Charles Adams Blakely

Who was Charles Adams Blakely?

Vice Admiral Charles Adams Blakely was an officer in the United States Navy during World War I and the interwar period.

Born on October 1, 1879 at Williamsburg, Kentucky, Blakely graduated from Williamsburg Academy in 1897 and, in the summer of 1898, served with the 2d Kentucky Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish–American War. Appointed a naval cadet in September 1899, Blakely graduated from the Naval Academy on February 2, 1903 and, after serving two years at sea as a passed naval cadet, was commissioned ensign in 1905 to date from February 3. Between 1903 and 1907, he served successively in the frigate Santee, Baltimore, Cleveland, Denver, and the yacht Mayflower. Command of Thornton and Macdonough followed. In December 1910, he became officer in charge of the machinist school at the Charleston Navy Yard. Between June 1911 and October 1914, Blakely commanded the Reserve Torpedo Flotillas and the protected cruiser Atlanta. From October 1914 to September 1916, he served ashore at the New York Navy Yard. At the end of that assignment, he assumed command of Rowan.