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James C. Longino Papers, 1935-1995 (bulk 1935-1976): Finding Aid

Published in January 2015

Summary Information

  • Publisher: United States Naval Academy. Special Collections & Archives.
  • Publisher Address:
    589 McNair Road
    Annapolis, Maryland 21402-5029, USA
    Phone: 410-293-6917
    https://www.usna.edu/Library/sca/index.php
  • Call number: MS 421
  • Location: Special Collections & Archives Department - Manuscripts
  • Title: James C. Longino Papers
  • Dates: 1935-1995
  • Bulk Dates: 1935-1976
  • Size: 4.71 linear feet
  • Container Summary: 4 manuscript boxes, 1 half-manuscript box, 2 flat boxes, 1 flat folder
  • Creator: Longino, James C., 1918-1977
  • Language(s) of material: English, French
  • Abstract: James Charles Longino, Jr. was an Admiral in the United States Navy and a member of the United States Naval Academy Class of 1940. The papers are the product of Longino's thirty-six year career in the United States Navy and touch on nearly all of Longino's duty stations, with an emphasis on his service as an aviator in World War II and subsequent sea duties, as well as his education experiences at the United States Naval Academy and Columbia University.

Biographical Chronology of James C. Longino

1918
  • Born April 23 in Fairburn, Georgia to James C. and Margaret E. (McLarin) Longino.
1936
  • Receives appointment to the United States Naval Academy.
1940
  • On June 6, graduates from the United States Naval Academy as a member of the Class of 1940 and is commissioned in the United States Navy as an Ensign.
  • Attached to U.S.S. Pensacola (Cruiser : CA-24).
1942
  • In February, is detached from U.S.S. Pensacola for flight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.
1943
  • Designated a Naval Aviator.
  • In June, reports to Naval Air Advanced Training Command, Pensacola, as an instructor in flight tactics.
  • On August 1, marries Helen O'Brien.
1944
  • In September, assumes command of Carrier Air Group 40 aboard U.S.S. Suwannee (Escort aircraft carrier : CVE-27).
1945
  • Receives the Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal for combat duty in the vicinity of Nansei Shoto (Ryukyu Islands) from April to June.
  • In November, is assigned to the Naval Air Training Command, Pensacola, to train in night fighter operations.
1946
  • In March, qualifies in night fighter operations.
  • Attached to the United States Embassy in Paris as Assistant Naval Attaché for Air.
1949
  • In January, is assigned to the Aviation Personnel Division of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations in Washington, DC.
1951
  • In July, assumes command of Fighter Squadron 61 of the Atlantic Fleet.
1953
  • In July, reports to Columbia University as Executive Officer of the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit.
1955
  • In June, begins postgraduate instruction at Columbia University's School of International Affairs.
1956
  • In June, is awarded the degree of Master of International Affairs from Columbia University.
  • Attached to U.S.S. Lake Champlain (Aircraft carrier : CV-39) as Operations Officer and, later, Executive Officer.
1958
  • In March, reports as U.S. National Representative on the Staff of Commander Central Mediterranean Area.
1960
  • In August, is assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations in the Politico-Military Division.
1962
  • In August, is detached from the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations for instruction at the National War College.
1963
  • In July, assumes command of U.S.S. Canisteo (Oiler : AO-99).
1964
  • In September, assumes command of U.S.S. Lake Champlain (Aircraft carrier : CV-39), which served as flagship for Commander Hunter-Killer Forces, Atlantic Fleet.
1965
  • In August, U.S.S. Lake Champlain serves as the recovery vessel for the Gemini 5 capsule.
  • In September, is detached from U.S.S. Lake Champlain for duty in the Office of Naval Warfare Analysis, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.
1967
  • In June, is selected for promotion to Rear Admiral.
  • In June, is appointed Deputy Director for Intelligence at Headquarters, Commander in Chief, U.S. European Command.
1969
  • Awarded the Legion of Merit for service as Deputy Director for Intelligence.
  • In September, assumes command of Fleet Air, San Diego, based out of the Naval Air Station, North Island.
1970
  • In May, assumes additional duty as Commander Antisubmarine Warfare Group 3 and, later, Commander Antisubmarine Warfare Group 5.
1971
  • In January, is detached from Fleet Air, San Diego.
  • In May, is detached from Antisubmarine Warfare Group 5.
  • In August, reported as Deputy Director for Plans of the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington, DC.
1974
  • In April, is detached from the Defense Intelligence Agency and is ordered to report as Defense Attaché and Naval Attaché at the United States Embassy, London.
1976
  • On July 1, retires from the U.S. Navy.
1977
  • On March 13, dies on Schilthorn Mountain, Switzerland, while skiing.
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Description of Contents

The James C. Longino Papers, comprising 4.71 linear feet of documentation, span from 1935 to 1999 and are the product of Longino's thirty-six year career in the United States Navy. The papers touch on nearly all of Longino's duty stations, with an emphasis on his service as an aviator in World War II and subsequent sea duties, as well as his education experiences at the United States Naval Academy and Columbia University.

