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Kenneth Braithwaite

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Kenneth Braithwaite
Official portrait, 2020
77th United States Secretary of the Navy

In office
May 29, 2020 – January 20, 2021
President Donald Trump
Deputy Gregory J. Slavonic (acting)
Secretary Mark Esper
Christopher C. Miller (acting)
Preceded by Richard V. Spencer
Succeeded by Carlos Del Toro
31st United States Ambassador to Norway

In office
February 8, 2018 – May 29, 2020
President Donald Trump
Preceded by Samuel D. Heins
Succeeded by Marc Nathanson
Personal details
Born Kenneth John Braithwaite II
1960 (age 64–65)
Livonia, Michigan, U.S.
Political party Republican
Children 2
Military service
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Navy
Years of service 1984–1993 (active)
1993–2011 (reserve)
Rank Rear Admiral (lower half)
Battles/wars Gulf War
Iraq War

Kenneth John Braithwaite II (born 1960) is an American diplomat, businessman, and former United States Navy rear admiral who served as the 77th secretary of the Navy from 2020 to 2021, in the first Trump administration. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as the 31st U.S. ambassador to Norway from 2018 to 2020.

Early life and education[]

Braithwaite was born on December 24, 1960, and is from Livonia, Michigan.[1][2] He attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated with a bachelor's degree in naval engineering and political science in 1984.[3][4] He later earned a master's degree in government administration from the University of Pennsylvania, Fels Institute of Government,[5] in 1995.[6]

Braithwaite obtained additional graduate qualifications from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, as well as the Air Command and Staff College at the Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama.[7]

Military career[]

Official portrait of Rear Admiral Braithwaite, c

Official portrait of Rear Admiral Braithwaite, c. 2007

Braithwaite was commissioned as an ensign in 1984,[1] and was initially selected as a special assistant in the Office of Legislative Affairs on Capitol Hill. He became a naval aviator in April 1986 and was assigned to anti-submarine patrol missions with Patrol Squadron 17 out of Naval Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii.[6] In April 1988 he was reassigned to public affairs duties[6] as director of public affairs aboard the aircraft carrier USS America (CV-66), and in 1990 he became the chief of public affairs to the commander of Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.[8] He made NATO deployments to the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean in response to the start of the Gulf War.[9]

Braithwaite's active duty service ended in 1993, but he immediately joined the Navy Reserve.[6] From 1993 until 2002, he served in different roles with numerous commands, including the 6th Fleet, 7th Fleet, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Commander Carrier Group Two.

In 2002, he was selected as commanding officer of Navy Combat Camera Atlantic (Reserve) and during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, he was deployed with his command in support of combat operations. In 2004, he was selected as the director of the Joint Public Affairs Support Element-Reserve, part of Joint Enabling Capabilities Command. In this role, he commanded a 50-person joint public affairs expeditionary unit that was forward deployed to support Combatant Commanders in time of conflict. In 2005, he deployed to Islamabad, Pakistan to serve as the director of Strategic Communications, concurrently reporting to the commander for Disaster Response and to the U.S. ambassador to Pakistan.[10][11]

He was nominated to the rank of rear admiral (lower half) in early 2007[12] while serving as director of the Joint Public Affairs Support Element at Norfolk.[13] His promotion was approved by the U.S. Senate that June.[14][15] He served as the Navy's vice chief of Information until his retirement in June 2011.[16]

Business career[]

Braithwaite, then-vice chief of Information, meets with Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick on July 1, 2008

Braithwaite, then-vice chief of Information, meets with Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick on July 1, 2008

Upon leaving active duty in June 1993, Braithwaite enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania.[17] Shortly thereafter he was hired by Atlantic Richfield (ARCO) as Manager of Operations where he managed a multi-disciplined, union-represented workforce. He was later assigned to ARCO's Washington DC office to work on regulatory affairs.[18]

