Ridley McLean
Encyclopedia
Rear Admiral Ridley McLean, USN (10 November 1872-12 November 1933) was a two-star Admiral in the United States Navy
. He was a Naval Academy
graduate, the original author of the Navy's Bluejacket's Manual
, and Judge Advocate General
(JAG). He was a battleship commander in World War I
, a pioneer in Naval use of short wave communication, a submarine force and a Battleship division commander.
Congressman
Finis Ewing McLean
, was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
to Thornton and Sallie (Ridley) McLean. Sallie died on November 22, 1872, just 12 days after giving birth to her only child. His father was in the banking business in Pulaski
, but after his wife's death he went to California where he remained for ten years. Thornton returned to Murfressboro, Tennessee for four years until his death in 1887, leaving Ridley, to the care of his maternal uncle, Army Captain B.L. Ridley and his wife.
After two years at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
, Ridley was appointed to the Naval Academy by Congressman James D. Richardson
commencing May 20, 1890.
during the Reyes Rebellion in Nicaragua in February 1900. Attached to the staff of Rear Admiral Louis Kempff
on board the flagship, USS Kentucky
, he participated in Boxer Rebellion
in 1900 and the Philippine insurrection during 1901-1902.
In 1902 LT McLean wrote "The Bluejacket's Manual" for the United States Naval Institute. A book intended to provide information useful to new recruits and be a reference for every person in Naval service. In 1903 he contributed a chapter titled “Practical Naval Gunnery” to the “Text Book of Ordinance and Gunnery”.
In 1904 he was assistant to LCDR William Sims
, Inspector of target practice and in 1906 was given orders to report to the USS Virginia
. This tour would be cut short upon receipt of new orders to the staff of the Commander in Chief of the Atlantic Fleet, Rear Admiral Charles S. Sperry. LCDR McLean was on the Admiral's flagship the USS Connecticut
on its tour around the world in the Great White Fleet
from 1907-1909. Following staff duty LCDR McLean was Atlantic Fleet ordnance officer before assuming duties as the Executive Officer on board the USS Florida (BB-30)
.
In 1913 Commander McLean assumed what is normally a Captain billet as Judge Advocate General of the US Navy, a position he held until which entitled him the rank of Captain in title only. In December 1916 he received orders to become Commanding Officer of the USS Columbia.
through May 1917.
, escorting allied convoys.
September 1918-September 1919. At the same time he was permanently appointed to the rank of Captain and for the next few years McLean was stationed at the Army War College in Washington D.C.
From June 1922 through April 1924 Captain McLean was CO of the USS Arkansas (BB-33)
. Assuming the role as Director of Naval Communications
in July 1924, CAPT McLean pioneered the use of shortwave radio communications when he authorized the experiment on board the USS Seattle (CA-11)on the 1925 cruise of Australia and New Zealand.
Promoted to Rear Admiral in 1927 and as Commander of Battleforce Submarines using the Submarine Tender USS Holland
as his flagship. Rear Admiral McLean fought for Submarine sustainability and flexibility to fight long ways from home and for extended periods.
, while at anchor in San Francisco bay. The following day funeral services were held on board the Nevada while the flagged draped coffin of the Rear Admiral lay on the deck. Crews from all 50 warships in San Francisco were summoned to stand at attention during the service. After the service was complete the Nevada steamed through Golden Gate, passing the USS Pennsylvania
as she fired a thirteen gun salute. His body was later interned at Arlington National Cemetery
.
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...
. He was a 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...
graduate, the original author of the Navy's Bluejacket's Manual
The Bluejacket's Manual
The Bluejacket's Manual is the basic handbook for United States Navy personnel. First issued in 1902 to teach new recruits about naval procedures and life and offer a reference for active sailors, it has become the "bible" for Navy personnel, providing information about a wide range of Navy topics...
, and Judge Advocate General
Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy
The Judge Advocate General's Corps also known as the "JAG Corps" or "JAG" is the legal arm of the United States Navy. Today, the corps consists of a worldwide organization of more than 730 Judge Advocates, 30 limited duty officers , 500 enlisted members and nearly 275 civilian personnel, serving...
(JAG). He was a battleship commander in 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...
, a pioneer in Naval use of short wave communication, a submarine force and a Battleship division commander.
Early life
Ridley McLean, the grandson of KentuckyKentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
Congressman
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
Finis Ewing McLean
Finis McLean
Finis Ewing McLean was a United States Representative from Kentucky. He was the brother of John McLean and uncle of James David Walker. Born near Russellville, Kentucky, he attended the country schools and Lebanon Academy in Logan County, Kentucky. Later, he studied law, was admitted to the bar,...
