch (1899–1997) of Washington, D.C. Over

2821-694: The Arleigh A. Burke Chair in Strategy , which "provides political and military analysis of key strategic challenges facing the United States and the world." It is held as of 2013 by Anthony Cordesman . Burke was elected as an honorary member of the New York State Society of Cincinnati in 1964. In 1991 Burke was awarded the Lone Sailor Award by the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation for his distinguished career during World War II and

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2912-556: The Armistice Conferences, he proffered timely recommendations for solutions of the varied intricate problems encountered. Through skillful assessment of enemy capabilities, dispositions, and vulnerable abilities and brilliant guidance of supporting Staff officers (he) significantly furthered progression toward success of the United Nation's first armed bid for world peace. Burke was presented a Gold Star in lieu of

3003-546: The Commendation Ribbon. The citations follow in part: For... outstanding service... as Chief of Staff to Commander First Carrier Task Force, Pacific, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War from 15 December 1944 to 15 May 1945... Commodore Burke was in large measure responsible for the efficient control under combat conditions of the tactical disposition, the operation, the security and

3094-520: The Fast Carrier Task Force. The force grew to nine CVs and eight CVLs in preparation for the landings on Leyte . Task Force 38 was composed of four task groups: Task Group 38.1 was commanded by Admiral McCain, with its previous commander, Admiral Joseph "Jocko" Clark , remaining on as advisor, Task Group 38.2 was under the command of Admiral Gerald Bogan , Task Group 38.3 was led by Admiral Frederick Sherman , and Task Group 38.4

3185-731: The Fast Carrier Task Forces in the Pacific. The citation for the citation to Destroyer Squadron 23 reads: For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Solomon Islands Campaign, from 1 November 1943 to February 23, 1944 … Destroyer Squadron Twenty-three operated in daring defiance of repeated attacks by hostile air groups, closing the enemy's strongly fortified shores to carry out sustained bombardments against Japanese coastal defenses and render effective cover and fire support for

3276-541: The Korean War. The USS  Arleigh Burke  (DDG-51) , a guided-missile destroyer of the United States Navy and lead ship of her class , was named in his honor. The class is one of the most advanced in service and is one of only two destroyer classes currently in active US Navy service. An elementary school was named in his honor in Boulder; it was closed in 1982. Thunderbird Park, also in Boulder,

3367-601: The Marine forces, and the Service Squadrons of hundreds of support vessels which resupplied and maintained the fleet. The fleet and task group designation changed when the command of the fleet changed hands. When under the umbrella of Fifth Fleet, the invasion force was called the Fifth Amphibious Force. When Halsey had command of the fleet, Third Amphibious Force was the designation. By the time of

3458-667: The Navy, the chief of naval operations and vice chief of naval operations are admirals; for the Coast Guard the commandant of the coast guard and vice commandant of the coast guard are admirals; for the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, the Assistant Secretary for Health is an admiral if they hold an appointment to the regular corps. There are several exceptions to these limits allowing more than allotted within

3549-553: The Pacific Fleet has been brought within range of the Japanese Empire itself to continue our relentless drive against the enemy. For distinguishing himself in action with the enemy, while serving as a Chief of Staff to Commander First Carrier Task Force, Pacific on May 11, 1945. When the ship in which he was embarked was hit by two enemy aircraft … with utter disregard for his personal safety, (he) efficiently organized

3640-478: The Pacific War Area, May 11, 1945. When the flagship on which he was embarked was hit by two enemy suicide dive bombers, Commodore Burke proceeded to a compartment in which personnel were trapped by fire and heavy smoke, and succeeded in evacuating all hands. When the flagship to which he had removed his staff was in turn hit by a suicide plane on May 14, he again arranged for the transfer of his command to

3731-499: The Pacific War. With command change from Spruance to Halsey on 26 August 1944, all units changed designations again. Mitscher, who was an aviator from early training and had a masterful command of the airgroups, requested that he retain command of the Fast Carrier Task Force until his replacement, Admiral John McCain , could have proper time to become more familiar with the handling of a carrier task force. King and Nimitz concurred. Admiral Halsey, like Spruance before him, sailed with

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3822-447: The President's discretion during time of war or national emergency. Four-star grades go hand-in-hand with the positions of office they are linked to, so these ranks are temporary. Officers may only achieve four-star grade if they are appointed to positions that require the officer to hold such a rank. Their rank expires with the expiration of their term of office, which is usually set by statute. Admirals are nominated for appointment by

3913-1251: The Presidential Unit Citation from the Republic of Korea as well as the Order of the Rising Sun , First Class by the Government of Japan. In 1960 he received the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav from the Norwegian King. In 1999 Admiral Burke became posthumously eligible for the Korean War Service Medal awarded by the Republic of Korea. In 1962, Burke co-founded the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C., with David Abshire . CSIS hosts

4004-465: The Secretary of Defense can defer a four-star officer's retirement until the officer's 66th birthday and the President can defer it until the officer's 68th birthday. Since there are a limited number of four-star slots available to each service, typically one officer must leave office before another can be promoted. Maintaining a four-star rank is a game of musical chairs ; once an officer vacates

4095-421: The U.S. Code can be waived in times of national emergency or war. Admiral ranks may also be given by act of Congress but this is extremely rare. Other than voluntary retirement, statute sets a number of mandates for retirement. Four-star officers must retire after 40 years of service unless reappointed to grade to serve longer. Otherwise all flag officers must retire the month after their 64th birthday. However,

4186-704: The United States Naval Service. For exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding Officer of a Destroyer Division and subsequently a Destroyer Squadron operating against enemy Japanese forces in the South Pacific Area from early February to 1 December 1943. Throughout this period, Captain Burke led his forces in many offensive operations... His indomitable fighting spirit and great personal courage contributed directly to

4277-767: The United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Arleigh Albert Burke (NSN: 57951/1100), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commander of Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-THREE (DesSq-23), operating in the Northern Solomon Islands area during the period from midnight 30 October to noon 2 November 1943. Proceeding through unfamiliar and poorly charted waters, Commodore Burke, under terrific fire from hostile shore batteries and aerial attacks, participated in

4368-511: The battleship USS  New Mexico which was also hit on 12 May). On 11 May, Mitscher and his chief of staff Commodore Arleigh Burke were merely yards away from getting killed or wounded by kamikazes on his flagship, USS  Bunker Hill , which killed three of Mitscher's staff officers and eleven of his enlisted staff members and also destroyed his flag cabin along with all of his uniforms, personal papers, and possessions. Just three days later Mitscher's new flagship, USS  Enterprise ,

4459-492: The carriers to help ward off attacking aircraft. When under attack by torpedo aircraft, the task group would turn toward the oncoming aircraft to limit attack angles. Other than this measure, the carriers in the task group would not take evasive action from their attackers. This was in marked contrast with the Imperial Japanese Navy, but the choice made for more stable platforms for the anti-aircraft fire of all

4550-624: The commander of that command is also the Supreme Allied Commander , Europe. Officers serving in certain intelligence positions are not counted against either limit, including the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency . The President may also add admirals to the Navy if they are offset by removing an equivalent number of four-stars from other services. Finally, all statutory limits may be waived at

4641-458: The conference, a statement by Edward Teller that a physically small one-megaton warhead suitable for Polaris could be developed led to Burke's adoption of Polaris over Jupiter . At a time when others in the Navy were very skeptical of the idea of a missile launched from a submarine, Burke succeeded in developing the single most effective deterrent to a nuclear attack on the United States. By 1961 routine Polaris deterrent patrols were in progress and

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4732-570: The designation Task Force (TF) 58. When led by Admiral Halsey as part of the Third Fleet , the carrier force was commanded by Vice Admiral John S. McCain Sr. and its designation was Task Force (TF) 38. Planning for upcoming operations was completed when each admiral and his staff rotated out of active command. This allowed the Navy to perform at a higher operational tempo, while giving the Japanese

4823-484: The development of a nuclear-powered submarine force, and instituted the development of submarine-launched ballistic missiles , which led to the Polaris missile program, headed by Burke's selectee Rear Admiral W. F. "Red" Raborn . Burke convened the Project Nobska anti-submarine warfare conference in 1956 at the suggestion of Columbus Iselin II , director of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution , where discussion ranged from oceanography to nuclear weapons . At

4914-409: The end of April, Admiral Nimitz came out to review the situation. After two months operating off the coast of Okinawa in support of Army forces engaged in battle on the island, the command staff was exhausted from the continuous pressure of fending off kamikaze attacks. On his return to Pearl Harbor, he notified Halsey that he would have to take over command from Spruance in thirty days, whether or not

5005-399: The evacuation of endangered personnel. His courage together with his prompt and efficient action was responsible for saving these men... From September 1950 until May 1951, Burke served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Commander U.S. Naval Forces, Far East, and, for "exceptionally meritorious conduct (in that capacity) from September 3, 1950, to January 1, 1951" he was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of

