Admiral Bruce DeMars (June 3, 1935 – February 3, 2024) was a distinguished officer of the United States Navy whose career had a profound impact on the development and management of the Navy’s nuclear propulsion program. As the third Director of Naval Reactors from 1988 to 1996, Admiral DeMars was instrumental in maintaining the highest standards of safety and technological innovation, while also overseeing significant advancements in submarine technology, including the development of the improved Los Angeles-class, Seawolf-class, and Virginia-class submarines.

Early Naval Career and Submarine Service (1957–1981)

Bruce DeMars entered the U.S. Naval Academy on June 29, 1953, shortly after the end of the Korean War. During his time at the Academy, DeMars was known for his enthusiasm, sense of humor, and his interest in history and literature. He graduated on June 7, 1957, with a Bachelor of Science in Naval Science, approximately 150th in his class, and was commissioned as an ensign.

DeMars began his naval career aboard the attack transport USS Telfair (APA-210) and later served on the USS Okanogan (APA-220). He soon applied for and was selected for submarine service, reporting to the Naval Submarine School in New London, Connecticut, in May 1958. His early submarine service included a tour on the diesel-electric submarine USS Capitaine (SS-336) and, after completing nuclear power training, on the Navy’s first ballistic missile submarine, USS George Washington (SSBN 598), where he completed three deterrent patrols during the height of the Cold War.

DeMars continued to advance his expertise in nuclear submarine operations, serving on USS Snook (SSN 592) and as Executive Officer on USS Sturgeon (SSN 637). He commanded USS Cavalla (SSN-684), a Sturgeon-class fast attack submarine, and later led Submarine Development Squadron TWELVE, where he was instrumental in developing and testing submarine tactics against the Soviet Navy.

Ascending to Flag Rank and Strategic Leadership (1981–1988)

In 1981, DeMars was promoted to Rear Admiral and assumed command of Naval Base Guam, with additional responsibilities as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas. This role was his first assignment outside the submarine community since becoming a submariner and marked a significant leadership position in the Pacific.

In 1983, DeMars returned to the Pentagon as Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Submarine Warfare and later as Assistant Chief of Naval Operations for Undersea Warfare (OP-02). In this role, DeMars was responsible for overseeing the Navy's submarine force, including budget control and strategic planning, at a time when the Cold War was entering its final, critical phase.

Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion (1988–1996)

On October 22, 1988, Admiral DeMars succeeded Admiral Kinnaird R. McKee as the Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion, becoming only the third person to hold this position following the long tenure of Admiral Hyman G. Rickover. DeMars took on the immense responsibility of overseeing the Navy’s nuclear fleet, which at the time included 176 reactor plants on over 150 ships and submarines, as well as several land-based research and training reactors.

Maintaining Safety and Excellence Admiral DeMars upheld the rigorous safety standards established by his predecessors. His leadership ensured that the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program continued its impeccable safety record, with no serious accidents during his tenure. This focus on safety was crucial, particularly during a period of significant change as the Cold War ended and the Navy transitioned to a post-Cold War footing.

Technological Advancements and Submarine Development During DeMars's tenure, the Navy saw significant advancements in submarine technology. He oversaw the development of the Seawolf-class submarines, which were designed to be the most advanced and capable submarines ever built, with enhanced stealth, speed, and deep-sea warfare capabilities. Although the Seawolf program was eventually truncated due to its high costs and the changing geopolitical landscape, the submarines that were built remain among the most sophisticated in the world.

DeMars also initiated the development of the Virginia-class submarines, which would become the next generation of nuclear-powered attack submarines, incorporating lessons learned from both the Los Angeles and Seawolf classes. The Virginia-class submarines were designed to be more cost-effective and versatile, capable of performing a wide range of missions in the post-Cold War environment.

A Defining Moment of Integrity A defining moment in Admiral DeMars’s career came in 1988 when he was ordered by Secretary of the Navy John Lehman to reconvene the FY88 Active Duty Line Captain Selection Board after submarine officers had performed slightly disproportionately well. Believing the order to be illegal, DeMars refused to carry it out, resigning as President of the board in protest. His decision not to comply with an order that he viewed as improper underscored his deep commitment to integrity and the principles of lawful command. Ultimately, the board was not reconvened, and DeMars’s actions were widely respected as a courageous stand for what was right.

Legacy and Post-Cold War Transition

Admiral DeMars’s tenure as Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion coincided with the end of the Cold War, a period that brought significant changes to the U.S. Navy. DeMars skillfully managed the draw down of the Navy's nuclear fleet, overseeing the disposal of numerous nuclear-powered ships and submarines, the inactivation of naval nuclear shipyards, and the closure of land-based reactor sites. Despite these challenges, he ensured that the Navy’s nuclear capabilities remained robust and that technological innovation continued, laying the groundwork for future developments in naval warfare.

A Legacy of Leadership and Commitment to History In addition to his technical and operational achievements, DeMars was a strong advocate for the study and use of history. He believed that understanding history was crucial to effective leadership and decision-making. After his retirement, DeMars continued to contribute to the Navy and the broader community. He served as Chairman of the Naval Historical Foundation, where he raised funds for the National Museum of the U.S. Navy and supported the establishment of the Cold War Gallery at the Washington Navy Yard. His commitment to history was further demonstrated through his support for the U.S. Naval Academy Museum and the establishment of the Distinguished Chair in Naval Heritage at the Academy.

Awards and Honors Admiral DeMars received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Navy Distinguished Service Medal (two awards), the Legion of Merit (four awards), and the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards). He was named a U.S. Naval Academy Distinguished Graduate in 2009 and received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2011. His contributions to the Navy, particularly in the field of nuclear propulsion and submarine warfare, have left a lasting legacy that continues to influence the Navy’s operations and strategic capabilities.

Retirement and Later Years After retiring from the Navy on October 1, 1996, Admiral DeMars continued to influence both the defense industry and public service. He served on the boards of several corporations and as an advisor to industry and government. DeMars remained actively involved in supporting naval history and heritage until his passing on February 3, 2024, at the age of 88.

Admiral DeMars was remembered not only for his technical acumen and leadership but also for his profound belief in the importance of history and education. His legacy permeates the submarine force today and will continue to shape the future of the U.S. Navy for generations to come.