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John Lehman

John Lehman is an American naval officer and politician best known for serving as the Secretary of the Navy from 1981 to 1987 under President Ronald Reagan. He played a key role in expanding and modernizing the U.S. Navy during the 1980s, emphasizing a strong maritime defense strategy. Lehman is recognized for his leadership in implementing the "600-ship Navy" plan, aiming to increase naval capacity amid Cold War tensions. Additionally, he has contributed to national security discussions through writing, consulting, and participating in defense-related initiatives.