This career bridge places Kimmel's final prewar appointment in context. His promotion to rear admiral brought command of a cruiser division and a diplomatic cruise to South America, followed by command of the Battle Force cruisers. He then took over from James O. Richardson in February 1941. The higher ranks attached to these commands were temporary appointments, so Kimmel remained substantively a rear admiral. The succession matters because Richardson had been pressing the problems created by keeping the fleet at Hawaii.
Chapter · 21:08-22:20
From cruiser command to the Pacific Fleet
Kimmel's commands of cruiser forces led to his February 1941 appointment over the U.S. Fleet and Pacific Fleet, replacing Admiral Richardson.