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Harris L. Laning, born 18 October 1873 in Petersburg, Ill., graduated from the Naval Academy 7 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 1 April 1935 to 20 April 1936. Commandant, New York Navy Yard, and 3d Naval District 20 April 1936 to 1 October 1937, Laning retired 1 November 1937, then served as Governor of the Naval Home, Philadelphia, until his death 2 February 1941.
USS Laning (DE 159) (1943-1956) was the first ship to be named in his honor.
(Photo Courtesy of the San Diego Navy Historical Association) |
Bill Gonyo |
