Navy legend shares rich history of service

Former Dallasite and 70th Secretary of the United States Navy John. H. Dalton was in town this week to promote his first book, At the Helm: My Journey with Family, Faith, and Friends to Calm the Storms of Life. In the book, the Naval Academy graduate writes with honesty and humility about his career in the Navy, the financial sector and the White House, focusing not only on his accomplishments, but also his failures and toughest challenges. In July 1993, President Clinton nominated him as Secretary of the Navy, where he served for five and a half years. In the private sector, Dalton began his career with Goldman Sachs. Between his two government tenures, he served in leadership positions in several financial firms. He attended Louisiana State University for one year before being accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy where, as Deputy Brigade Commander, he graduated with distinction in 1964. In town with his wife, Margaret, the two shared stories of their long friendship with President Jimmy Carter, their dedication to affordable housing for all Americans, and their sense of community as members of the Episcopal church. In 2029, the Navy will christen its newest nuclear-powered Virginia submarine, The USS John H. Dalton. All proceeds from the sale of Dalton’s book are donated to the Washington National Cathedral, The U.S. Naval Academy Foundation and Community Renewal International. — From Staff Reports