Existing comment:
Nimitz Takes Command:
On 17 December 1941, Chester W. Nimitz assumed command of the Pacific Fleet with the rank of admiral. By 1941, the 56-year-old Texan had spent 40 years in the Navy mostly in battleships and submarines. The new admiral possessed all the essential attributes for taking command of a battered and demoralized fleet. Kind, courteous, quiet, and soft spoken, Nimitz was also hardworking, patient, and calm. He had excellent organization abilities and realistic strategic insights. Nimitz judged men well and made prompt, firm decisions. He also inspired confidence in his men. The new admiral's immediate objective was to restore the morale of the men at Pearl Harbor. Beginning with his staff, Nimitz told them, "There will be no changes. I have complete confidence in you men. We've taken a terrific wallop but I have no doubts as to the ultimate outcome." Nimitz faced terrible military difficulties from the start. He had to ensure the security of the shipping from the US to Hawaii and Midway and from Hawaii to Australia. Any further Japanese advances in the Central Pacific had to be halted. Furthermore, the ships at Pearl Harbor were to carry out raids that would divert Japanese strength from the invasion of the oil rich Netherlands East Indies. Within a few weeks Nimitz transformed the fleet at Pearl Harbor into a force capable of fulfilling all these objectives. From that beginning he went on to organize the Navy's victory in the Pacific. |