Joseph M. Reeves
Encyclopedia
Joseph Mason "Bull" Reeves (November 20, 1872 - March 25, 1948) was an admiral
in the United States Navy
, who was an early and important supporter of U.S. Naval Aviation
. Though a battleship officer during his early career, he became known as the "Father of Carrier Aviation" for his role in integrating aircraft carrier
s into the Fleet as a major part of the Navy's attack capabilities.
Reeves retired in the mid-1930s but was recalled to active duty during World War II
to serve in high-level staff positions within the Office of the Secretary of the Navy. He retired again in December 1946 with the rank of full admiral.
.
He received an appointment in 1890 to attend the Naval Academy
, where he became a football hero. In addition to his on-field heroics, he is credited with the invention of the modern football helmet
. Reeves graduated from the Academy in 1894.
Upon graduation, Reeves was assigned to the cruiser USS San Francisco
(Cruiser No. 5). He served in the battleship USS Oregon (BB-3)
during the Spanish-American War
, taking part in the action against Admiral Pascual Cervera y Topete
's fleet at Santiago in June and July 1898.
and USS Ohio (BB-12)
in addition to tours ashore at Newport
and Annapolis
, where he was an instructor in the Naval Academy's Department of Physics and Chemistry, 1906-08. He served as the Academy's Head Football Coach in 1907, guiding the team to a 9-2-1 record and a 6-0 victory over Army.
Following duties as ordnance officer on board the battleship USS New Hampshire (BB-25)
, Reeves served as ordnance officer in the staff of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. He followed this with assignment to the Board of Inspection and Survey and a tour as Commanding Officer, Naval Coal Depot, Tiburon, California.
In April 1913, Commander Reeves assumed command of the collier USS Jupiter (AC-3), the Navy's first electrically propelled vessel. The ship was recommissioned in 1922 as USS Langley (CV-1)
, the Navy's first aircraft carrier
.
Detached from Jupiter in April 1914, he commanded the cruiser USS St. Louis
(Cruiser No. 20) and various other ships until assigned to Oregon
, June 1915, as Commanding Officer.
Detached for shore duty at the Mare Island (California) Navy Yard, in June 1916, he commanded the battleship USS Maine (BB-10)
during World War I
, earning the Navy Cross
for "exceptionally meritorious service" during that tour.
, 1922–23, then attended the Naval War College at Newport
. After completing his coursework, he spent a year as a member of the staff.
, Chief of the Navy's new Bureau of Aeronautics
-- Reeves qualified as a "Naval Aviation Observer" rather than as a "Naval Aviator" (i.e., a pilot). He received his qualification in 1925, and assumed the post of Commander, Aircraft Squadron, Battle Fleet. Though a captain by rank, his position as squadron commander permitted him to fly a commodore's pennant. His flagship was the experimental carrier USS Langley--his old ship, Jupiter, modified for aviation operations. The wooden flight-deck was installed over the Langley's existing deck structures, giving the vessel the nickname of "Covered Wagon."
While in this command, Reeves worked hard to develop carrier aviation tactics, seeking to increase sortie rates and the use of dive-bombing. He proved these concepts by the success of his pilots and aircrew during the Navy's annual fleet exercises (known as "Fleet Problems").
Reeves served on the Navy's General Board
, June 1929-June 1930. Fifteen months later he became Senior Member of the Board of Inspection and Survey, Pacific Coast Section. Another tour at Mare Island followed and in June 1933 he became Commander, Battleships, Battle Force, with the rank of vice admiral. In July, he was assigned as Commander, Battle Force, U.S. Fleet, with the rank of admiral.
On February 26, 1934, Admiral Reeves was designated Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Fleet
. He held this command until June 1936, when he was ordered to Washington, D.C., to served on the General Board. He held the Board position until November 23, 1936, and retired seven days later.