5096-557: The explosive offensive power of his task force in its bold and determined execution of measures designed to force the capitulation of the Japanese Empire... throughout the seizure of bases at lwo Jima and Okinawa, including two carrier strikes on Tokyo, a carrier strike on the Kure Naval Base, and engagement with the Japanese Fleet on 7 April, in which several hostile man-o-war were destroyed by our aircraft... For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Chief of Staff to Commander First Carrier Task Force in action against enemy Japanese forces in

5187-491: The five-star grade of fleet admiral has not been used since 1946, the grade of admiral is the highest appointment an officer can achieve in the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, and the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. Formally, "Admiral" is always used when referring to a four-star admiral, and informally "Full Admiral", "Four-star Admiral" (or simply four-star), or "O-10" (in reference to pay grade). The informal terms are used to distinguish

5278-402: The fleet gunnery trophy with the highest score in many years. His ship also stood third in engineering competition and high in communication competition. For his service in Destroyer Squadron 23, Burke was awarded the Navy Cross, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Presidential Unit Citation awarded to the squadron. The citations follow in part: The President of

5369-432: The fleet through the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa , facing sustained attacks from land-based Japanese kamikaze aircraft. As the Okinawa campaign dragged into its second month, the presence of the carriers was still required to provide close air support to the soldiers on the island as the Army and its Air Corps were not as adept as the Marine Corps at quickly establishing airfields over newly occupied territory. At

5460-417: The general impression of naval assets greater than what were actually available. The Fast Carrier Task Force took part in all the US Navy's battles in the Pacific during the last two years of the war. The task groups could operate independently or combine with the others as needs dictated. Raids against island strong points such as Iwo Jima or Chichi Jima might be undertaken by one or two task groups, but when

5551-503: The greatest improvement in battle efficiency during the calendar year, based upon the Battle Efficiency Competition." Winning the Battle "E" is not a prerequisite. The United States Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp pane on February 4, 2010, honoring distinguished sailors. In addition to Burke, the other persons on the stamp pane were Admiral William S. Sims , Lieutenant Commander John McCloy , and Officer's Cook Third Class Doris Miller . Admiral (United States) Since

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5642-410: The initial bombardment of Buka-Bonis and the first daylight assault on Shortland-Faisi-Ballale. Against a Japanese Task Force of superior fire power, he fought his squadron with superb skill in a victorious engagement which resulted in the sinking of five enemy warships and the damaging of four. Later, when sixty-seven hostile bombers launched a deadly attack against his Task Force, Commodore Burke kept up

5733-481: The major invasion operations in this area … The brilliant and heroic record achieved by Destroyer Squadron Twenty-three is a distinctive tribute to the valiant fighting spirit of the individual units in this indomitable combat group of each skilled and courageous ship's company... In addition to the above, Burke earned the American Defense Service Medal with "Fleet" clasp, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two silver stars and two bronze stars (twelve engagements);

5824-407: The mission was completed. Nimitz' assessment of the exhaustion and psychological toll on Spruance and Mitscher and their staff due to the kamikazes proved to be justified. The kamikazes were so relentless at Okinawa that Spruance's flagships were struck two separate times (the heavy cruiser USS  Indianapolis was hit on 31 March and had to retire for repairs which forced him to transfer to

5915-430: The navy repeatedly recommended to Congress that admiral ranks be created because the other navies of the world used them and American senior officers were "often subjected to serious difficulties and embarrassments in the interchange of civilities with those of other nations." Congress finally authorized nine rear admirals on July 16, 1862, although that was probably more for the needs of the rapidly expanding navy during

6006-656: The newly built fast battleships . With the arrival of the fleet carriers the primary striking power of the navy was no longer in its battleship force, but with the aircraft that could be brought to battle by the carriers. The means by which the US Navy operated these carriers was developed principally by Admiral Marc Mitscher . Mitscher determined that the best defense for a carrier was its own air groups, and that carriers were more easily defended if they operated together in groups, with supporting ships along with them to aid in air defense, anti-submarine defense, and rescue of downed airmen. Said Mitscher: "The ideal composition of

6097-406: The next 18 years, Burke served aboard battleships and destroyers , and earned a Master of Science degree in chemical engineering at the University of Michigan in 1931. When World War II came, he found himself, to his great disappointment, in a shore billet at the Naval Gun Factory in Washington, D.C. After persistent efforts on his part, in 1943 he received orders to join the fighting in

6188-406: The performance of outstanding services as a delegate with the United Nations Command (Advance) in Korea, from July 9 to December 5, 1951. Admiral Burke's keen discernment and decisive judgment were of inestimable value in countering enemy intransigence, misrepresentation and evasion with reasoned negotiation demonstrable truth and conciliatory measures. As advisor to the Chief Delegate on all phases of

