Kenneth T. Adams
was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Assistant Director of the
Coast and
Geodetic Survey with the rank of Rear Admiral on October 18,
1949. Admiral Adams, a native of Gambier, Ohio, graduated from
Kenyon College in 1912 and joined the Coast Survey in December
of that year. For the next 20 years he participated in varied
field surveys along the coasts of the United States, Alaska,
Philippine Islands, and Hawaiian Islands. While in command of
the ship GUIDE off the Hawaiian Islands in 1928, Admiral Adams
pioneered in the use of precise astronomic control for off-shore
hydrography. He also was associated with the initial use and
development of radio-echo sounding and radio- acoustic ranging.
He is the author of several official technical publications,
including the Hydrographic Manual. Admiral Adams has
represented the Coast Survey at several international meetings
abroad. He is the represent ative of the Department of Commerce
on the United States Board on Geographic Names. He is a member
of numerous technical societies, and has served as a Director
of the American Society of Photogrammetry. He is a member of
Phi Beta kappa and Sigma Xi. In 1945, Admiral Adams organized
the Division of Photogrammetry, and while serving as its Chief
since that date, has been largely responsible for its ascension
to the prominent position in the Bureau it now holds.
In spite of his
earnest desire to have no official ceremony, Admiral Adams was
the recipient of a camera, various other photographic supplies,
and a testimonial bearing the signatures of all personnel in
the Bureau, in a surprise presentation in his office on Thursday,
May 31 1951, climaxing asuccessful career of almost 39 years
with the Coast and Geodetic Survey.
Presentations
were made by CDR Hubbard and Mr. Geyer in behalf of the Field
Association and Civil Service personnel respectively. ADM Adams
also received a beautiful copper engraving of Grays Harbor to
Admiralty Inlet which was the artistic work of Austin R. Gordon
and presented by Adm. Knox in behalf of the Chart Division.
From 1932 to 1934
he was in charge of the Boston office of the Bureau and later
served as Chief of the Division of Charts in the Washington
office. The Division of Photogrammetry was organized by him
in 1945 and he served as the first Chief of the Division until
he was appointed to his present position in 1949. During his
administration of the Division extensive developments in the
use of aerial photographs for charting and mapping purposes
have contributed considerable economy to the operation of the
Coast and Geodetic Survey. During his many years in field surveys
Admiral Adams played a prominent part in the development and
improvement of hydrographic and photogrammetric surveying methods
which has brought him international recognition. He pioneered
in the use of precise astronomic control for offshore hydrography.
The Hydrographic Manual, compiled and edited by ADM Adams,
has gained recognition throughout the maritime world as the
undisputed authority on the subject. His untiring efforts in
the study of geographic nomenclature have made the Coast and
Geodetic Survey a leader in the proper use of place names appearing
on maps and charts. With the approval of the Secretary of Commerce,
he will continue to serve after his retirement as the Department
of Commerce member on the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.
Leaving the Bureau
for the last time in an official capacity, ADM Adams takes with
him the satisfaction of having so capably served his country
as well as our best wishes and many thanks for a JOB WELL DONE.
There is one anecdote that he himself told on the day of the
ceremonies. He recalled when he first filled out the questionnaire
for the C&GS rating how he was asked whether he had any objections
in going to various places such as Hawaii, the Philippines,
Alaska, etc. The Alaska answer was a very emphatic expression
on his part as not wanting to go there. When he reported for
duty the young lady in the appointment office looked up, asked
his name. When he answered "Kenneth T. Adams, "she leaned back
and laughed heartily. "Oh, yes you are the man who doesn't want
to go Alaska." Six months later Aid Kenneth T. Adams was doing
duty in Alaska. A sequel of this story is the one that Admiral
Studds told of when he entered on duty it was with the express
purpose of going to Alaska--he made it after 29 years. "Best
of luck to you in all of your endeavors, Admiral Kenneth T.
Adams."
The Buzzard
Vol. 17, No. 43, 10/25/1949
The Buzzard Vol 19, No. 23, 6/5/1951
