Kimmel was an experienced officer whose temporary higher rank can obscure how young he was for Pacific Fleet command. His record was consistently strong even though he was not the academic star of every course. Accounts from both officers and sailors describe a capable, considerate leader with a reputation that extended beyond formal evaluations. His later political disgrace needs to be weighed against the professional standing he had accumulated before December 1941.
Chapter · 22:42-25:52
Kimmel's reputation before Pearl Harbor
Kimmel appears as an experienced, comparatively young flag officer respected by officers and sailors before Pearl Harbor made his name synonymous with failure.