6279-559: The promotion flow. Task Force 58 The Fast Carrier Task Force ( TF 38 when assigned to Third Fleet , TF 58 when assigned to Fifth Fleet ) was a group of ships in World War II . It was the main striking force of the United States Navy in the Pacific War from January 1944 through the end of the war in September 1945. The task force was made up of several separate task groups, each typically built around three to four aircraft carriers and their supporting vessels. The support vessels were screening destroyers , cruisers , and

6370-399: The reduction of the outer perimeter of Japanese defenses in New Guinea, the Carolines, the Marianas, Halmshera, and the Philippine Islands. Largely as a result of Commodore Burke's superb professional skill, tireless energy and coolness of decision throughout these operations and during repeated air attacks carried out in strength against heavily fortified strongholds in enemy-controlled waters,

6461-421: The service's active-duty general or flag officers may have more than two stars, and statute sets the total number of four-star officers allowed in each service. This is set at 6 four-star Navy admirals. However, exceptions to this limit are made to meet operational needs. As of July 2020, there were 9 four star admirals serving on active duty with the U.S. Navy. Some of these slots are reserved by statute. For

6552-440: The ships in the task group and allowed the ships in the group to sail more closely together. The primary defense of the group against air attack was the group's own fighter cover. The individual primarily responsible for the development and operations of the task force was Admiral Mitscher. The overall command of the task force alternated between two very different admirals: Raymond Spruance and William "Bull" Halsey . Spruance

6643-448: The sleeve arrangement was three stripes of three-quarter-inch lace alternating with three stripes of quarter-inch lace. It was some ten inches from top to bottom. The vice admiral, of course, had even more stripes and when Farragut became admiral in 1866, he had so many stripes they reached from his cuffs almost to his elbow. On their dress uniforms the admirals wore bands of gold embroidery of live oak leaves and acorns. The admirals of

6734-695: The staff... (and) contributed immeasurably to the success of Naval operations in the Korean theater... While serving as Commander Cruiser Division Five from May to September 1951, and also as a Member of the Military Armistice Commission in Korea , Burke was awarded an oak leaf cluster in lieu of a fourth Legion of Merit by the Army (Headquarters U.S. Army Forces, Far East) by General Order #5, as follows: For exceptionally meritorious conduct in

6825-502: The statute. A Navy admiral serving as Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff does not count against the Navy's flag-officer cap. A Navy admiral serving in one of several joint positions does not count against his or her service's four-star limit; these positions include the commander of a unified combatant command , the commander of U.S. Forces Korea , and the deputy commander of U.S. European Command but only if

6916-547: The success of our forces in that area and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. For exceptionally meritorious conduct...as Commander Destroyer Squadron Twenty-three, in action against enemy Japanese forces northwest of the Bismarck Archipelago , at Kavieng, New Ireland, and Duke of York Island, February 17 to 23, 1944 … (He) expertly directed his squadron in destroying two Japanese naval auxiliary vessels, one large cargo ship,

7007-408: The task force commander." After reviewing the Navy's early unsuccessful engagements with the Japanese, he concluded that uncertainty and hesitation had cost them dearly. The lesson was driven home to him at the Battle of Blackett Strait , when his radar operator made first contact with a ship near the shore but Burke hesitated to fire. A battle soon unfolded which ended in a US victory, which only Burke

7098-454: The time of his appointment as Chief of Naval Operations, Burke was still a rear admiral (two stars) and was promoted over the heads of many Flag Officers who were senior to him. Burke had never served as a vice admiral (three stars), so he was promoted two grades at the time of his appointment. Burke took the post of Chief of Naval Operations in May, 1955, with significant reservations. He served at

7189-484: Was a reasonable answer. Burke further argued that land-based missiles and bombers were vulnerable to attack, which made the U.S.-Soviet nuclear balance dangerously unstable. By contrast, nuclear submarines were virtually undetectable and invulnerable. He was very critical of "hair trigger" or " launch on warning " nuclear strategies, and he warned that such strategies were "dangerous for any nation." Burke served an unprecedented three terms as Chief of Naval Operations during

7280-483: Was also struck by a kamikaze , forcing him to have to change his flagship yet again. On 28 May 1945, Halsey arrived aboard USS  Missouri , his new flagship, whereupon he relieved Spruance, while McCain relieved Mitscher. Spruance and Mitscher returned to Pearl Harbor. Fifth Fleet once again became Third Fleet, and Task Force 58 became Task Force 38. Halsey remained in command until the Japanese surrender ended

