Stephen Luce

Stephen Bleecker Luce (25 March 1827 – 28 July 1917) was a U.S. Navy admiral. He was the founder and first president of the Naval War College, between 1884 and 1886.

Related Topics:
25 March - 1827 - 28 July - 1917 - U.S. Navy - Admiral - President - Naval War College - 1884 - 1886

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Born in New York, New York, Stephen B. Luce was one of the Navy's outstanding officers in many fields, including strategy, seamanship, education, and professional development. Entering the naval service 19 October 1841 as a midshipman, he served with the Atlantic coast blockaders during the American Civil War, and commanded the monitor Nantucket at the siege of Charleston, South Carolina. In 1862, while serving as head of the Department of Seamanship at the U.S. Naval Academy, he prepared one of the first seamanship textbooks used by the Academy.

Related Topics:
New York, New York - 19 October - 1841 - Midshipman - Atlantic - American Civil War - ''Nantucket'' - Charleston, South Carolina - 1862 - U.S. Naval Academy

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After the war Luce organized the Navy's apprentice training program to prepare seamen and petty officers for fleet duty. From 1878 to 1881 Captain Luce was inspector of training ships and, as commodore, he commanded the U.S. Training Squadron from 1881 to 1884.

Related Topics:
1878 - 1881 - Commodore - 1884

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Based on Luce's urgings and exhaustive reports, the Naval War College at Newport, Rhode Island, was established 6 October 1884 with Luce as its first superintendent. He was also instrumental in starting the U.S. Naval Institute and its publication, Proceedings. He again served at sea before retiring 25 March 1889. He returned to the War College in 1901.

Related Topics:
Newport, Rhode Island - 6 October - 1884 - U.S. Naval Institute - 25 March - 1889

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Three ships have been named USS Luce in his honor.

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