James Alan "Ace" Lyons Jr. (August 28, 1930 – October 12, 2018) was a distinguished United States Navy four-star admiral whose career spanned over three decades. Born in Passaic, New Jersey, he graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Lyons served in various capacities, including commanding submarines and destroyer squadrons, and played a key role in naval operations during the Cold War. From 1983 to 1985, he was Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Logistics, overseeing significant improvements in naval readiness and logistics. He then served as Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet from 1985 to 1987, emphasizing aggressive anti-submarine warfare strategies against the Soviet Union. After retiring in 1987, Lyons became a prominent advocate for strong national security and anti-terrorism policies. He served as a senior official in the Department of Energy and consulted for defense contractors. Lyons was a vocal critic of Islamist influence in U.S. policy and perceived weaknesses in American intelligence and military responses to terrorism, testifying before Congress on incidents including the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing and the 1993 World Trade Center attack. He authored books and articles promoting robust anti-terrorism measures and was involved in conservative think tanks, influencing defense and intelligence reform discussions. Lyons remained a controversial figure, praised by hawkish circles for his stances yet criticized by others for his outspoken views on the Iran-Contra affair and Islamist threats. His legacy encompasses notable contributions to naval strategy and proactive counter-terrorism advocacy.