John F. Lehman

John F. Lehman is an American investment banker, author, and former naval officer who served as the 65th United States Secretary of the Navy under President Ronald Reagan. A key architect of the Reagan-era naval buildup, he championed the ambitious "600-ship Navy" policy to counter the Soviet Navy during the final decade of the Cold War. His tenure was marked by significant procurement programs, doctrinal innovation, and efforts to reform naval aviation and surface fleet readiness.

Early life and education

John Francis Lehman Jr. was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, into a family with deep ties to finance and public service. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Saint Joseph's University before pursuing graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, where he received a Master of Arts. Lehman subsequently attended Cambridge University in England, earning a Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations from Pembroke College. His academic work focused on strategic studies and laid the groundwork for his future role in national security policy.

Naval career

Commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy Reserve in 1968, Lehman served as a naval flight officer and flew missions in the A-6 Intruder during the Vietnam War. He later served on the staff of the National Security Council under Henry Kissinger during the Nixon Administration. Following his active duty, Lehman remained in the Naval Reserve, achieving the rank of Commander and accumulating significant expertise in naval aviation and strategic planning, which informed his later policy decisions.

Secretary of the Navy

Appointed by President Ronald Reagan and confirmed by the United States Senate, Lehman served as Secretary of the Navy from 1981 to 1987. He aggressively implemented the "600-ship Navy" plan, which led to the reactivation of battleships like the , the construction of new aircraft carriers and guided-missile cruisers, and a major expansion of the Marine Corps. Lehman was a proponent of the Maritime Strategy, emphasizing forward deployment and aggressive carrier battle group operations to pressure the Soviet Union. His tenure also saw the A-12 Avenger II development program and reforms following the Tailhook scandal.

Post-government career

After leaving government, Lehman returned to the private sector, co-founding the investment firm J.F. Lehman & Company and serving as a partner at Paine Webber. He was appointed a member of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, better known as the 9/11 Commission, where he contributed to the investigation into the September 11 attacks. Lehman has authored several books on defense and history, including *Command of the Seas* and *Oceans Ventured*, and has served on the boards of numerous corporations and think tanks like the Foreign Policy Research Institute.

Personal life

Lehman is married and has children. An accomplished sailor, he has participated in competitive yachting events. He maintains an active role in public policy debates through writings, media commentary, and affiliations with institutions such as the American Enterprise Institute and the Naval Historical Foundation.

Category:1942 births Category:Living people Category:United States Secretaries of the Navy Category:American investment bankers Category:United States Navy officers Category:People from Philadelphia Category:Reagan administration personnel