From 1993 to 1996, Braithwaite was town councilman for the borough of Ridley Park, Pennsylvania.[19] He later became a top advisor for former U.S. Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania from 1997 to 2000, serving as his state director.[20]

In 2000, Braithwaite became vice president of advocacy and government relations for St. Thomas Health systems, serving in the role until 2002 when he became vice president public and government affairs for Ascension Health in Washington D.C.[21] In 2007, he became a senior vice president of the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, where he led the Delaware Valley Healthcare Council division.[22] Braithwaite later became a group senior vice president at health care company Vizient.[23]

Cambridge Analytica[]

In January 2020, CBS News reported that leaked documents indicated that Braithwaite may have had a contractual relationship with Cambridge Analytica before he became ambassador to Norway. Braithwaite denied having entered into a contract with Cambridge Analytica, saying he only conducted short-lived discussions with the company, only informally provided advice, and that he only entered into a non-disclosure agreement.[24]

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington suggested that he had a conflict of interest when he presented the U.S. Ambassador's Award to Norwegian shipping magnate Thomas Wilhelmsen because Wilhelmsen's cousin and co-heir to the Wilhelmsen company Olympia Paus is married to Alexander Nix, the former CEO of Cambridge Analytica.[24] Braithwaite denied that he had a conflict of interest.[24]

Donald Trump administration[]

Braithwaite being sworn in as the 77th U.S

Braithwaite being sworn in as the 77th U.S. secretary of the Navy, with his wife Melissa holding the Bible, on May 29, 2020

Braithwaite was nominated by President Donald Trump[25] to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Norway. His nomination was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on December 21, 2017, by voice vote.[25]

In November 2019, Trump announced he would nominate Braithwaite to become the U.S. Navy Secretary, following the forced resignation of Richard V. Spencer.[26] Braithwaite testified during his May 2020 confirmation hearings that he would prioritize rebuilding trust in naval leadership following two fatal ship collisions in 2017 and an earlier bribery scandal.[27] He was sworn in to office on May 29, 2020.[28]

In November 2020, Braithwaite proposed reconstituting the First Fleet the United States Pacific Fleet, citing the need for an increased US Navy presence in the Indo-Pacific,[29] and pointing to the rising threat of Chinese incursions into the region.[30]

In December 2020, as Secretary of the Navy, Braithwaite created the “Tri-Service” strategy to align maritime forces that included the Marines and Coast Guard and outlined a “more assertive posture” to deter military adventurism by Russia and China.[31]

In January 2021, as Secretary of the Navy, Braithwaite led the creation of a strategy to protect marine resources and shipping routes in the Arctic by increasing the Navy’s presence in the region.[32]

In his 8 months as Secretary of the Navy, Braithwaite incurred approximately $2.4 million in travel costs paid by taxpayer funds. At the time, other senior civilian staff reduced their travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic; Braithwaite travelled more than any other senior Pentagon civilian. The week prior to Joe Biden's inauguration, Braithwaite spent $232,000 to fly to Wake Island, a tiny atoll where no sailors or Marines are stationed. He spent more than $24,000 to attend the Army–Navy football game. He made more than one visit to Hawaii during his 8 months. Braithwaite defended his extensive travel at taxpayer expense, saying, "I submit it's impossible to lead men and women deployed around the world from behind a desk in Washington."[33]

Awards and decorations[]

Braithwaite's personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal with Oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V”, Navy Achievement Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon and various other awards.[10][34]

Personal life[]

Braithwaite is married to Melissa Losito Braithwaite and they two children, Grace and Harrison.[35]

