After graduated from the Naval Academy in 1931, served for seven years in the Pensacola and Cushing; then attended MIT and received MA in electrical engineering. In 1942 was gunnery officer in the battleship USS Washington (BB-56), participating in the Solomons and Gilbert campaigns, then on staff of Commander, Service Force, Pacific. In 1947 served with Atomic Energy Commission, playing a key role in planning Eniwetok tests. In 1950, during tour of duty with Bureau of Ordnance & AEC, initiated development of first nuclear anti-submarine weapon and later as Assistant Chief of BuOrd was involved with development of ASROC and ASW torpedoes. In 1959 was first director of Institute of Naval Studies at Naval War College. Was Commander Amphibious Group, Western Pacific which landed Marines in Thailand during Laos crisis in 1962. Commanded Service Force, Pacific Fleet, providing logistic support in early stages of buildup in Vietnam. Was Director of Naval Historical Center from retirement until 1976.