. He died at the National Naval Medical Center
in Bethesda, Maryland
, on March 25, 1948.
and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal
, Admiral Reeves had the Sampson Medal
(USS OREGON); Spanish Campaign Medal
(Spanish-American War); World War I Victory Medal with Atlantic Fleet Clasp; American Defense Service Medal
; American Campaign Medal
; and the World War II Victory Medal
. From the Government of Italy, he was awarded the Order of the Crown of Italy
(rank of Commander) and the Diploma of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus
(grade of Commendatore).
Admiral
Admiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
in the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
, who was an early and important supporter of U.S. Naval Aviation
Naval aviation
Naval aviation is the application of manned military air power by navies, including ships that embark fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters. In contrast, maritime aviation is the operation of aircraft in a maritime role under the command of non-naval forces such as the former RAF Coastal Command or a...
. Though a battleship officer during his early career, he became known as the "Father of Carrier Aviation" for his role in integrating aircraft carrier
Aircraft carrier
An aircraft carrier is a warship designed with a primary mission of deploying and recovering aircraft, acting as a seagoing airbase. Aircraft carriers thus allow a naval force to project air power worldwide without having to depend on local bases for staging aircraft operations...
s into the Fleet as a major part of the Navy's attack capabilities.
Reeves retired in the mid-1930s but was recalled to active duty during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
to serve in high-level staff positions within the Office of the Secretary of the Navy. He retired again in December 1946 with the rank of full admiral.
Early life and career
Joseph Mason Reeves was born on November 20, 1872 in the village of Tampico, IllinoisTampico, Illinois
Tampico is a village located in Tampico Township, Whiteside County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2010 census the village had a total population of 790, up from 772 at the 2000 census. U.S. President Ronald Reagan was born there and lived there for two brief periods of his...
.
He received an appointment in 1890 to attend the Naval Academy
United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
, where he became a football hero. In addition to his on-field heroics, he is credited with the invention of the modern football helmet
Football helmet
A football helmet is a protective device used primarily in American football and Canadian football. It consists of a hard plastic top with thick padding on the inside, a face mask made of one or more plastic bars, and a chinstrap. Some players add polycarbonate visors to their helmets, which are...
. Reeves graduated from the Academy in 1894.
Upon graduation, Reeves was assigned to the cruiser USS San Francisco
USS San Francisco (C-5)
The first USS San Francisco was a steel protected cruiser in the United States Navy. She was later named Tahoe and then Yosemite....
(Cruiser No. 5). He served in the battleship USS Oregon (BB-3)
USS Oregon (BB-3)
USS Oregon was a pre-Dreadnought of the United States Navy. Her construction was authorized on 30 June 1890, and the contract to build her was awarded to Union Iron Works of San Francisco, California on 19 November 1890. Her keel was laid exactly one year later...
during the Spanish-American War
Spanish-American War
The Spanish–American War was a conflict in 1898 between Spain and the United States, effectively the result of American intervention in the ongoing Cuban War of Independence...
, taking part in the action against Admiral Pascual Cervera y Topete
Pascual Cervera y Topete
Pascual Cervera y Topete served as an admiral of the Spanish Caribbean Squadron during the Spanish-American War, and prior to this served his country in a variety of military and political roles....
's fleet at Santiago in June and July 1898.
Turn of the Century Through World War I
After the turn of the century, Reeves served in San Francisco and on the battleships USS Wisconsin (BB-9)USS Wisconsin (BB-9)
USS Wisconsin , an Illinois-class battleship, was the first ship of the United States Navy to be named for the 30th state.The keel of Battleship No. 9 was laid down on 9 February 1897 at San Francisco, California, by the Union Iron Works...
and USS Ohio (BB-12)
USS Ohio (BB-12)
USS Ohio , a Maine-class battleship, was the third ship of the United States Navy named for the 17th state.Ohio was laid down on 22 April 1899 by Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California. She was launched on 18 May 1901 sponsored by Miss Helen Deschler, a relative of Governor George K. Nash of...
in addition to tours ashore at Newport
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States, about south of Providence. Known as a New England summer resort and for the famous Newport Mansions, it is the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War...
and Annapolis
Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Maryland, as well as the county seat of Anne Arundel County. It had a population of 38,394 at the 2010 census and is situated on the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Severn River, south of Baltimore and about east of Washington, D.C. Annapolis is...
