Naval History and Heritage Command
Lieutenant James Earl Carter Jr., USN
39th American President
President James Earl "Jimmy" Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 with distinction, after which he was assigned to USS Wyoming (E-AG 17) as an ensign. After completing two years of surface ship duty, Carter applied for submarine duty. He served as executive officer, engineering officer, and electronics repair officer on the submarine SSK-1. When Admiral Hyman G. Rickover (then a captain) started his program to create nuclear-powered submarines, Carter wanted to join the program and was interviewed and selected by Rickover. Carter was promoted to lieutenant and from 3 November 1952 to 1 March 1953, he served on temporary duty with the Naval Reactors Branch, U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, Washington, D.C., to assist "in the design and development of nuclear propulsion plants for naval vessels."
From 1 March to 8 October 1953, Carter was preparing to become the engineering officer for USS Seawolf (SSN-575), one of the first submarines to operate on atomic power. However, when his father died in July 1953, Carter resigned from the Navy and returned to Georgia to manage his family interests. Carter was honorably discharged on 9 October 1953 and transferred to the retired reserve at his request with the rank of lieutenant. The Seawolf-class submarine Jimmy Carter (SSN-23) is named for the 39th president. Read President Carter's complete biography.
Video: Jimmy Carter: A Navy Story
Other Resources
The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
USS Jimmy Carter (SS-23), COMSUBDEVRON 5
Selected Imagery
Midshipman James Earl Carter Jr., photographed at Merin Studios, date unknown. Photo archived at Naval History and Heritage Command Photo Archives Branch, photo no. L38-14.02.01.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (May 27, 1977) President Jimmy Carter and Adm. Hyman G. Rickover, Retired, Director, Division of Naval Reactors, U.S. Energy Research Development Administration and Deputy Commander for Nuclear Propulsion, operate the bow and stern planes during a cruise aboard the nuclear-powered submarine USS Los Angeles (SSN-688).
Adm. Hyman G. Rickover, Retired, Director, Division of Naval Reactors, U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration and Deputy Commander for Nuclear Propulsion, speaks to the group gathered at the nuclear-powered submarine USS Los Angeles (SSN-688). His answer to a question brings a laugh from President Jimmy Carter and the gathered crowd. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Dave Longstreath/Released)
Former president Jimmy Carter’s letter to Wesley Brown congratulating him on the 40th anniversary of being the first African American to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy. Carter and Brown attended the academy together and were members of the cross-country team (Image Courtesy of the United States Naval Academy Museum).
Governor Jimmy Carter of Georgia receives a copy of the Naval Historical Center publication, The American Revolution, 1775-1783, An Atlas of 18th Century Maps and Charts, Theatres of Operations, from Commander Louis De Vorsey Jr., USNR, professor of geography at the University of Georgia. The presentation took place in the governor's office, Atlanta, circa 1973. (85053-KN)
Graduation of Jimmy Carter from U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. Rosalynn Smith (Carter) and his mother Lillian Carter pinning on his ensign bars, June 5, 1946. National Archives. NAID: 6340631.
Secured in a safety harness former president James E. Carter (D) (left) speaks with Navy Vice Admiral Charles L. Munns, Commander, Submarine Force, US Atlantic Fleet (COMSUBLANT), as they ride out to sea on the bridge aboard the Seawolf-class attack submarine USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23). President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, spent the night aboard the submarine, touring the ship and meeting with crew members. August 11, 2005. National Archives. NAID: 6668698. Local ID: 330-CFD-DN-SD-06-05040.jpeg
June 5, 2004. Thousands of spectators gather at General Dynamics Electric Boat's shipyard to witness the christening of the US Navy Seawolf class fast-attack submarine, USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23), held at the Electric Boat Corporation of Connecticut facility, located at Groton Shipyard. National Archives. NAID: 6655341Local ID: 330-CFD-DN-SD-05-02503.jpeg
Former first lady Rosalynn Carter smashes a bottle of champagne against the sail of the USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23) during the ship’s christening ceremony, held at the Electric Boat Corporation, located at Groton Shipyard, Connecticut. Also pictured are Mr. John P. Casey (left), president, Electric Boat Division; former president Jimmy Carter, the ship’s namesake; Secretary of the Navy Gordon England; U.S. Representative Rob Simmons (R-CT); Matron of Honor Amy Carter; Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri; and principal speaker Dr. James Schlesinger, who served in the Carter administration as the first secretary of energy. June 5, 2004. National Archives. NAID: 6655340. Local ID: 330-CFD-DN-SD-05-02502.jpeg
James "Jimmy" Earl Carter Jr., USN, in main control room of USS K-1 (SSK-1) between June and October 1952. (NH 85526)
Lt. Cdr. Robert J. Labrecque, executive officer, left, President Jimmy Carter and Adm. Hyman G. Rickover, Retired, Director, Division of Naval Reactors, U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration and Deputy Commander for Nuclear Propulsion, are in the control room on board the nuclear-powered submarine USS Los Angeles (SSN-688) during a cruise.
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. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Journalist Archie N. Galloway/Released)
President Jimmy Carter holds a press conference following his nine-hour cruise on board the nuclear-powered submarine USS Los Angeles (SSN-688). The president was accompanied by Adm. Hyman G. Rickover, Retired, Director, Division of Naval Reactors, U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration and Deputy Commander for Nuclear Propulsion, left, and first lady Rosalynn Carter on the cruise. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Dave Longstreath/Released)
Former President Jimmy Carter is piped aboard during his arrival at the change of command ceremony for USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23) at Naval Base Kitsap - Bangor. Carter's previous visits to the ship included its christening and commissioning. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kenneth G. Takada/Released)
Former President Jimmy Carter speaks during the change of command ceremony for USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23) at Naval Base Kitsap - Bangor. Carter's previous visits to the ship included its christening and commissioning. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kenneth G. Takada/Released)
Cmdr. Melvin Smith (right) takes command of USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23) from Cmdr. Brian Elkowitz (left) during a change of command ceremony at Naval Base Kitsap - Bangor. The ceremony included the ship's namesake, former President Jimmy Carter, as well as former Director of Naval Reactors retired Adm. Kirkland Donald. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kenneth G. Takada/Released)
Former US President James E. Carter addresses the crew onboard his namesake ship, the Seawolf-class attack submarine USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23), in the crew's mess. President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, spent the night aboard the submarine, touring the ship and meeting with crewmembers. The Jimmy Carter is the third in Seawolf Class Attack Submarine. August 12, 2005. National Archives. NAID: 6668709. Local ID: 330-CFD-DN-SD-06-05051.jpeg
Former US President James E. Carter salutes the sideboys after departing the Seawolf-class attack submarine USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23). President Jimmy Carter and wife, Rosalynn, embarked aboard the submarine for an overnight tour. This was the first underway period on a submarine for the former president since ending his naval career in 1953. Kings Bay, Georgia. August 12, 2005. National Archives. NAID: 6668710. Local ID: 330-CFD-DN-SD-06-05052.jpeg.
June 5, 2004. The crew of the USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23) assemble in rank and in dress attire for an official photograph during the ship’s christening ceremony, held at the Electric Boat Corporation of Connecticut, located at Groton Shipyard. National Archives. NAID: 6655342Local ID: 330-CFD-DN-SD-05-02504.jpeg
