There were no appointments available at the time he applied. James L. Slayden, Nimitz's congressman, informed Nimitz that there was an appointment available for the Navy. Nimitz was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in 1901. Nimitz graduated with honors, seventh in a class of 114, on January 30, 1905. During World War I, Nimitz was the assistant counter- admiral commander of the submarine force of the United States Atlantic Fleet (COMSUBLANT). He held numerous commands after the First World War. He was Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet (CINPACCFLT) in 1941. During the Battle of Midway, Admiral Nimitz was known for his principles of calculated risk. He made his intentions clear to his task force commanders. Task force commanders had no doubt about what they were supposed to do, how they were supposed to do it, and what level of risk was acceptable. Admiral Nimitz's operational plan for the defense of Midway proved to be a model of effective macro-management. His plan outlined essential tasks in general terms with minimal detailed requirements, making him extremely effective throughout his tenure.