References[]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "PN657 — Civilian". February 9, 1984. https://www.congress.gov/nomination/98th-congress/657. 
  2. ↑ "U.S. Ambassador to Norway: Who Is Kenneth Braithwaite?". AllGov. November 10, 2017. http://www.allgov.com/news/top-stories/us-ambassador-to-norway-who-is-kenneth-braithwaite-171110?news=860360. 
  3. ↑ "Ken Braithwaite Joins VHA Inc. as Senior Vice President and Executive Officer for VHA's East Coast and Pennsylvania Offices". November 1, 2011. https://www.yahoo.com/news/ken-braithwaite-joins-vha-inc-153500568.html. 
  4. ↑ "Notable Graduates Kenneth J. Braithwaite". U.S. Naval Academy. https://www.usna.edu/Notables/ambassadors/1984braithwaite.php. 
  5. ↑ "Giving by individuals to projects and programs". Penn Arts and Sciences. June 30, 2015. https://www.sas.upenn.edu/sas-resources/files/Honor_Roll_2015-finalweb.pdf. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "Biography". http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio_ret.asp?bioID=389. 
  7. ↑ "Kenneth J. Braithwaite". U. S. Department of State. https://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/278272.htm. 
  8. ↑ "Rear Admiral Kenneth J. Braithwaite, II Retired". U. S. Department of the Navy. July 16, 2013. https://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio_ret.asp?bioID=389. 
  9. ↑ "Kenneth J. Braithwaite (2020-2021)". Naval History and Heritage Command. March 8, 2021. https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/people/sec-nav/kenneth-braithwaite.html. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Braithwaite Kenneth J. – Kingdom of Norway – October 2017". October 15, 2017. https://www.state.gov/braithwaite-kenneth-j-kingdom-of-norway-october-2017/. 
  11. ↑ Carey, Kathleen E. (October 24, 2017). "Ex-Ridley Park pol picked as ambassador to Norway". https://www.delcotimes.com/news/ex-ridley-park-pol-picked-as-ambassador-to-norway/article_caaadb39-e6a6-510a-9fe0-390cbe89462f.html. 
  12. ↑ "SECDEF Announces Flag Officer Assignments" (in en). https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=28047. 
  13. ↑ "SECDEF Announces Flag Officer Assignments". U. S. Department of the Navy. February 27, 2007. https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=28047. 
  14. ↑ "PN296 - 1 nominee for Navy, 110th Congress (2007-2008)". June 28, 2007. https://www.congress.gov/nomination/110th-congress/296. 
  15. ↑ "PN296 — Capt. Kenneth J. Braithwaite — Navy". June 28, 2007. https://www.congress.gov/nomination/110th-congress/296. 
  16. ↑ "Congressional Record". https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/2011/6/23/extensions-of-remarks-section/article/E1187-2. 
  17. ↑ "Ambassador Kenneth J. Braithwaite". https://no.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/our-ambassador/. 
  18. ↑ "U.S. Ambassador to Norway: Who Is Kenneth Braithwaite?". http://www.allgov.com/news?news=860360. 
  19. ↑ "Braithwaite Kenneth J. – Kingdom of Norway – October 2017" (Certificate of Competency). October 15, 2017. https://www.state.gov/braithwaite-kenneth-j-kingdom-of-norway-october-2017/. 
  20. ↑ Terruso, Julia (November 25, 2019). "Trump's pick to lead the Navy is a Penn grad and former suburban Philadelphia councilman". The Philadelphia Inquirer. https://www.inquirer.com/news/kenneth-braithwaite-naval-secretary-donald-trump-philadelphia-penn-20191125.html. 
  21. ↑ Burling, Stacey (13 May 2007). "New leader for hospital advocacy organization". Philadelphia Inquirer. https://www.newspapers.com/image/199705167/?match=1&terms=%22Kenneth%20braithwaite%22%20%22Thomas%20Health%22%20. "Braithwaite was vice president of public and government affairs for Ascension from 2002 to 2007. He was vice president of advocacy and government relations for St. Thomas Health System in Nashville, Tenn., from 2000 to 2002." 
