Founded in 1773, the state of Georgia has a fascinating history - especially when it comes to its ties to Naval History. Did you know: there are at least 37 ships named for the "Peach State," its cities, places and people? USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) is named for Georgia native,
Congressman Carl Vinson. Vinson served more than 50 years in the House of Representatives. During his tenure, he also served as Chairman of the House Naval Affairs and Armed Services Committee. While serving in that position, Congressman Vinson moved through Congress the landmark Vinson-Trammel Act that provided authority for the eventual construction of 92 major warships. As a result, Vinson became known as the father of the two-ocean Navy. Another famous Georgian is
President James "Jimmy" Carter. Born in Plains, Georgia, Carter graduated from the
U.S. Naval Academy in 1946. During his career in the Navy, Carter served as the executive officer, engineering officer, and electronics repair officer aboard USS K-1 (SSK 1) during 1951, and as a lieutenant with the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission from 1952-1953. Upon moving back home in 1953, Carter resigned from the Navy, was honorably discharged, and began his political career shortly thereafter. USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23) was named in his honor and commissioned in 2005.