Captain John Russell Young Blakely

Captain John Russell Young Blakely was the commanding officer of the Arizona (BB-39) from 27 Jul 1922 to 29 Nov 1923.

Captain Blakely was born 17 July 1872 in Philadelphia. He was the son of John Blakely, publisher of the Philadelphia Star newspaper, and the nephew of John Russell Young and Congressman James Rankin Young.

After graduating Philadelphia's Central High School in 1888, he was appointed to and graduated from the Naval Academy in 1892. After serving in various Navy ships and at many shore stations, he took his first command, Des Moines (CL-17), in 1914. As captain of this ship, and later Seattle (CA-11), Blakely rendered important service in transporting and escorting troops and supplies to Europe during the First World War. For his outstanding contribution he was awarded the Navy Cross.

the war Blakely served with the Chief of Naval Operations, at the Naval War College, and with the rank of captain he commanded Arizona (BB-39) from 27 July 1922 to 29 November 1923.

After a tour as Assistant to the Chief of the Bureau of Navigation in 1925, he was promoted to Rear Admiral and given command of a cruiser division. He also commanded the 15th Naval District and served on the important General Board before poor health forced him to retire 1 June 1932.

Rear Admiral Blakely died on 28 March 1942 in Denver, Colorado. J.R.Y. Blakely (DE-140) (1943-1946) was the first ship to be named in his honor.

Photo & Information Provided by Bill Gonyo