, where he was an instructor in the Naval Academy's Department of Physics and Chemistry, 1906-08. He served as the Academy's Head Football Coach in 1907, guiding the team to a 9-2-1 record and a 6-0 victory over Army.
Following duties as ordnance officer on board the battleship USS New Hampshire (BB-25)
USS New Hampshire (BB-25)
The second United States Navy New Hampshire was a . New Hampshire was the last American pre-dreadnought battleship, though she was commissioned two years after HMS Dreadnought....
, Reeves served as ordnance officer in the staff of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. He followed this with assignment to the Board of Inspection and Survey and a tour as Commanding Officer, Naval Coal Depot, Tiburon, California.
In April 1913, Commander Reeves assumed command of the collier USS Jupiter (AC-3), the Navy's first electrically propelled vessel. The ship was recommissioned in 1922 as USS Langley (CV-1)
USS Langley (CV-1)
USS Langley was the United States Navy's first aircraft carrier, converted in 1920 from the collier USS Jupiter , and also the U.S. Navy's first electrically propelled ship...
, the Navy's first aircraft carrier
Aircraft carrier
An aircraft carrier is a warship designed with a primary mission of deploying and recovering aircraft, acting as a seagoing airbase. Aircraft carriers thus allow a naval force to project air power worldwide without having to depend on local bases for staging aircraft operations...
.
Detached from Jupiter in April 1914, he commanded the cruiser USS St. Louis
USS St. Louis (C-20)
The fourth USS St. Louis, Cruiser No. 20 ', was the lead ship of her class of protected cruisers in the United States Navy. St. Louis was launched on 6 May 1905 by Neafie & Levy Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; sponsored by Miss Gladys Bryant Smith; and commissioned on 18 August 1906, Captain...
(Cruiser No. 20) and various other ships until assigned to Oregon
USS Oregon (BB-3)
USS Oregon was a pre-Dreadnought of the United States Navy. Her construction was authorized on 30 June 1890, and the contract to build her was awarded to Union Iron Works of San Francisco, California on 19 November 1890. Her keel was laid exactly one year later...
, June 1915, as Commanding Officer.
Detached for shore duty at the Mare Island (California) Navy Yard, in June 1916, he commanded the battleship USS Maine (BB-10)
USS Maine (BB-10)
USS Maine , the lead ship of her class of battleships, was the second ship of the United States Navy to be named in honor of the 23rd state....
during World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, earning the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
for "exceptionally meritorious service" during that tour.
Post-WWI Assignments
After the war, he served as Naval Attaché at Rome and in April 1921 assumed command of USS Pittsburgh (ACR-4). Captain of the Mare Island Navy Yard at the end of that year, he commanded the battleship USS North Dakota (BB-29)USS North Dakota (BB-29)
USS North Dakota , a Delaware-class battleship, was the first ship of the United States Navy named in honor of the U.S. state of North Dakota....
, 1922–23, then attended the Naval War College at Newport
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States, about south of Providence. Known as a New England summer resort and for the famous Newport Mansions, it is the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War...
. After completing his coursework, he spent a year as a member of the staff.
Entering Naval Aviation
Upon completing his tour at the War College, Captain Reeves decided to enter the new world of Naval Aviation. In order to hold a command post, however, he needed to receive aviation training. Like other older officers—notably, RADM William A. MoffettWilliam A. Moffett
William Adger Moffett was an American admiral notable as the architect of naval aviation in the United States Navy.-Biography:...
