Kenneth Whiting Papers, 1901-1943: Finding Aid

Chronology of Kenneth Whiting

1881

• Born July 22 in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

1901

• Appointed to the United States Naval Academy from New York.

1905

• On January 30, graduates from the United States Naval Academy.
• After graduation, is attached to U.S.S. West Virginia (Armored Cruiser No. 5).

1907

• On January 31, is commissioned Ensign.
• In June, is detached from West Virginia and transferred to U.S.S. Concord (PG-3) of the Asiatic Station.

1908

• In May, is transferred to U.S.S. Supply (schooner-rigged iron steamer).
• In August, is reattached to U.S.S. Concord.
• In October, is detached from U.S.S. Concord and transferred to U.S.S. Shark (Submarine No. 8) for fitting out duty at the Naval Station in Cavite, Philippines.
• On November 20, assumes command of U.S.S. Porpoise (Submarine No. 7). While aboard Porpoise, demonstrates the ability to escape a submarine through its torpedo tubes.

1910

• In September, is detached from U.S.S. Porpoise and assumes command of U.S.S. Tarpon (Submarine No. 14), operating in the Atlantic Torpedo Fleet.

1911

• In January, reports to Newport News Shipbuilding Company to fit out U.S.S. Seal (Submarine No. 191/2).

1912

• On October 28, assumes command of U.S.S. G-1 (submarine).

1914

• On June 29, reports to the Wright Company of Dayton, Ohio for flight training with Orville Wright.
• On September 6, is designated Naval Aviator Number 16.
• Becomes Officer in Charge of the Naval Aeronautic Station, Pensacola, Florida.

1916

• In November, is transferred to U.S.S. Washington (Armored Cruiser Number 11, renamed Seattle on December 1, 1916), and given command of a unit of seaplanes.

1917

• In May, is transferred to U.S.S. Neptune (collier).
• In June, travels to France to instruct French pilots.

1918

• On June 1, assumes command of United States Naval Air Station Number 14 and 15 in Killingholme, England.

1919

• In February, is assigned to the Chief of Naval Operations' Office of Naval Aviation, Washington, DC.

1921

• On September 1, transfers to the newly established Bureau of Aeronautics.

1922

• On March 20, joins U.S.S. Langley (CV-1) as Executive Officer.

1924

• In July, reports back to the Bureau of Aeronautics, serving first as Assistant Chief of the Bureau, and later as Head of the Aircraft Carriers Division.

1926

• In September, is ordered to the Brown-Boveri Electric Company in Camden, New Jersey, overseeing the construction of U.S.S. Saratoga (CV-3).

1927

• On November 16, reports as Saratoga's Executive Officer, serving in that capacity until May 1929.

1929

• On July 1, is promoted to Captain.
• In September, joins the staff of Commander Aircraft Squadrons, Battle Fleet, as Chief of Staff and Aide.

1930

• In August, assumes command of the Naval Air Station, Naval Operating Base, Hampton Roads, Virginia.

1932

• In June, is detached from the Naval Air Station at Hampton Roads for instruction at the Naval War College and Naval Torpedo Station, Newport, Rhode Island.

1933

• On June 15, assumes command of U.S.S. Langley.
• In December, is relieved of command of U.S.S. Langley to fit out U.S.S. Ranger (CV-4) at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company.

1934

• Is detached from U.S.S. Ranger to help develop plans for U.S. Ships Yorktown (CV-5) and Enterprise (CV-6).
• In June, assumes command of U.S.S. Saratoga.

1935

• In July, is detached from U.S.S. Saratoga to become Command Aircraft Squadrons, and attending craft, with additional duty as commander of the Fleet Air Base, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

1937

• In September, assumes command of Patrol Wing 2, serving in that capacity until June 3, 1938.

1939

• On July 14, reports for duty as General Inspector of Naval Aircraft, Eastern Division, Third Naval District (New York, New York).

1940

• On June 30, is transferred to the Retired List, but continues to serve as General Inspector of Naval Aircraft.

1943

• In February, assumes command of the Naval Air Station, New York, New York, also serving as District Aviation Officer, Third Naval District.
• On April 24, dies at the Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.

Description of Contents

The Kenneth Whiting Papers, comprising 0.42 linear feet of documentation, span Whiting's U.S. Navy career, covering the years 1901 to 1943. The papers document Whiting's development as an aviator and his pioneering role in the development of naval aviation and the aircraft carrier force, as well as his time as a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy.

