Naval History and Heritage Command

Finding aid (Word)

Biographical Note

John F. Lehman, Jr. was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 14, 1942. He received a Bachelor's Degree in international relations from St. Joseph's College in 1964, and spent three years in the Air Force Reserves while attending Cambridge University. In 1968 he left the Air Force Reserves and accepted a commission of Ensign in the Navy, where he advanced to the rank of Commander. After serving on the National Security Council and as Deputy Director of the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, he was president of Abington Corporation. Lehman was selected to be Secretary of the Navy on January 23, 1981, and remained in that post until April 10, 1987.

Scope and Content Note

The bulk of the materials in this collection date from the period 1981-1987 when Lehman served as the 65th Secretary of the Navy. Over half of the materials, approximately 7 feet, consists of Secretary Lehman's subject files. These files lend insight into crisis management, defense budget appropriations, Department of Defense and Joint Chiefs of Staff reorganization, Navy policy and procurement issues, and ships, aircraft, and weapon system programs. The subject files contain memoranda, letters, handwritten and typed notes, briefings, speeches, reports, and extracts from published sources. Secretary Lehman's appointment books and social files, approximately 2.25 feet, also provide coverage for the years 1981-1987. The social files are arranged chronologically by event and include guest lists, menus, entertainment agendas and costs data on receptions, dinners, and cocktail parties hosted by Secretary Lehman in honor of foreign dignitaries, congressmen, and Navy, Marine Corps, and White House officials. Published materials, approximately 1.25 feet, include studies, reports, newspaper clippings, and magazine articles on defense budget and programs, and the future role of the Navy.

Preferred Citation

This collection should be cited as Papers of John F. Lehman, Archives Branch, Naval History and Heritage Command, Washington, D.C.

Subject Headings (LCSH)

United States. Navy Dept.
United States. Navy--Aviation.
United States. Navy--Medical care.
United States. Navy--Personnel management.
United States. Navy--Organization.
United States. Navy--Procurement.
United States. Joint Chiefs of Staff.
United States--Armed Forces--Organization.
Shipbuilding--United States--Planning.
United States. Navy--History--Sources.