7371-426: Was calculating and cautious, while Halsey was more aggressive and known for taking risks. Most higher-ranking officers preferred to serve under Spruance; most common sailors were proud to serve under Halsey. Their commander was Admiral Chester Nimitz , who was responsible for all Pacific Ocean assets. When the force was part of Admiral Spruance's Fifth Fleet , the carrier task force was commanded by Mitscher and bore

7462-524: Was commissioned in Burke's honor in 1991. The honor of naming a US naval vessel after a living figure was only the fourth time it had been bestowed since 1861. Burke was born in Boulder, Colorado , on October 19, 1901, to Oscar Burke and Clara Mokler. His grandfather, August Björkgren, was a Swedish immigrant to the US and changed his surname to 'Burke', a common Irish surname, to sound more 'American'. Due to

7553-639: Was created on 6 January 1944 with Rear Admiral Marc Mitscher commanding, serving under the fleet command of Admiral Spruance in the Fifth Fleet. TF 38 continued to exist, but as a command structure only. TF 58 proved the success of the Fast Carrier TF concept with Operation Hailstone , a massive naval air squadrons and surface vessels attack on the Japanese ships and airfield at Truk Lagoon on 17–18 February 1944. The only time that any aircraft carriers were used to support operations in New Guinea in

7644-625: Was later incorporated at the physical keel-laying on December 6, 1988. Burke was one of the very few individuals to be honored by a ship named after them during their lifetime. The Assisted Living section of the Vinson Hall Retirement Community in McLean, Virginia , is named the Arleigh Burke Pavilion in his honor. Burke received numerous combat awards during his forty-two years in the Navy, including

7735-824: Was made a member of the United Nations Truce Delegation which negotiated with the Communists for military armistice in Korea. After six months in the truce tents, he returned to the Office of Chief of Naval Operations where he served as Director of Strategic Plans Division until 1954. In April 1954, he took command of Cruiser Division Six, then moved in January 1955 to command Destroyer Force Atlantic Fleet ( DesLant ). In August 1955, Burke succeeded Admiral Robert B. Carney as Chief of Naval Operations. At

7826-475: Was promoted to the temporary rank of Commodore , and participated in all the force's naval engagements until June 1945, near the end of the war. He was aboard both USS  Bunker Hill and USS  Enterprise when they were hit by Japanese kamikaze aircraft during the Okinawa campaign. After the end of the war, Burke reverted to his permanent rank of captain and continued his naval career by serving in

7917-487: Was promoted to vice admiral. Even after they died, Congress did not allow the promotion of any of the rear admirals to succeed them, so there were no more admirals or vice admirals by promotion until 1915 when Congress authorized an admiral and a vice admiral each for the Atlantic, Pacific and Asiatic Fleets. There was one admiral in the interim, however. In 1899, Congress recognized George Dewey 's accomplishments during

8008-507: Was renamed Admiral Arleigh A. Burke Memorial Park in 1997. In October 2001, a dedication of the memorial was held, featuring a 12-foot, 26,000-pound anchor from a World War II destroyer, a memorial wall containing a bronze relief sculpture of the admiral and a plaque with his biography. The Navy annually awards the Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy to "the ship or aircraft squadron from each coast selected for having achieved

8099-439: Was that the navy did not have a one-star rank except briefly during World War II when Congress established a temporary war rank of commodore . The one-star rank was later established permanently in 1986. U.S. law limits the number of four-star admirals that may be on active duty at any time. The total number of active-duty flag officers is capped at 162 for the Navy. For the Army, Navy, and Air Force, no more than about 21% of

8190-749: Was under the command of Admiral Ralph Davison . Following the Battle of Leyte Gulf , Mitscher went on shore leave and planning duty, and Vice Admiral McCain took over as commanding officer of TF 38, which continued under Halsey and the Third Fleet. In January 1945 TF 38 raided the South China Sea and attacked Japanese positions in Formosa and Luzon. On 26 January 1945, Halsey and McCain went on shore leave and planning duty, while Spruance and Mitscher returned to their previous commands. Third Fleet became Fifth Fleet, and TF 38 became TF 58. They led

8281-409: Was unhappy with. Reflecting on the events Burke asked a nearby ensign what the difference was between a good officer and a poor one. After listening to the ensign's response, Burke offered his own: "The difference between a good officer and a poor one," said Burke, "is about ten seconds." Burke usually pushed his destroyers to just under boiler-bursting speed, but while en route to a rendezvous prior to

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