, was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Murfreesboro is a city in and the county seat of Rutherford County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 108,755 according to the United States Census Bureau's 2010 U.S. Census, up from 68,816 residents certified during the 2000 census. The center of population of Tennessee is located in...
to Thornton and Sallie (Ridley) McLean. Sallie died on November 22, 1872, just 12 days after giving birth to her only child. His father was in the banking business in Pulaski
Pulaski, Tennessee
Pulaski is a city in Giles County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 7,870 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Giles County. It was named to honor the Polish-born American Revolutionary War hero Kazimierz Pułaski...
, but after his wife's death he went to California where he remained for ten years. Thornton returned to Murfressboro, Tennessee for four years until his death in 1887, leaving Ridley, to the care of his maternal uncle, Army Captain B.L. Ridley and his wife.
After two years at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee is a public land-grant university headquartered at Knoxville, Tennessee, United States...
, Ridley was appointed to the Naval Academy by Congressman James D. Richardson
James D. Richardson
James Daniel Richardson was an American politician and a Democrat from Tennessee. Richardson represented Tennessee's 5th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1885 through 1905. He was among the earliest U.S...
commencing May 20, 1890.
Early career
After graduation from the Naval Academy in 1894, one of McLean's first assignments was to the Gunboat USS MariettaUSS Marietta (PG-15)
USS Marietta was a schooner-rigged gunboat. She was laid down by Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California on 13 April 1896 and launched on 18 March 1897, sponsored by Mrs. C. L. More, daughter of Brigadier General T. C. H. Smith and commissioned on September 1897, with Commander F. W...
during the Reyes Rebellion in Nicaragua in February 1900. Attached to the staff of Rear Admiral Louis Kempff
Louis Kempff
-Early life:Louis Kempff was born in 1841 in Belville, Illinois, United States. After passing the entrance exams, he received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland on September 21, 1857.-Civil War:...
on board the flagship, USS Kentucky
USS Kentucky (BB-6)
USS Kentucky , a Kearsarge-class battleship, was launched on 24 March 1898 by Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company of Newport News, Virginia, sponsored by Miss Christine Bradley, daughter of Governor William O'Connell Bradley of Kentucky, and commissioned on 15 May 1900, Captain Colby M...
, he participated in Boxer Rebellion
Boxer Rebellion
The Boxer Rebellion, also called the Boxer Uprising by some historians or the Righteous Harmony Society Movement in northern China, was a proto-nationalist movement by the "Righteous Harmony Society" , or "Righteous Fists of Harmony" or "Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists" , in China between...
in 1900 and the Philippine insurrection during 1901-1902.
In 1902 LT McLean wrote "The Bluejacket's Manual" for the United States Naval Institute. A book intended to provide information useful to new recruits and be a reference for every person in Naval service. In 1903 he contributed a chapter titled “Practical Naval Gunnery” to the “Text Book of Ordinance and Gunnery”.
In 1904 he was assistant to LCDR William Sims
William Sims
William Sowden Sims was an admiral in the United States Navy who sought during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to modernize the Navy. During World War I he commanded all United States naval forces operating in Europe...
, Inspector of target practice and in 1906 was given orders to report to the USS Virginia
USS Virginia (BB-13)
USS Virginia was a United States Navy battleship, the lead ship of her class of five. She was the fifth ship to carry her name.Virginia was laid down on 21 May 1902 Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, Newport News, Virginia; launched on 6 April 1904; sponsored by Miss Gay Montague,...
. This tour would be cut short upon receipt of new orders to the staff of the Commander in Chief of the Atlantic Fleet, Rear Admiral Charles S. Sperry. LCDR McLean was on the Admiral's flagship the USS Connecticut
USS Connecticut (BB-18)
USS Connecticut , the fourth United States Navy ship to be named after the state of Connecticut, was the lead ship of her class of six. Her keel was laid on 10 March 1903; launched on 29 September 1904, Connecticut was commissioned on 29 September 1906 as the most advanced ship in the U.S...
on its tour around the world in the Great White Fleet
Great White Fleet
The Great White Fleet was the popular nickname for the United States Navy battle fleet that completed a circumnavigation of the globe from 16 December 1907 to 22 February 1909 by order of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. It consisted of 16 battleships divided into two squadrons, along with...
from 1907-1909. Following staff duty LCDR McLean was Atlantic Fleet ordnance officer before assuming duties as the Executive Officer on board the USS Florida (BB-30)
USS Florida (BB-30)
-External links:***...
.
In 1913 Commander McLean assumed what is normally a Captain billet as Judge Advocate General of the US Navy, a position he held until which entitled him the rank of Captain in title only. In December 1916 he received orders to become Commanding Officer of the USS Columbia.
USS Columbia (C-12)
The fourth USS Columbia was an unarmored protected cruiser in the United States Navy during the Spanish-American War and World War I. She was the lead ship of her class of two cruisers; her sister ship was...
through May 1917.
World War I
When World War I broke out Commander McLean served as Chief of Staff for the Battleship Force 1, Atlantic Fleet under VADM Albert Grant until 1918 at which time he was chosen to become the Commanding Officer of the 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....
