13 Facts About Robert Seamans

Robert Seamans was born in Salem, Massachusetts, to Pauline and Robert Channing Seamans.

Robert Seamans received the following honorary degrees: Doctor of Science from Rollins College and from New York University ; Doctor of Engineering from the Norwich Academy, from the University of Notre Dame, and from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1974.

Robert Seamans joined the Radio Corporation of America in 1955 as Manager of the Airborne Systems Laboratory and Chief Systems Engineer of the Airborne Systems Department.

From 1948 to 1958, Robert Seamans served on technical committees of NASA's predecessor organization, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.

Robert Seamans served as a consultant to the Scientific Advisory Board of the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1959, as a Member of the Board from 1959 to 1962, and as an Associate Advisor from 1962 to 1967.

Robert Seamans was a National Delegate, Advisory Group for Aerospace Research and Development from 1966 to 1969.

Robert Seamans was president of the National Academy of Engineering from May 1973 to December 1974, when he became the first administrator of the new Energy Research and Development Administration.

Robert Seamans returned to MIT in 1977, becoming dean of its School of Engineering in 1978.

In 1969, Robert Seamans was appointed by President Richard Nixon to the position of Secretary of the United States Air Force.

Robert Seamans recognized that despite funding reductions, the Air Force needed to modernize its aircraft technology in order to prepare against unknowable future threats.

Robert Seamans originally accepted his appointment for two years, however he offered to renew his commitment for another two years under the condition that the United States terminate military activity in Southeast Asia.

Robert Seamans married Eugenia Merrill on June 13,1942, in Beverly Farms, Massachusetts.

Robert Seamans died on June 28,2008, in Beverly, Massachusetts, at age 89.