Remembering Navy Memorial Founder Dr. Jack P. London

We are heartbroken at the loss of Dr. Jack P. London, one of the United States Navy Memorial’s founders, Lone Sailor Award winner, and an esteemed patriot. A man of countless accomplishments, Dr. London served in the Navy on active duty for 12 years, being the commanding officer on missions involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Soviet Union’s nuclear submarine threat. He was with the airborne recovery team for Col. John Glenn's Mercury Program space flight in Freedom 7 in the Caribbean on February 20, 1962 on the USS Randolph (CVS-15). Later, at the height of the Vietnam War, he served as Aide and Administrative Assistant to the Vice Chief of the Naval Material Command, Department of the Navy (1969-70).

His excellent service record grew his experience in executive leadership. After retiring from the Navy as a Captain, Dr. London began a career at consulting firm CACI International Inc. He quickly rose through the ranks, creating the modern-day CACI that is known today, becoming Executive Chairman and Chairman of the board. Under his leadership, the organization grew into a fiscal giant, now conducting business all over the world in the modern marketplace.

A known patriot, Dr. London used his naval and technological expertise to help found and lead the United States Navy Memorial. His overwhelming philanthropic spirit helped create the USNM into the foundation of naval remembrance that it has become. Without him, the Navy Memorial would not be what it is today. Dr. Jack London’s passing leaves a great emptiness in our hearts, but his legacy of overwhelming kindness, charity, and patriotism will forever thrive.

“With Dr. Jack London's passing, our country has lost a patriot of the highest order, a man who put his country before himself his entire life. He was our Navy's strongest advocate and the Navy Memorial's most ardent supporter,” said Admiral John C. Harvey, Jr, Chairman of the Board of the US Navy Memorial Foundation.  “Dr London may no longer be with us, but his legacy of patriotism, his life of service, and the example of his character will forever mark his passage. May he rest in peace.  Fair winds and following seas, shipmate."