Beginning in 1920, he was employed by the General Tire and Rubber Company, rising to Vice President of that firm in 1942.

Kimball assumed the post of Secretary of the Navy in July 1951 and held that position until the end of the Truman Administration in January 1953.

His tenure was marked by the continuation of the Korean War, the resulting expansion of the nation's defense establishment and considerable technological progress in aviation, naval engineering and other defense-related fields.

Returning to business after leaving office, he was President and later Chairman of the Board of the Aerojet General Corporation until 1969.

[1] This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the Naval History and Heritage Command.