Carl Vinson Timeline
November 18, 1883
Carl Vinson was born to Edward S. and Ann (Morris) Vinson on a farm near Milledgeville, Georgia.
1899-1902
Carl Vinson attended Georgia Military College. He would eventually graduate and attend Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. From Mercer, Vinson would earn a law degree in 1902. After graduating, he would setup a law practice in Milledgeville as on part of the Hines and Vinson firm.
1902-1914
Holds the offices of County Prosecutor, State Legislator, and Baldwin County Judge.
November 3, 1914
On this day, Carl Vinson was elected to his first term as a representative for the tenth Congressional District of the State of Georgia. This would begin a fifty year career in the House of Representatives for the tenth and later sixth district.
1915-1916
During this period, Vinson was appointed to the Naval Affairs Committee. Also, he makes his first important speech on military preparedness and the need to strengthen the U.S. Navy.
1921
Vinson marries Mary Green of New Philadelphia, Ohio.
1925
Named by President Calvin Coolidge to Morrow Board to study military air power.
1932
In 1932, Vinson becomes Chairman of the House Naval Affairs Committee. He would serve on this committee as chairman for 16 years. Later, the committee would be renamed the House Armed Services Committee in 1947. Vinson would continue as Chairman of this committee for 14 more years.
1934
The Vinson-Trammell Act is signed into law by FDR; the law, authorizing congressional construction of new ships to replace obsolete ones. This law is the genesis of the modern U.S. Navy.
1939-1941
During the years just before the outbreak of WWII, Vinson battled for funds to train U.S. pilots, buy planes, and construct overseas air bases prior to Pearl Harbor. In 1941, Vinson successfully aides a bill through Congress that provides $3.4 billion to maintain a "Two-Ocean" Navy construction rate.
1941
Vinson establishes a $15 million Army Corp Repair Air Depot at Wellston, Ga. This depot would later become Robins Airforce Base.
1948-1950
Vinson restores $2 billion of "defense cuts" proposed by The White House and the Department of Defense.
1951
Vinson, through his congressional work, lays the basis for a broader Selective-Service system, a stronger Army and Navy, and better tactical air support.
1951-1954
During this period, Vinson contributes to advancement and maintenance of the American Military. This included: a major build-up of strategic bombers; the preservation of the Marine Corps; a separate Air Force Academy; a consolidation of military purchasing procedures and procurement practices; increase of U.S. missile production.
October 2, 1964
Vinson officially retires from Congress, after serving for fifty years. His career spanned from the 63rd to the 88th Congress.
1965-1980
Receives numerous awards, honors and praise for his contributions to the nation and the state of Georgia.
March 15, 1980
USS CARL VINSON is ceremonially launched. Carl Vinson attends the ceremony.
June 1, 1981
Carl Vinson passes away at the age of 97.
March 13, 1982
The USS CARL VINSON, a nuclear powered aircraft carrier, is commissioned at Newport News, Va. The ship is a fitting tribute to Carl Vinson's life-long dedication to the U.S. Navy and the nation's defense.
