NEI's Bowman Receives Honorary Knighthood

Retired Admiral Frank L. “Skip” Bowman, president and chief executive officer of the Nuclear Energy Institute, was made an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) by British Ambassador Sir David Manning during an investiture ceremony at the British Embassy in Washington.

Bowman was awarded one of the U.K.’s highest honors in recognition of his commitment in support of Royal Navy submarine programs during his tenure as Director, U.S. Naval Reactors.

In remarks during the ceremony, Sir David Manning said, “Despite his heavy responsibilities in the U.S. Navy and Department of Energy, Skip Bowman made regular visits to the United Kingdom, developing enduring relationships. His willingness to develop a better understanding of Royal Navy programs and to offer advice was invaluable. His personal involvement brought about unprecedented levels of cooperation between the Royal Navy and the United States Navy.”

“It is quite an honor for me,” said Bowman, “and I accept the honor on behalf of the many fine professionals that I served with at Naval Reactors.”

The proclamation honoring Bowman was personally signed by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. The honor of Knighthood dates back to medieval chivalry, from which also comes the method used in the United Kingdom of conferring a Knighthood by the touch of a sword known as the accolade.

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire was founded in 1917 by King George V to recognize those serving in World War I in different capacities. This award honors civilians and service personnel for public service or outstanding contribution to society. Knight Commander (KBE) is among the highest within the realm of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. The Knighthood is honorary because Bowman is an American citizen.

Bowman joins other notable Americans including Bill Gates, Rudolph Giuliani, Tommy Franks, Bob Hope, Edward R. Murrow and Rev. Billy Graham as KBE recipients.

A native of Chattanooga, Tenn., Bowman became president and CEO of the Nuclear Energy Institute in 2005, after a 38-year career in the U.S. Navy that ended in December 2004.

At the time of his retirement, Bowman was an admiral serving as director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program; he was the third successor to Adm. Hyman G. Rickover in that command. Bowman also was deputy administrator for naval reactors in the National Nuclear Security Administration of the Department of Energy. In these dual positions, he was responsible for the operations of more than 100 reactors aboard the Navy’s aircraft carriers and submarines, four training sites and two Department of Energy laboratories in Pittsburgh and Schenectady, N.Y.

To read more about the honor, click here.

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