Senator John Warner
Before joining the Senate in 1978, Senator Warner served as Under Secretary of the Navy (1969-1972), and as the 61st Secretary of the Navy (1972 - 1974). He served on the Senate Armed Services Committee for 30 years, and was privileged to be elected by the members as Chairman or Ranking Member during 15 of those years. Senator Warner was involved in all aspects of the United States' military relationships with its key allies. He took the closest interest in military operations in the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He served in the Senate until January 3, 2009, completing a full five terms. On December 12, 2008, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence awarded Warner the first ever National Intelligence Distinguished Public Service Medal. On January 8, 2009, the Secretary of the Navy announced it would name the next Virginia-class submarine after John Warner. USS John Warner (SSN-785) will be the twelfth Virginia-class submarine. On February 19, 2009 the British Embassy in Washington announced that Queen Elizabeth II will name John Warner an honorary Knight Commander for his work strengthening the American-British military alliance. As a non-British citizen, the title of Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire allows Warner to put the Post-nominal letters KBE after his name.
