Rest in Peace, Admiral ‘Ace’ Lyons

This is Frank Gaffney with the Secure Freedom Minute.

In the annals of the U.S. Navy, there have been few more colorful, salty and accomplished sailors than Admiral James “Ace” Lyons.  Alas, his passing this week brought to a close a lifetime of extraordinary public service, both in and out of uniform.

In his recent book Oceans Ventured, former Navy Secretary John Lehman credited Adm. Lyons with helping President Ronald Reagan use naval power to decisive effect in the Cold War with the Soviet Union – all without firing a shot.

I had the privilege of working closely with Adm. Lyons in the years after he left active duty. He served as the chairman of our Center for Security Policy’s Military Committee. In that capacity, the former Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet brought to bear the extraordinary intellect and strategic vision for which he was renowned in the Navy. We will sorely miss him.

Godspeed, Admiral Lyons.

This is Frank Gaffney.