Admiral J. William Kime (ret), '57
Distinguished Alumnus (Posthumous) 2007
Admiral Kime is a 1957 graduate of the Academy. Upon graduation, he served aboard CGC Casco before assuming command of LORSTA Wake Island in 1960. He holds a Master's degree in naval architecture and marine engineering from MIT and is a professional naval engineer. His Coast Guard career was one of increasing responsibility and success, especially in the Naval Engineering (oversaw the structural design of the Polar Class icebreakers) and Marine Safety fields. Prior to becoming Coast Guard Commandant (1990-1994), he served concurrently as Commander of the Long Beach, California-based 11th Coast Guard District and Pacific Regional Coordinator for the Office of National Drug Control Policy. As Commandant, he was passionate about maritime safety and environmental protection issues, and oversaw implementation of landmark Oil Pollution Act of 1990, and established the position of Drug Interdiction Coordinator. In the wake of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, he pioneered how the Coast Guard prevents and responds to oil and hazardous chemical spills, significantly minimizing environmental damage. Upon his retirement in 1994, he brought his leadership to the maritime industry. Admiral Kime died of cancer in Towson, Maryland on September 14, 2006 at age 72.