Akers had first met John F. Kennedy in World War II. Akers ran the motor torpedo boat training squadron in Melville, Rhode Island where Kennedy trained. Kennedy campaigned for Akers in the latter's 1956 bid for Congress, and Akers served as executive chairman of the NY Citizens' Committee for Kennedy–Johnson in 1960. After winning the presidency, Kennedy appointed Akers Ambassador to New Zealand in June 1961, where he represented the United States until August 25, 1963. During his time in New Zealand, he lobbied the ANZUS to send advisory personnel to Vietnam. Akers returned to the United States, intending to take over the job of Chief of Protocol from Angier Biddle Duke. After the President's assassination, Akers returned to practicing law. He later worked as an advisor on the Robert F. Kennedy 1968 presidential campaign, and was present at the Ambassador Hotel when Kennedy was assassinated.