The papers consist primarily of photocopies of incoming and outgoing letters, orders, order compliance reports, flight records, biographical materials, news clippings, commendations, certificates, court and investigation proceedings, identification, a U.S. House of Representatives Bill, and a will. The collection also includes several original letters written by Whiting.

The Kenneth Whiting Papers are organized into two series. The General Files series comprises the bulk of the collection, and consists entirely of photocopies, primarily of official correspondence. Specific topics covered within the correspondence include the general organization of the aeronautic service; organization of the Naval Air Station at Pensacola; Whiting's licensure as a pilot; engine specifications; seaplane development; arresting gear development; French pilot training; the use of airplanes as bombers during the First World War; submarine based aircraft tests; usage of aircraft carriers as flag ships; preparations for Amelia Earhart's attempted circumnavigation; and Whiting's resume, qualifications, and retirement. Also among the official correspondence are letters and attachments discussing chaplains in the Navy and the conviction of John Hughes Curtis in connection with the Lindbergh kidnapping. Notable correspondents in both the official and unofficial correspondence include Orville Wright, Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, and Admiral William A. Moffett. The remainder of the collection is composed primarily of various other official records, such as reports, orders, court of inquiry proceedings, commendations, certificates of identification and licensure, a will, and legislation. Topics covered by these records include flight tests, the application of aircraft to railroads, accident investigations, the history of naval aviation, and the founding of a separate Air Corps. Also included in the collection are several items pertaining to Whiting's death and funeral, and the launching of U.S.S. Kenneth Whiting (AV-14).

The second series, Mrs. E. B. Whiting Correspondence, consists of letters written by Whiting to his mother, Mrs. E. B. Whiting. The letters largely pertain to Whiting's experiences as a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy. Several additional letters are the product of Whiting's first assignment with the fleet following graduation from the Academy and a later duty assignment in Guam.

In addition to the professional history and personal affiliations of Kenneth Whiting, research interests served by the Whiting Papers include the early history of aviation, specifically United States Naval aviation, the development of aircraft carrier based aerial operations, and Allied aerial operations during World War I.

Arrangement

The Kenneth Whiting Papers are organized into the following two series:

• Series 1: General Files, 1914-1943
• Series 2: Mrs. E. B. Whiting Correspondence, 1901-1927

Access and Use

Access

Access is unrestricted.

Copyright and Permission

The Kenneth Whiting Papers are the physical property of Nimitz Library. Copyright belongs to the authors or creators of the works, or their legal representatives. For further information, consult the Head, Special Collections & Archives.

It is the responsibility of the researcher to secure written permission to publish, reprint, or reproduce material from Special Collections & Archives. The researcher assumes responsibility for infringement of copyright or literary or publication rights. Please contact the Head, Special Collections & Archives for permission to publish and for further information.

Acquisition and Appraisal

Provenance and Acquisition

Gifts of Edna Whiting Nisewaner in November 1993, Mrs. T. A. Nisewaner in April 1997, and Judy Petre in April 2011. Accession Nos. 93-71, 97-19, and 11-05.

Related Materials

Location of Originals

The location of originals is unknown.

Related Archival Material

Photographs of Kenneth Whiting are located in the Special Collections Transitional Picture File and Oversize Transitional Picture File, Special Collections & Archives Department, Nimitz Library, United States Naval Academy. Additional material pertaining to Whiting's time as a midshipman at the Naval Academy may be found in his Midshipman Personnel Jacket and Alumni Jacket, Special Collections & Archives Department, Nimitz Library, United States Naval Academy.

Materials Cataloged Separately

No materials have been removed from this collection.

Processing and Other Information

Preferred Citation

Kenneth Whiting Papers, MS 294

Special Collections & Archives Department

Nimitz Library

United States Naval Academy

Processing Information

This collection was processed by David D'Onofrio in February 2009. Finding aid written by David D'Onofrio in February 2009. Additional material processed by David D'Onofrio in November 2013

Subject Headings

Name and Subject Terms

• Aircraft carriers -- United States -- History
• Earhart, Amelia, 1897-1937
• Lindbergh, Charles A. (Charles Augustus), 1902-1974
• Moffett, William A. (William Adger), 1869-1933
• United States Naval Academy -- Curricula
• United States Naval Academy -- Students
• United States. Navy -- Aviation -- History
• Whiting, Kenneth, 1881-1943
• World War, 1914-1918 -- Aerial operations

Genre Terms

• Clippings (information artifacts)
• Correspondence
• Manuscripts
• Orders (military records)
• Reports