, escorting allied convoys.
Post War
After a short tour as Commanding officer on the USS New Hampshire, he became the CO of the USS Nebraska (BB-14)USS Nebraska (BB-14)
USS Nebraska was a Virginia-class pre-dreadnought battleship of the United States Navy. She was the first ship to carry her name.- History :...
September 1918-September 1919. At the same time he was permanently appointed to the rank of Captain and for the next few years McLean was stationed at the Army War College in Washington D.C.
From June 1922 through April 1924 Captain McLean was CO of the USS Arkansas (BB-33)
USS Arkansas (BB-33)
USS Arkansas , a was the third ship of the United States Navy named in honor of the 25th state.A dreadnought battleship, Arkansas was laid down on 25 January 1910 at Camden, New Jersey, by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation. She was launched on 14 January 1911 sponsored by Miss Nancy Louise...
. Assuming the role as Director of Naval Communications
Director of Naval Communications
Director of Naval Communications was a post on the staff of the United States Navy's Chief of Naval Operations responsible for organizing, administering and operating the Naval Communications Service. In Navy parlance, this was Op-20. Created in 1916, the position replaced that of the...
in July 1924, CAPT McLean pioneered the use of shortwave radio communications when he authorized the experiment on board the USS Seattle (CA-11)on the 1925 cruise of Australia and New Zealand.
Promoted to Rear Admiral in 1927 and as Commander of Battleforce Submarines using the Submarine Tender USS Holland
USS Holland (AS-3)
USS Holland was a submarine tender that served in the United States Navy before and during World War II.Holland was launched by the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington, on 12 April 1926, sponsored by Miss Elizabeth Saunders Chase, daughter of Admiral J. V. Chase, and commissioned on...
as his flagship. Rear Admiral McLean fought for Submarine sustainability and flexibility to fight long ways from home and for extended periods.
Personal life
In November 1916 Commander McLean married Olive Gale Hill and became stepfather to her two children (Olive Beatrice and Gale) from a previous marriage.Death
On November 12, 1933 at the age of 61, Rear Admiral McLean, Commander of Battleship Division 3 died suddenly from a fatal heart attack aboard his flagship the USS Nevada (BB-36)USS Nevada (BB-36)
USS Nevada , the second United States Navy ship to be named after the 36th state, was the lead ship of the two Nevada-class battleships; her sister ship was...
, while at anchor in San Francisco bay. The following day funeral services were held on board the Nevada while the flagged draped coffin of the Rear Admiral lay on the deck. Crews from all 50 warships in San Francisco were summoned to stand at attention during the service. After the service was complete the Nevada steamed through Golden Gate, passing the USS Pennsylvania
USS Pennsylvania (BB-38)
USS Pennsylvania was a United States Navy super-dreadnought battleship. She was the third Navy ship named for the state of Pennsylvania....
as she fired a thirteen gun salute. His body was later interned at Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia, is a military cemetery in the United States of America, established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, formerly the estate of the family of Confederate general Robert E. Lee's wife Mary Anna Lee, a great...
.
Dates of rank
- MidshipmanMidshipmanA midshipman is an officer cadet, or a commissioned officer of the lowest rank, in the Royal Navy, United States Navy, and many Commonwealth navies. Commonwealth countries which use the rank include Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Kenya...
- 20 May 1890. Graduated class of 1894Ensign Lieutenant Junior Grade Lieutenant, Junior GradeLieutenant is a junior commissioned officer rank in the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, United States Merchant Marine USMM, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps, with the pay grade...Lieutenant LieutenantA lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer in many nations' armed forces. Typically, the rank of lieutenant in naval usage, while still a junior officer rank, is senior to the army rank...Lieutenant Commander Lieutenant commander (United States)Lieutenant commander is a mid-ranking officer rank in the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps, with the pay grade of O-4 and NATO rank code OF-3...Commander Commander (United States)In the United States, commander is a military rank that is also sometimes used as a military title, depending on the branch of service. It is also used as a rank or title in some organizations outside of the military, particularly in police and law enforcement.-Naval rank:In the United States...Captain O-1 O-2 O-3 O-4 O-5 O-6 
1894 abt. 1897 1901 abt. 1906 abt. 1913 1919 Rear Admiral (lower half) Rear Admiral (upper half) O-7 O-8 
1927 1932
United States awards
 |
Navy Cross Medal Awarded for actions during the World War I The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Ridley McLean, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding Officer, U.S.S. New Hampshire during World War I, and as Chief of Staff of the Commander of Battleship Force 1, Atlantic Fleet. Action Date: World War I Service: Navy Rank: Captain Company: Commanding Officer Division: U.S.S. New Hampshire |
Further reading
- McLean, R. The Bluejacket's Manual. Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 1902.
- Faram, Mark D. The Bluejacket's Manual Turns 100. All Hands June 2008.