CDR James Rice,Jr., USN Back to Commanding Officer's page
Commander James L. RICE, Jr., USN,
Commanding Officer USS JOHN W. WEEKS (DD701) was born in Brownwood, Texas. He
attended high school in San Bernardino, California and subsequently attended the
University of California in Los Angeles. /CDR%20James%20Rice%201963%20(Truesdell).jpg)
Commander RICE received his original commission in August 1943 from the ranks
while serving on board the USS BEAUMONT. Upon receiving his commission, he was
ordered to duty in the USS JOHN C. LOUGH, a destroyer escort and served in this
ship throughout the remainder of World War II. During this tour, the LOUGH
participated in a number of engagements with enemy aircraft, submarines, and
small craft in both the Atlantic and Pacific and in the invasion of the
Philippines. Subsequent to the war, Commander RICE served in the LST 102 as her
Executive Officer then to his first shore duty at the Naval Training Center,
San Diego, California. After this tour, he
served consecutively in the Atlantic Destroyers E. F. LARSON, STOCKHAM, J. C.
OWENS, and the USS J. W. WILKE a Destroyer Escort that he commanded. Upon
completion of his tour in the WILKE, Commander RICE was ordered to London where
he served as Operations Officer on the Staff of Commander Military Sea
Transportation Service Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Area. Prior to
reporting for duty as Commanding Officer of the USS JOHN W. WEEKS (DD‑701),
Commander RICE attended the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk.