Four U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets conduct a formation flyover to honor the 100th birthday of former U.S. President James Carter in Plains, Ga. on Oct. 1. The two squadrons, from Carrier Air Wing 3, that provided aircraft for the flyover are the “Fighting Swordsmen” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32 and the “Wildcats” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131. (Laura Kuyat/National Park Service)
Former President James Earl “Jimmy” Carter has been many things: devoted husband, father and grandfather, state senator and later governor for Georgia, leader of the United States, humanitarian — and naval officer.
That lesser-known aspect of the former president’s career was emphasized Tuesday in his hometown of Plains, Ga., when four U.S. Navy Super Hornets conducted a flyover to celebrate his 100th birthday.
Carter is one of three presidents who graduated from a U.S. military academy, and he is the only one to graduate from the Naval Academy. He graduated with distinction in 1946.
“As a naval officer, President Carter served aboard submarines and at Naval Reactors to assist in the design and development of nuclear propulsion plants for our warships,” Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro said.
He served aboard the USS Wyoming and USS Barracuda, and served with the Naval Reactors Branch of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, which helped develop America’s nuclear submarines when it was still in service. (It was replaced by other agencies in 1974.) His promising Navy career was cut short in 1953 when he resigned to help with his family business in the wake of his father’s death.
While many aircraft carriers are named for former presidents, Carter is the only former president to have an attack submarine (the USS Jimmy Carter) named after him — a reflection of his time as a submariner and his work on the early days of the U.S. nuclear submarine fleet.
Graduation of Jimmy Carter from U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland on June 5, 1946. Rosalynn Smith (Carter) and his mother Lillian Carter are pinning on his ensign bars. (National Archives)
James “Jimmy” Earl Carter Jr., USN, in main control room of USS K-1 (SSK-1) between June and October 1952. (Naval History and Heritage Command)
Then-President Jimmy Carter assists First Lady Rosalynn Carter as she looks through the periscope of the nuclear-powered submarine USS Los Angeles (SSN-688) during a cruise, May 27, 1977. ( Archie N. Galloway/U.S. Navy photo)
The two squadrons performing the flyover had returned from deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation just months ago. Squadron leaders expressed gratitude for being able to commemorate the former president.
Cmdr. Andrew Stoner, executive officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, said he was “extremely humbled to honor President Carter and his life of service, as well as highlight his Navy roots.”
Cmdr. Jason Hoch, commanding officer of the other squadron that participated, VFA-32, similarly said his squadron is “honored to be a part of the celebration of a former naval officer who has dedicated his life to public service.”
Carter is currently in his 19th month of hospice care. His eldest grandson Jason Carter has said the 39th president is “very limited in what he can do,” including being unable to talk on the phone, but that he is excited to vote in the 2024 election and continues to follow the news.
