The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) inducted two new members, retired Adm. Stan Arthur and Dr. Jack London, to its Hall of Fame during a ceremony, Dec. 2.
Adm. Stanley Arthur served as Commander U.S. Seventh Fleet and Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command for Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and as Vice Chief of Naval Operation. Dr. Jack London served as a naval aviator during the Vietnam War, Aid and Administrative Assistant to the Vice Chief of the Naval Material Command during his active duty service. Following his naval career, London has been instrumental in the growth of CACI from a small consulting firm, to a global professional and information technology services provider to the defense, homeland security and intelligence sectors. With more than 14,000 employees worldwide, London currently serves as Executive Chairman for CACI.
“The Hall of Fame was established 10 years ago to recognize members of the NPS community who have committed their careers and lives to public service,” said NPS President Dan Oliver during his opening speech. “Today, we welcome Dr. Jack London and Admiral Stan Arthur among them.”
Faculty, staff, students, friends and family, as well as other Hall of Fame members, were present at the ceremony to welcome the new members.
Oliver presented Admiral Stanley Arthur as the 16th member of the Hall of Fame praising his more than 38-year career serving actively in the U.S. Navy. He said that Arthur “exemplified the leadership qualities that are most critical for members of the armed forces.”
He also praised Arthur’s work after retiring from the military, joining Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control as President and his continued service to the Naval Postgraduate School with his participation on the NPS Board of Advisors.
“It’s truly an honor to be among you all today. Never in my wildest imagination would I think that I would be here to accept this special honor,” said Arthur. “This school is a very special place. It has provided quality education to so many over so many years … bringing innovation and informed decision making to this country’s military.”
Oliver then presented the 17th new member of the Hall of Fame, Dr. Jack London. Oliver pointed out London’s contributions to some of the nation’s most innovative and historic endeavors such as his participation as a member of the recovery team for Col. John Glenn’s space flight aboard Freedom 7.
He emphasized London’s continuous service throughout his career in the Navy and as a civilian, being actively involved with multiple organizations of social and national value. London took the podium and thanked Oliver, as well as all in attendance, for the prestigious honor.
NPS President Dan Oliver speaks during the Hall of Fame induction ceremony welcoming Dr. Jack London and retired Adm. Stanley Arthur, Dec. 2. The inductees joined the ranks of several other prominent NPS alumni that have been recognized for their accomplishments and contributions to society, their nation, and the Naval Postgraduate School.
“To be even considered to the NPS Hall of Fame is an honor that I would have never expected,” said London. “At the same time, I am very proud to have been a graduate of such a fine institution.”
London explained the significance that NPS has had in his life – not just a place where he learned about leadership, focus, dedication, and prepared him for the future – but also gave him memorable moments in his life like the birth of his first child. London said of NPS that throughout his career no other place gave him the necessary foundation to tackle the challenges he faced.
“The Naval Postgraduate School instilled in me a certain framework for decision making, through many courses, hundreds or maybe thousands of hours of studying that in the long run made me a better leader,” said London. He listed several commands and situations where he was faced with challenges and difficulties, but he was able to face them because of what he learned at the school. “Nothing could beat the commitment and intensity that I discovered at NPS.”
The NPS Hall of Fame was established to recognize the accomplishments of the university’s most distinguished alumni and friends who, through the attainment of positions at the highest levels of public service, have made the greatest contributions to society, their nations and to the Naval Postgraduate School.
These recent inductees joining the ranks of prominent NPS alumni such as former Commandant of the Marine Corps General Michael W. Hagee, 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CGCS) Admiral Mike Mullen, and many others. The new members were added to the NPS Hall of Fame display in the quarterdeck of Herrmann Hall, the school’s historic and iconic administration building.