, Chief of the Navy's new Bureau of Aeronautics
Bureau of Aeronautics
The Bureau of Aeronautics was the U.S. Navy's material-support organization for Naval Aviation from 1921 to 1959. The bureau had "cognizance" for the design, procurement, and support of Naval aircraft and related systems...
-- Reeves qualified as a "Naval Aviation Observer" rather than as a "Naval Aviator" (i.e., a pilot). He received his qualification in 1925, and assumed the post of Commander, Aircraft Squadron, Battle Fleet. Though a captain by rank, his position as squadron commander permitted him to fly a commodore's pennant. His flagship was the experimental carrier USS Langley--his old ship, Jupiter, modified for aviation operations. The wooden flight-deck was installed over the Langley's existing deck structures, giving the vessel the nickname of "Covered Wagon."
While in this command, Reeves worked hard to develop carrier aviation tactics, seeking to increase sortie rates and the use of dive-bombing. He proved these concepts by the success of his pilots and aircrew during the Navy's annual fleet exercises (known as "Fleet Problems").
Reeves served on the Navy's General Board
General Board of the United States Navy
The General Board of the United States Navy was an advisory body of the United States Navy, effectively a naval general staff. The General Board was established by general order 544, issued on March 13, 1900 by John Davis Long. The order was officially recognized by Congress in 1916...
, June 1929-June 1930. Fifteen months later he became Senior Member of the Board of Inspection and Survey, Pacific Coast Section. Another tour at Mare Island followed and in June 1933 he became Commander, Battleships, Battle Force, with the rank of vice admiral. In July, he was assigned as Commander, Battle Force, U.S. Fleet, with the rank of admiral.
On February 26, 1934, Admiral Reeves was designated Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Fleet
United States Fleet
The United States Fleet was an organization in the United States Navy from 1922 until after World War II. The abbreviation CINCUS, pronounced "sink us", was used for Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet. This title was disposed of and officially replaced by COMINCH in December 1941 . This...
. He held this command until June 1936, when he was ordered to Washington, D.C., to served on the General Board. He held the Board position until November 23, 1936, and retired seven days later.
Recall during World War II
The admiral's retirement was short-lived, as his nation again needed his services to fight another World War. Reeves was recalled to active duty May 13, 1940, advanced to vice admiral on the retired list, and served in the Office of the Secretary of the Navy from May 21, 1940 until December 23, 1946. He then retired a second time, and spent his last years living in MarylandMaryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
. He died at the National Naval Medical Center
National Naval Medical Center
The National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, USA — commonly known as the Bethesda Naval Hospital — was for decades the flagship of the United States Navy's system of medical centers. A federal institution, it conducted medical and dental research as well as providing health care for...
in Bethesda, Maryland
Bethesda, Maryland
Bethesda is a census designated place in southern Montgomery County, Maryland, United States, just northwest of Washington, D.C. It takes its name from a local church, the Bethesda Meeting House , which in turn took its name from Jerusalem's Pool of Bethesda...
, on March 25, 1948.
Reeves' Legacy
A warship and two airfields have been named in honor of Vice Admiral Reeves.- The destroyer USS Reeves (DLG/CG-24)USS Reeves (DLG-24)USS Reeves ,a United States Navy ship named for Admiral Joseph Mason Reeves , was a Leahy-class cruiser built by the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, in Bremerton, Washington....
was commissioned 15 May 1964 and won three battle stars for Vietnam service. The Reeves was reclassified on 30 June 1975 as a guided missile cruiser (CG-24). Reeves was decommissioned and stricken from the Navy Register on 12 November 1993 at Pearl Harbor. She was sunk at sea 31 May 2001 off the coast of AustraliaAustraliaAustralia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. - Joseph Mason Reeves Field ("Reeves Field") at NAS Lemoore, California, was dedicated November 20, 1961.
- Reeves Field at NAB San Pedro, California (later NAS Terminal Island), was dedicated during the 1930s. This airfield is no longer active.
