National Affairs: New Helmsman

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In his nearly three years as Secretary of the Navy, Charles Sparks Thomas toured the Navy's far-flung fleets and shore bases, learned to be a persuasive spokesman for the Navy's hopes and ambitions in the jet-missile age and an ardent defender of its more venturesome officers. But Thomas, World War I naval aviator, was no Navy zealot. He paid proper heed to his civilian bosses, Defense Secretary Charles Wilson and President Eisenhower, was equally forceful in passing the civilian word back to the Navy. Result: Charlie Thomas ably kept the Navy on course as it steamed at flank speed into the heady age of nuclear submarines, larger carriers, jet planes and missiles, kept it clear of the shoals of congressional troubles, politics and Pentagon infighting that had sometimes marred its postwar history.

Last week, frazzled by nearly three years of seven-day workweeks without a letup, Charlie Thomas, 59, announced his resignation, and President Eisenhower accepted it "with very real regret."

Nominated to replace Thomas as the Navy's new civilian helmsman was Under Secretary Thomas S. (for Sovereign) Gates Jr., 50, Philadelphia investment banker (Drexel & Co.) and Main Liner. Lanky (6 ft. 2 in., 190 Ibs.) Tom Gates, son of a onetime president of the University of Pennsylvania, won two Bronze Star citations as a World War II intelligence officer, left active duty with the rank of commander. Appointed Navy Under Secretary three years ago, he made a name as a quiet, hard-working administrator and top assistant to Secretary Thomas. By boosting Gates to the Secretary's chair, Eisenhower again proved his preference for giving top-ranking positions to Administration juniors who have gone through a tour of on-the-job training.