The collection is composed of letters, orders, certificates, clippings, citations, event programs, transcripts, theses, articles, videocassettes, photographs, negatives, and a motion picture reel.

The Longino Papers are organized into two series by document type. Both series are arranged largely by duty station, and offer a similar topical coverage spanning Longino's career. Both series emphasize Longino's tour of duty with Air Group 40 aboard U.S.S. Suwannee during World War II, his command of U.S.S. Lake Champlain during the recovery of Gemini 5, and his duties in San Diego, including his role as Commander Fleet Air, command of Antisubmarine Warfare Group 3, and his cruise to the Indian Ocean, Sea of Japan, and Bering Sea aboard U.S.S. Ticonderoga. Series 1: Subject Files also highlights Longino's education with files pertaining to his time at the United States Naval Academy and his Columbia University master's thesis, as well as his work in systems analysis. Series 2: Photographs offers a greater emphasis on the cruise of the U.S.S. Ticonderoga and the Gemini 5 recovery than do the Subject Files. Both series also touch upon Longino's tours as a Naval Attaché, experiences as a flight instructor, and command of U.S.S. Canisteo.

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Arrangement

The James C. Longino Papers are organized into the following two series:

  • Series 1: Subject Files, 1935-1995 (bulk 1935-1976)
  • Series 2: Photographs, 1943-1971
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Access and Use

Access

Access is unrestricted.

Copyright and Permission

The James C. Longino 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.

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Videocassettes in Series 1 require the use of a VCR for playback. The motion picture film in Series 1 requires the use of an 8mm projector for playback.

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Acquisition and Appraisal

Provenance and Acquisition

Gift of Virginia Longino Jordan in June 2011. Accession No. 11-08.

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Related Materials

Related Archival Material

Additional biographical material pertaining to James C. Longino may be found in his Personnel Jacket (restricted until 2038) and Alumni Jacket in Special Collections & Archives, Nimitz Library.

Materials Cataloged Separately

A copy of William McFee's The Law of the Sea (Lippincott, 1950) has been removed from this collection.

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Processing and Other Information

Preferred Citation

James C. Longino Papers, MS 421

Special Collections & Archives Department

Nimitz Library

United States Naval Academy

Processing Information

This collection was processed by David D'Onofrio in January 2015. Finding aid written by David D'Onofrio in January 2015.

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Subject Headings

Name and Subject Terms

  • Canisteo (Oiler : AO-99)
  • Conrad, Pete, 1930-1999
  • Cooper, Gordon, 1927-2004
  • Gemini 5 (Spacecraft)
  • Lake Champlain (Aircraft carrier : CV-39)
  • Longino, James C., 1918-1977
  • Military attachés -- United States
  • Pensacola (Cruiser : CA-24)
  • Project Gemini (U.S.)
  • Suwannee (Escort aircraft carrier : CVE-27)
  • Ticonderoga (Attack aircraft carrier : CVA-14)
  • United States Naval Academy. Class of 1940
  • United States. Navy. Air Group 40
  • United States. Navy. Antisubmarine Warfare Group 3
  • World War, 1939-1945 -- Aerial operations, American
  • World War, 1939-1945 -- Campaigns -- Japan -- Okinawa Island

Genre Terms

  • Certificates
  • Clippings (information artifacts)
  • Correspondence
  • Manuscripts
  • Motion pictures (visual works)
  • Orders (military records)
  • Photographs
  • Programs (documents)
  • Theses
  • Videocassettes
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Contents List

Series 1: Subject Files, 1935-1995 (bulk 1935-1976) Boxes 1-3, 6[OS]-7[OS]

Series Description

Documentation of Longino's career in the United States Navy, spanning from his time as a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy until his final duty station as Defense and Naval Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in London. While spanning his entire career, the highest concentrations of material focus on Longino's experiences as an aviator during World War II, his command of U.S.S. Lake Champlain, and his command of Fleet Air, San Diego. Included in the series are letters, orders, certificates, clippings, citations, event programs, transcripts, videocassettes, a motion picture reel, and Longino's writings.

In addition to those files which are organized by duty station, the series also includes files of official correspondence, orders, flight logs, and citations that span Longino's entire career.

Among the documents from Longino's tour as commanding officer of U.S.S. Lake Champlain are materials pertaining to the recovery of NASA's Gemini 5 capsule, including a guest book signed by astronauts L. Gordon Cooper and Charles Conrad.

Series Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by duty station, topic, and document type.

Box 1 Folder 1-3

Aviator Flight Log Books, 1943-1973

Box 1 Folder 4

Biographical Files, 1945-1995

Includes biographical sketches and Navy personnel documents.

