Nimitz

Discussions on WW2 in the Pacific and the Sino-Japanese War.
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Pips
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Nimitz

#1

Post by Pips » 14 Apr 2018, 01:27

What were the reasons for Nimitz being selected as replacement to Kimmel for the position of CINCPAC after Pearl Harbour? He certainly wasn't the most senior admiral in the list. In fact I've read that he was 30-40 slots down the list to the more senior admirals.

Why was he chosen over the heads of others.

And just as a by the by, whatever became of those admirals senior to Nimitz in 1941? Did any of them obtain responsible positions (combat or otherwise) during the War?

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Polar bear
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Re: Nimitz

#2

Post by Polar bear » 22 Apr 2018, 20:30

hi,
Pips wrote:whatever became of those admirals senior to Nimitz in 1941? Did any of them obtain responsible positions (combat or otherwise) during the War?
yes : Halsey

greetings, the pb
Peace hath her victories no less renowned than War
(John Milton, the poet, in a letter to the Lord General Cromwell, May 1652)


reedwh52
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Re: Nimitz

#3

Post by reedwh52 » 23 Apr 2018, 05:04

The seniority lists of the pre-WW2 era are misleading. The highest rank in the USN was Rear Admiral. Any Rear Admiral could be appointed by the President to serve in a 3 or four star position. He would then revert to Rear Admiral when relieved from the higher grade. The officer serving as an admiral or vice admiral outranked any officer under their command irrespective of actual DOR on the Rear Admiral list,

In Nimitz case, he had serving as Chief of the Bureau of Navigation (ie Chief of Personnel) for about 30 months. Officers serving in this position rotated out after two to three years. Since 1927, every incumbent left for a three or four star seagoing command,
In fact, Nimitz turned down the Pacific Command (over his perception of his seniority status) in January 1941, leading to Kimmels appointment

At the time of Pearl HArbor, the Admirals (4 star)Most of the individuals ahead of Nimitz on the September 1941 Naval List were older and served in shore billets (some after retirement & recall)
4 Star 3 star
CNO Harold Stark #35 COMBATFOR W S Pye #20
CINCUS H E Kimmel #40 COMSCOUTFOR W C Brown #28
CINCAF T C Hart # 2 Aircraft Battle Force W Halsey #41
CINCLANT E J King #15

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