Courtesy of the U.S. Navy

Florida Atlantic University Libraries

Jewish Generals and Admirals in America's Military

A Judaica Collection Exhibit

Rear Admiral Jay M. Cohen:
Retired and Under Secretary
of Homeland Security
by Seymour “Sy” Brody

In 1968, Rear Admiral Jay M. Cohen graduated from the United States Naval Academy and became an ensign. His Navy career was more than 35 years when he retired on February1, 2006.

He received a joint Ocean Engineering degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and a Master of Science degree in Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture from MIT.

Cohen served on conventional and nuclear submarines. He was the commander of the U.S.S. Hyman G. Rickover (S. S .N. 709), 1985-1988.

He was transferred to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet as a senior member of the Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board, which was responsible for certifying and safeguarding the safe operation of nuclear-powered ships and their crews.

In October 1997, he was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral. He reported to the Joint Staff for duty as Deputy Director for Operations. In May 2000, Cohen was ordered to duty as Chief of Naval Research.

After he retired in 2000, the Senate unanimously confirmed Rear Admiral Jay M. Cohen, retired, as Homeland Security’s Under Secretary for Science and Technology, on August 14, 2006.

Rear Admiral Cohen is authorized to wear the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal.

For additional information, contact
Special Collections and Archives
S.E. Wimberly Library

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