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Harris L. Laning, born 18 October 1873 in Petersburg, Ill., graduated from the Naval Academy 07 June 1895. He served in the Philippines during the Philippine insurrection, and
along with increasingly important sea duty, served as captain of the U.S. rifle team which won the Gold Medal in Stockholm, Sweden, at the 1912 Olympic Games. His first command was
Cassin (DD 43), which operated off Vera Cruz during the 1914 Mexican Campaign. As Chief of Staff to Commander Destroyer Force, Atlantic Fleet in 1919 he skillfully supported
the first successful transatlantic flight, made by Navy seaplane NC-4 in May. As a rear admiral, he commanded a battleship division, and was president of the Naval War College early in the 1930’s;
as vice admiral, he commanded Cruisers, Scouting Force. As admiral, he commanded Battle Force, U.S. Fleet, from 01 April 1935 to 20 April 1936. Commandant, New York Navy Yard, and 3d Naval District
20 April 1936 to 01 October 1937, Laning retired 01 November 1937, then served as Governor of the Naval Home, Philadelphia, until his death 02 February 1941.
USS Laning (DE 159) (1943-1956) was the first ship to be named in his honor.
(Image from the book "Memoirs of Admiral Harris Laning") |
Bill Gonyo
Downey, Cal.
Assoc. Researcher
Navsource |
