Retired US Coast Guard Commandant Admiral John W. Kime Succumbs to Cancer

Published Sep 22, 2006 12:01 AM by The Maritime Executive

Adm. J. William Kime, 72, Coast Guard commandant from 1990 to 1994, died on September 14 in Baltimore, following a struggle with cancer. In a press release posted on the Coast Guard WEB site, Adm. Thad Allen, commandant of the Coast Guard, said, “This is a very sad day for the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard lost a close member of our family, and America has lost a great leader. In the wake of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, Adm. Kime pioneered how the Coast Guard now prevents and responds to oil and hazardous chemical spills, significantly minimizing the environmental damage caused by such spills. His legacy can be seen today in how the Coast Guard responds to a broad range of threats and hazards to our maritime, homeland, and national security interests.” Kime, a former U.S. Coast Guard commandant, was deeply involved with maritime safety and environmental protection issues during his storied career. He served as commandant of the Coast Guard from 1990 to 1994, during which time he oversaw implementation of the landmark Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and also established the position of drug interdiction coordinator. During his time in the Coast Guard, Kime saw duty at sea in deck and engineering positions and ashore in the law enforcement, marine safety and environmental protection fields. According to the Coast guard press release, he was a key leader in the Coast Guard’s response to the Exxon Valdez oil spill. He served in the Coast guard for 41 years. After retiring from the Coast Guard, Kime served in various roles, including CEO of ship management companies in the United States and Europe. He also worked with BIMCO, the world's largest private shipping organization. Kime is 1957 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Later, he earned a Master of Science degree in naval architecture and marine engineering and the professional degree of Naval Engineer from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was the 1993 recipient of the United Nations World Maritime Prize. Survivors include his wife Valerie and two sons, Edward W. Kime of Bel Air, Md., and James G.W. Kime of Columbia, Md. He will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. (*) photo used with permission. Courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard