Sims was born to American father Alfred William (1826–1895) and Canadian mother Adelaide (née Sowden; b.

Commodore Stephen B. Luce founded the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island in 1884, to be the service's professional school.

In this position he became aware of naval technology developments in Europe as well gaining familiarity with European politics which would greatly assist him during World War I.

The major threat he faced was a highly effective German submarine campaign against freighters bringing vital food and munitions to the Allies.

[3] Sims believed the Navy Department in Washington, which was effectively headed by Assistant Secretary Franklin D. Roosevelt, was failing to provide him with sufficient authority, information, autonomy, manpower, and naval forces.

In 1919 after the war ended in Allied victory, Sims publicly attacked the deficiencies of American naval strategy, tactics, policy, and administration.

He estimated the delay had raised the cost of the war to the Allies by $15 billion, and that it led to the unnecessary loss of 500,000 lives.

Daniels cited prewar naval preparations and strategy proposals made by other American leaders during the war to disprove Sims' charges.

Despite the public acrimony, Sims emerged with his reputation unharmed, although some historians believe it cost him promotion to the rank of Admiral of the Navy.

Columbia University conferred the honorary degree of doctor of laws upon Rear Admiral Sims on 2 June 1920.

[7] Several weeks later, Williams College conferred on him the honorary degree of doctor of laws during its June 21, 1920, commencement exercises.

[9] In 1947, the Naval War College acquired an existing barracks building, which they converted to a secondary war-gaming facility, naming it Sims Hall after its former president.