John S. McCain Jr., American admiral (d. 1981)

John Sidney "Jack" McCain Jr. (January 17, 1911 – March 22, 1981) was a distinguished United States Navy admiral whose career spanned over four decades, from the height of World War II through the complexities of the Cold War and the Vietnam era. He culminated his remarkable service as the Commander, United States Pacific Command (CINCPAC), a pivotal leadership role overseeing all U.S. military forces across the vast Pacific theater.

The son of Admiral John S. McCain Sr., a revered naval aviator, McCain Jr. grew up steeped in naval tradition in Washington, D.C. He graduated from the prestigious U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in 1931, immediately embarking on a career in the demanding submarine service. During World War II, McCain distinguished himself in the treacherous waters of the Pacific, commanding submarines such as the USS Gunnel (SS-253) and later the USS Aspro (SS-309). His leadership in these deep-sea battles was instrumental in the sinking of several Japanese ships, directly impacting enemy supply lines and naval power. For his valor and strategic acumen, he was decorated with both the Silver Star, awarded for gallantry in action, and the Bronze Star, recognizing heroic or meritorious achievement or service.

Following the conclusion of World War II, Admiral McCain continued to rise through the ranks, holding a variety of significant commands. He developed a specialized expertise in amphibious warfare, the complex coordination of sea, land, and air forces for coastal assaults. In 1965, he commanded the U.S. forces involved in Operation Power Pack, the U.S. intervention in the Dominican Republic. This significant military action was undertaken amidst severe civil unrest, aiming to protect American citizens and prevent a perceived communist takeover, underscoring McCain's critical role in regional stability operations. His career also included influential posts in Washington, D.C., notably within the Legislative Affairs Office, where he liaised with Congress, and as the Chief of Naval Information, a role that positioned him as a key figure in shaping public understanding of naval policy. These positions allowed him to become highly influential in political affairs, advocating fiercely for naval power. His staunch anti-Communist stance and unwavering advocacy for a robust and globally deployed naval presence earned him the influential moniker "Mr. Seapower." This nickname reflected his deep belief in the strategic necessity of a dominant U.S. Navy to project power and maintain international security during the Cold War era.

During the tumultuous years of the Vietnam War, Admiral McCain assumed the immense responsibility of Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Command (CINCPAC), from 1968 to 1972. In this role, he commanded all U.S. forces throughout the entire Vietnam theater. He became a steadfast proponent of President Richard Nixon's "Vietnamization" policy, a strategy designed to gradually transfer combat responsibilities from U.S. forces to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN), thereby enabling a phased withdrawal of American troops. Admiral McCain was also a pivotal figure in the expansion of U.S. military operations into neighboring Cambodia and Laos. He played a significant role in advocating for and convincing President Nixon to authorize the 1970 Cambodian Incursion, a series of military operations aimed at destroying North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong (VC) sanctuaries along the Cambodian-Vietnamese border. Furthermore, he established a direct working relationship with Cambodian leader Lon Nol, emphasizing a collaborative approach in the region. He also championed the 1971 incursion into Laos, known as Operation Lam Son 719, which sought to interdict the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a crucial supply route for communist forces supporting military operations in South Vietnam. Admiral McCain retired from active duty in the Navy in 1972, leaving behind a profound legacy of service.

The McCain family boasts a remarkable naval legacy spanning three generations. His father, John S. McCain Sr., was also a distinguished admiral in the Navy and a pioneering naval aviator. Together, John S. McCain Jr. and Sr. made history as the first father-son duo in U.S. Navy history to achieve the prestigious four-star admiral rank, a testament to their exceptional careers and contributions. The naval tradition continued with his son, John S. McCain III, a former naval aviator who endured years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam during his father's tenure as CINCPAC. John S. McCain III retired from the Navy with the rank of captain and later embarked on a prominent political career, serving as a respected United States Senator for Arizona and becoming the Republican Party's nominee for President of the United States in 2008, further cementing the family's place in American history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Admiral John S. McCain Jr.

What was John S. McCain Jr.'s primary role during the Vietnam War?
During the Vietnam War, John S. McCain Jr. served as the Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Command (CINCPAC), from 1968 to 1972. In this critical role, he commanded all U.S. forces across the entire Pacific theater, including those involved in the Vietnam conflict.
Why was Admiral McCain Jr. known as "Mr. Seapower"?
Admiral McCain Jr. earned the nickname "Mr. Seapower" due to his staunch anti-Communist stance and his unwavering, vocal advocacy for a strong, globally deployed U.S. naval presence. He firmly believed that a dominant navy was essential for projecting American power and maintaining international security during the Cold War.
What was his connection to the U.S. intervention in the Dominican Republic?
In 1965, Admiral McCain Jr. commanded the U.S. forces during Operation Power Pack, the U.S. military intervention in the Dominican Republic. This operation was undertaken amid civil unrest to protect American citizens and to prevent a perceived communist takeover.
How is John S. McCain Jr. related to the famous Senator John S. McCain III?
John S. McCain Jr. was the father of Senator John S. McCain III. Their family is unique in U.S. naval history, as John S. McCain Jr. and his own father, John S. McCain Sr., were the first father-son duo to both achieve the rank of four-star admiral.