  22. ↑ Burling, Stacey (13 May 2007). "New leader for hospital advocacy organization". Philadelphia Inquirer. https://www.newspapers.com/image/199705167/?match=1&terms=%22Kenneth%20braithwaite%22%20%22Thomas%20Health%22%20. "Braithwaite, who started work yesterday, will be senior vice president of the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP). As leader of the Delaware Valley Healthcare Council, a division of HAP, he'll be responsible..." 
  23. ↑ Carey, Kathleen E. (October 24, 2017). "Ex-Ridley Park pol picked as ambassador to Norway". https://www.delcotimes.com/news/ex-ridley-park-pol-picked-as-ambassador-to-norway/article_caaadb39-e6a6-510a-9fe0-390cbe89462f.html. 
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 "Secretary of the Navy nominee may have had undisclosed contract with Cambridge Analytica, documents suggest". January 20, 2020. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/navy-secretary-kenneth-brathwaite-trump-nominee-cambridge-analytica-disclosure/. 
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "PN1173 — Kenneth J. Braithwaite — Department of State". October 23, 2017. https://www.congress.gov/nomination/115th-congress/1173. 
  26. ↑ Cohen, Zachary (28 February 2020). "Soviet Submarine Missions During the Cold War". CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/28/politics/trump-navy-secretary-nominee-ken-braithwaite/index.html. 
  27. ↑ Schmitt, Eric (5 May 2020). "Trump’s Nominee to Lead Navy Assails Past Leaders". The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/07/us/politics/trump-navy-kenneth-braithwaite.html. 
  28. ↑ Glenn, Mike (May 29, 2020). "New Navy Secretary sworn in at the Pentagon". The Washington Times. https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/may/29/kenneth-braithwaite-sworn-77th-navy-secretary-pent/. 
  29. ↑ Rej, Abhijnan (18 November 2020). "US Navy Secretary Proposes New Indo-Pacific Fleet". The Diplomat. https://thediplomat.com/2020/11/us-navy-secretary-proposes-new-indo-pacific-fleet/. 
  30. ↑ "US Steps Up Efforts To Resurrect Navy’s ‘First Fleet’ As Tensions Rise With China Over Taiwan". EurAsian Times. 21 April 2021. https://www.eurasiantimes.com/us-steps-up-efforts-to-resurrect-navys-first-fleet-as-tensions-rise-over-taiwan/. 
  31. ↑ McLeary, Paul (5 January 2021). "Navy Secretary: US Plans Patrols Near Russian Arctic Bases". Breaking Defense. https://breakingdefense.com/2021/01/navy-secretary-us-patrols-near-russian-arctic-bases/. 
  32. ↑ Sevunts, Levon (8 January 2021). "New U.S. Arctic strategy focuses on ‘day-to-day competition’ with Russia and China". Barents Observer. https://thebarentsobserver.com/en/security/2021/01/new-us-arctic-strategy-focuses-day-day-competition-russia-and-china. 
  33. ↑ "$2.3 million on travel in 8 months: Trump Navy secretary flew around the world, despite COVID-19". May 10, 2021. https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/politics/2021/05/06/trump-navy-secretary-kenneth-braithwaite-spent-2-3-million-travel/4860333001/. 
  34. ↑ Tankersley, Shelby (June 5, 2020). "Livonia native Kenneth Braithwaite named U.S. Navy secretary". Hometown Life. https://www.hometownlife.com/story/news/local/livonia/2020/06/05/livonia-native-kenneth-braithwaite-named-navy-secretary/3153850001/. 
  35. ↑ Meehan, Patrick (June 23, 2011). "Honoring Rear Admiral Kenneth J. Braithwaite, II". https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/2011/6/23/extensions-of-remarks-section/article/E1187-2. 

External links[]

Diplomatic posts
Preceded by
Samuel D. Heins 		United States Ambassador to Norway
2018–2020 		Succeeded by
Richard Riley
Acting
Political offices
Preceded by
James E. McPherson
Acting 		United States Secretary of the Navy
2020–2021 		Succeeded by
Thomas Harker
Acting


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