Background
Behrens, William Wohlsen was born on September 14, 1922 in Newport, Rhode Island, United States. Son of William Wohlsen and Nell (Vasey) Behrens.
- Photos
- Works
- Photos
- Works
William Wohlsen Behrens
Edit Profileeducator engineer naval officer oceanographer research company executive
William Wohlsen Behrens, American Oceanographer, engineer, research company executive, educator, naval officer. Decorated Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit with 4 gold stars and combat V, Navy Bronze Star with combat V, Army Bronze Star with combat V, other United States and foreign decorations.
Education
Bachelor of Science, United States Naval Academy, 1943; postgraduate, United States Submarine School, 1943; postgraduate, United States Naval Nuclear Power School, 1955-1956; postgraduate, National War College, 1963; Master of Arts, George Washington University, 1964; Doctor of Science, Gettysburg College, 1974.
Career
Commissioned ensign, United States Navy, 1943;
advanced through grades to vice admiral, United States Navy, 1972;
retired, United States Navy, 1974;
combat duty 6 submarine patrols, Pacific, World World War II;
commander 4 submarines, 1953-1963;
founding director Navy's Nuclear Power School, 1955;
Atomic Energy Commission qualified nuclear chief reactor operator, 1956;
special assistant, Atomic Energy Commission, 1956-1957;
director North Atlantic Treaty Organization nuclear planning strategic plans, Office Chief Naval Operations, 1964-1966;
director politico-military policy, Office Chief Naval Operations, 1969-1970;
deputy assistant secretary state, member policy planning council, 1966-1967;
commander, Amphibious Force, Vietnam, 1967-1969;
oceanographer of Navy, 1970-1972;
United States delegate on Law of Sea, 1970-1974;
associate administrator and naval deputy, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, 1972-1974;
founder, director, Florida State Institute Oceanography, 1977-1986. Senior vice president J. Watson Noah Inc., Arlington, Virginia. President Earth Resources Applications Institute, Inc., Washington.
Science adviser Wheeler Industries, Inc., Washington.
Achievements
Membership
Vice president American Oceanic Organisation, 1976. Trustee SEA Education Association, Boston, 1974-1978. Board directors Florida Institute for Oceanography.
Member Committee of 100, Pinellas County, Florida. Board of Governors Science Center, Inc., Pinellas County, 1975-1981. Member Port Commission, St. Petersburg, Florida.
Member Executive Board St. Petersburg Progress, Inc. Member American Association for the Advancement of Science, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, New York Academy Sciences, United States Naval Institute (life), United States Naval Academy Alumni Association (life), United States Naval Academy Foundation, Navy-Marine Corps-Coast Guard Residence Foundation, Naval Academy Athletic Association, Explorers Club, United States Navy League, Society American Military Engineers, Institute Navigation, Marine Technology Society, American Geophysical Union, International Oceanographic Foundation, International Game Fish Association, Arctic Institute, American Society Naval Engineers, Smithsonian Institution National Associations, Retired Officers Association (life), New York Yacht Club, United States Naval Sailing Association (commodore 1975), National Propeller Club, Army Navy Club.
Connections
Married Betty Ann Taylor, June 22,1946. Children: Elizabeth Behrens Garland, William Wohlsen III, Charles Conrad, Susan Raker.
-
Born
-
Died
January 21, 1986 (aged 63) -
Resting place
Buried Arlington National Cemetery, Washington -
Nationality
American
Awards
-
Decorated Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit with 4 gold stars and combat V, Navy Bronze Star with combat V, Army Bronze Star with combat V, other United States and foreign decorations.Decorated Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit with 4 gold stars and combat V, Navy Bronze Star with combat V, Army Bronze Star with combat V, other United States and foreign decorations.