Awards and decorations
Admiral Reeves won numerous commendations including the Navy CrossNavy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. The decoration is the Navy and Marine Corps equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast...
, Admiral Reeves had the Sampson Medal
Sampson Medal
The Sampson Medal is a military decoration of the United States Navy which was first authorized in 1901. The decoration was awarded to those personnel who were assigned in the fleet of Rear Admiral William T...
(USS OREGON); Spanish Campaign Medal
Spanish Campaign Medal
The Spanish Campaign Medal was a military award of the United States Armed Forces which recognized those members of the U.S. military who had served in the Spanish-American War. Although a single decoration, there were two versions of the Spanish Campaign Medal, one for members of the United...
(Spanish-American War); World War I Victory Medal with Atlantic Fleet Clasp; American Defense Service Medal
American Defense Service Medal
The American Defense Service Medal is a decoration of the United States military, recognizing service before America’s entry into the Second World War but during the initial years of the European conflict.-Criteria:...
; American Campaign Medal
American Campaign Medal
The American Campaign Medal was a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt...
; and the World War II Victory Medal
World War II Victory Medal
The World War II Victory Medal is a decoration of the United States military which was created by an act of Congress in July 1945. The decoration commemorates military service during World War II and is awarded to any member of the United States military, including members of the armed forces of...
. From the Government of Italy, he was awarded the Order of the Crown of Italy
Order of the Crown of Italy
The Order of the Crown of Italy was founded as a national order in 1868 by King Vittorio Emanuele II, to commemorate the unification of Italy in 1861...
(rank of Commander) and the Diploma of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus
Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus
The Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus is an order of chivalry awarded by the House of Savoy, the heads of which were formerly Kings of Italy...
(grade of Commendatore).
Navy CrossNavy CrossThe Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
Navy Distinguished Service MedalDistinguished Service Medal (United States)The Distinguished Service Medal is the highest non-valorous military and civilian decoration of the United States military which is issued for exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in either a senior government service position or as a senior officer of the United...
Spanish Campaign MedalSpanish Campaign MedalThe Spanish Campaign Medal was a military award of the United States Armed Forces which recognized those members of the U.S. military who had served in the Spanish-American War. Although a single decoration, there were two versions of the Spanish Campaign Medal, one for members of the United...
Sampson MedalSampson MedalThe Sampson Medal is a military decoration of the United States Navy which was first authorized in 1901. The decoration was awarded to those personnel who were assigned in the fleet of Rear Admiral William T...
World War I Victory Medal with Atlantic Fleet Clasp
American Defense Service MedalAmerican Defense Service MedalThe American Defense Service Medal is a decoration of the United States military, recognizing service before America’s entry into the Second World War but during the initial years of the European conflict.-Criteria:...
American Campaign MedalAmerican Campaign MedalThe American Campaign Medal was a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt...
World War II Victory Medal- Order of the Crown of ItalyOrder of the Crown of ItalyThe Order of the Crown of Italy was founded as a national order in 1868 by King Vittorio Emanuele II, to commemorate the unification of Italy in 1861...
Order of Saints Maurice and LazarusOrder of Saints Maurice and LazarusThe Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus is an order of chivalry awarded by the House of Savoy, the heads of which were formerly Kings of Italy...
External links
- Naval Historical Center
- Biographical information from the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS)
- Online Library of Selected Images Search for photos of Reeves
- Profile and images of the USS Langley (CV-1) From the Naval Historical Center.
- Californians and the Military: Admiral Joseph Mason "Bull" Reeves, USN (1872-1948) By WO1 Mark J. Denger and LTC Norman S. Marshall, California Center for Military History. From the website of the California Military Museum, operated by the California State Military Department.
- A Brief History of the United States Naval Academy: 1890s Note on Reeves' invention of the modern football helmet (from the Naval Academy's official website)