Clemins, Admiral Archie

1999 Distinguished Alumni Award

In recognition of distinguished service to the U.S. Navy and the Nation through outstanding leadership and practice of engineering.

Admiral Archie Clemins (BSEE ’66, MSEE ’72) was honored for distinguished service to the U.S. Navy and the nation through outstanding leadership and engineering practice. A 33-year career officer, Clemins eventually rose to the rank of admiral and commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which encompasses an area of 100 million miles and includes 190 ships, 1,400 aircraft and 230,000 Sailors, Marines, and civilians. Clemins is widely recognized for increasing the Pacific Fleet's use of emerging information technologies and empowering Navy men and women.

After his promotion to rear admiral in 1991, he worked with fleet commanders to revamp training and establish worldwide classified electronic communication between his staff and fleets in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. As commander of the Seventh Fleet, he supervised the establishment of a global network initiative that allowed him to command and control operations hundreds of miles away from his flagship. His initiatives subsequently spread to the entire Navy.