Joseph Mason "Bull" Reeves

Admiral, U.S. Navy

Joseph Mason Reeves was born on 20 November 1872 in the village of Tampico, IL.

He received an appointment in 1890 to attend the Naval Academy, where he became a football star. In addition to his on-field derring-do, he is credited with the invention of the modern football helmet. Reeves graduated from the Academy in 1894.

Upon graduation, Reeves was assigned to the cruiser USS San Francisco (Cruiser No. 5). He served in the battleship USS Oregon (BB-3) during the Spanish-American War, taking part in the action against Admiral Pascual Cervera y Topete's fleet at Santiago in June and July 1898.

After the turn of the century, Reeves served in San Francisco and on the battleships USS Wisconsin (BB-9) and USS Ohio (BB-12) in addition to tours ashore at Newport and Annapolis, where he was an Instructor in the Naval Academy's Department of Physics and Chemistry, 1906-08. He served as the Academy's Head Football Coach in 1907, guiding the team to a 9-2-1 record and a 6-0 victory over Army.

Following duties as Ordnance Officer on board the battleship USS New Hampshire (BB-25), Reeves served as Ordnance Officer in the staff of the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. He followed this with assignment to the Board of Inspection and Survey and a tour as Commanding Officer, Naval Coal Depot, Tiburon, CA.

In April 1913, Commander Reeves assumed command of the collier USS Jupiter (AC-3), the Navy's first electrically propelled vessel. The ship was re-commissioned in 1922 as USS Langley (CV-1), the Navy's first aircraft carrier.

Detached from Jupiter in April 1914, he commanded the cruiser USS St. Louis (Cruiser No. 20) and various other ships until assigned to USS Oregon, June 1915, as Commanding Officer.

Detached for shore duty at the Mare Island (California) Navy Yard in June 1916, he commanded the battleship USS Maine (BB-10) during World War I, earning the Navy Cross for "exceptionally meritorious service" during that tour.

Post-WWI Assignments

After the war, he served as Naval Attaché at Rome and in April 1921 assumed command of USS Pittsburgh (ACR-4). Captain of the Mare Island Navy Yard at the end of that year, he commanded the battleship USS North Dakota (BB-29), 1922-23, then attended the Naval War College at Newport. After completing his coursework, he spent a year as a member of the staff.

Entering Naval Aviation

Upon completing his tour at the War College, Captain Reeves decided to enter the new world of Naval Aviation. In order to hold a command post, however, he needed to receive aviation training. Like other older officers-notably, RADM William A. Moffett, Chief of the Navy's new Bureau of Aeronautics -- Reeves qualified as a "Naval Aviation Observer" rather than as a "Naval Aviator" (i.e., a pilot). He received his qualification in 1925, and assumed the post of Commander, Aircraft Squadron, Battle Fleet. Though a Captain by rank, his position as Squadron Commander permitted him to fly a Commodore's pennant. His flagship was the experimental carrier USS Langley--his old ship, Jupiter, modified for aviation operations. The wooden flight-deck was installed over the Langley's existing deck structures, giving the vessel the nickname of "Covered Wagon."

While in this command, Reeves worked hard to develop carrier aviation tactics, seeking to increase sortie rates and the use of dive-bombing. He proved these concepts by the success of his pilots and aircrew during the Navy's annual fleet exercises (known as "Fleet Problems").

Reeves served on the Navy's General Board, June 1929-30. Fifteen months later he became Senior Member of the Board of Inspection and Survey, Pacific Coast Section. Another tour at Mare Island followed and in June 1933 he became Commander, Battleships, Battle Force, with the rank of Vice Admiral.

On 1 July 1933, he was assigned as Commander, Battle Force, U.S. Fleet, with the four-star rank of Admiral.

On 26 February 1934, Reeves was designated Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Fleet. He held this command until June 1936, when he was ordered to Washington to serve on the General Board. He held the Board position until 23 November 1936, and retired on 30 November.

Recall for World War II

The Admiral's retirement was short-lived, as his nation again needed his services to fight another World War. Reeves was recalled to active duty on 13 May 1940, advanced to Vice Admiral on the retired list, and served in the Office of the Secretary of the Navy from 21 May 1940 until 23 December 1946. He then retired a second time, and spent his last years living in Maryland.

Honors

A warship and two airfields have been named in honor of Vice Admiral Reeves.

The destroyer USS Reeves (DLG/CG-24) was commissioned 15 May 1964 and won three battle stars for Vietnam service. The Reeves was reclassified on 30 June 1975 as a guided missile cruiser (CG-24). Reeves was decommissioned and stricken from the Navy Register on 12 November 1993 at Pearl Harbor. She was sunk at sea 31 May 2001 off the coast of Australia.

Joseph Mason Reeves Field ("Reeves Field") at NAS Lemoore, CA, was dedicated 20 November 1961.

Reeves Field at NAB San Pedro, CA (later NAS Terminal Island), was dedicated during the 1930s. This airfield is no longer active.

Medals and Awards

Admiral Reeves won numerous commendations including the Navy Cross and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Admiral Reeves had the Sampson Medal (USS OREGON); Spanish Campaign Medal (Spanish-American War); World War I Victory Medal with Atlantic Fleet Clasp; American Defense Service Medal; American Campaign Medal; and the World War II Victory Medal. From the Government of Italy, he was awarded the Order of the Crown of Italy (rank of Commander) and the Diploma of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (grade of Commendatore).

Death and Burial

Admiral Joseph Mason Reeves died on 25 March 1948 at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. He is buried at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, MD.