Naval History and Heritage Command

NH 97204. Admiral Zumwalt speaks with the Human Relations Council, at Fleet Activities, Yokosuka, Japan, July 2, 1971. Photographed by PH2 Edward C. Mucma. Official U.S. Navy photo, from the collections of Naval History and Heritage Command. Download image.

A veteran of World War II and the conflicts in Korea and Vietnam, Admiral Zumwalt exemplified honor, courage and commitment during 32 years of dedicated naval service, earning a Bronze Star with Valor for his actions during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. As the 19th Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Zumwalt embraced innovation—strategically, technologically, and with his personnel programs—to modernize the U.S. Navy.

Admiral Zumwalt’s embrace of innovation resulted in a number of new programs, such as the Oliver Hazard Perry–class frigate, the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, and the F-14 Tomcat, all of which had lasting impacts on the warfighting readiness of the Navy. A battle-seasoned surface warfare expert, Admiral Zumwalt instituted the creation of the surface warfare pin to enhance a sense of community and expertise within the surface Navy. Perhaps most importantly, Admiral Zumwalt knew the primary force-multiplier of the United States Navy continued to be Sailors. As a social reformer, he began quality of life improvements for Sailors and the institutionalization of equality for minorities and women in the Navy.

The following links are Naval History and Heritage Command’s collection of imagery, documents and biographical information. We encourage you to explore these pages and learn more about Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt Jr.

History and Imagery

• Z-Grams
• CNO Biography
• USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) DANFS entry
• Photos
• Biographical File

To find out about USS Zumwalt's capabilities and fleet mission, visit All Hands Magazine.

Digital Content

Blogs

• An Iconic Figure to Remember, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt Jr. Blog provides popular quotes and images spanning his naval career.
• A Visionary for Humanity—Admiral Elmo "Bud" Zumwalt's Legacy. An interview with Jim Zumwalt, the admiral's son, details how the admiral continued to serve his Sailors even after he left the Navy.
• In the Walk of Life, the Shared Path Leads to Achievement—Admiral Elmo "Bud" Zumwalt's Legacy. An interview with Ann Zumwalt, the admiral's eldest daughter, talks about the impact her mother made on the Navy and what it's like to be a ship sponsor of DDG-1000.
• Adm. Zumwalt's Legacy, Spirit Carries Through Today's Navy. Blog written by DDG-1000 Captain James "T" Kirk talks about what it's like to be a Sailor on Navy's newest ship.
• Navy Legend: Admiral Elmo "Bud" Zumwalt Jr. A special tribute penned by Admiral Zumwalt's son Lt. Col. James "Jim" G. Zumwalt, USMC (Ret.)

Infographics

• USS Zumwalt infographic honors a U.S. legend, Admiral Elmo "Bud" Zumwalt, providing a brief history of his naval career, facts about USS Zumwalt, and information about his decorated service.
• Zumwalt's Impact on People. This infographic informs readers on Admiral Zumwalt's most notable people changes.
• Zumwalt's Impact on Innovation. This infographic provides readers with a few of Admiral Zumwalt's notable innovations as Chief of Naval Operations.