Box 1 Folder 5

U.S.S. Canisteo, 1961-1963

Box 7[OS] Folder 1

U.S.S. Canisteo - Motion Picture, 1963

Motion picture footage of U.S.S. Canisteo engaged in refueling operations.

Box 1 Folder 6

Captain and Admiral Information, 1967-1974

Includes material pertaining to Longino's promotion to flag rank.

Box 6[OS] Folder 1

Certificates, Diplomas, and Commissions, 1936-1967

Box 1 Folder 7

Certificates, Diplomas, and Commissions, 1951-1976, undated

Box 1 Folder 8

Citations and Awards, 1945-1969

Box 1 Folder 9

Columbia University - Event Programs,

Box 1 Folder 10

Columbia University - Papers and Dissertations, 1953-1956

Includes Longino's dissertation on the Corfu Channel case.

Box 1 Folder 11

U.S.S. Lake Champlain - Correspondence, 1965

Includes material pertaining to the recovery of Gemini 5.

Box 1 Folder 12

U.S.S. Lake Champlain - Gemini 5 Recovery Patch, 1965

Box 1 Folder 13

U.S.S. Lake Champlain - Guest Book, 1963-1965, 1971

Includes the signatures of Gemini 5 astronauts L. Gordon Cooper and Charles Conrad. Also includes guests from U.S.S. Canisteo.

Box 2 Folder 1

U.S.S. Lake Champlain - Press Clippings, 1965

Includes clippings pertaining to the recovery of Gemini 5 and the ship's 20th birthday.

Box 2 Folder 2

U.S.S. Lake Champlain - Publications and Invitations, 1964-1965

Includes ships' rosters, change of command programs and invitations, general information on the ship, and mailings pertaining to the Gemini 5 recovery.

Box 2 Folder 3

London, 1974-1976

Includes correspondence from Longino's tour as Defense Attaché and Naval Attaché in London.

Box 2 Folder 4

National War College, 1963 June 7

Box 2 Folder 5

Naval Aviator Certificate, 1943

Box 2 Folder 6-7

Official Correspondence, 1947-1976

Includes correspondence from Longino's tours as Naval Attaché in Paris, U.S.S. Lake Champlain's visit to New York Harbor, and Longino's promotion to flag rank. Several documents are in French.

Box 2 Folder 8-9

Orders, 1940-1967

Also includes transcripts from the United States Naval Academy, Columbia University, and Georgetown University.

Box 2 Folder 10

Paris, 1948-1949

Commendation letters from Longino's tour as Assistant Naval Attaché for Air in Paris.

Box 2 Folder 11

U.S.S. Pensacola, 1950, 1987

Box 2 Folder 12

Press Clippings - Miscellaneous, 1983-1995, undated

Includes clippings on the Great Lakes side-wheel aircraft carriers U.S.S. Wolverine and U.S.S. Sable.

Box 2 Folder 13

Project Gemini - NASA Publication, undated

Box 2 Folder 14

Rainbow Flight, 1994-1995

Documents pertaining to Longino's tour as a flight instructor at NAS Green Cove Springs in 1944.

Box 2 Folder 15

San Diego - Correspondence, 1970-1971

Includes an Apollo 14 Recovery Forces postal cover.

Box 2 Folder 16

San Diego - Event Programs and Invitations, 1969-1971

Includes change of command documents from Longino's tour as Commander, Fleet Air and Commander, Antisubmarine Warfare Group 3.

Box 2 Folder 17

San Diego - Miscellaneous, 1971, undated

Box 2 Folder 18

San Diego - Press Clippings, 1969-1971

Box 2 Folder 19

Sixth Fleet Shore Patrol, 1953

Shore patrol report for Barcelona, Spain.

Box 2 Folder 20

Speeches, 1969, undated

Box 3 Folder 1

U.S.S. Suwannee/Air Group 40, 1945-1947, 1989

Includes ship's history and history of Air Group 40's service during and after the Okinawa Campaign.

Box 3 Folder 2

Systems Analysis, 1967

Includes Longino's Proceedings article entitled "The Study Business," and documents related to CYCLOPS III.

Box 3 Folder 3

U.S.S. Ticonderoga, 1969-1973

Includes press clippings, programs of events held aboard, and documents pertaining to her Far East deployments with Antisubmarine Warfare Group 3.

Box 3 Folder 4

United States Naval Academy - Appointment, 1935-1936

Box 3 Folder 5

United States Naval Academy - Class of 1940, 1990, undated

Box 7[OS] Folder 2-4

United States Naval Academy - Class of 1940 (Videocassettes), undated

Three VHS cassettes containing an amateur documentary history of the Class of 1940, including graduates' experiences at the Naval Academy, in World War II, and at alumni events.

Box 3 Folder 6

United States Naval Academy - Grades and Transcripts, 1938

Box 6[OS] Folder 2

United States Naval Academy - Grades and Transcripts, 1953

Box 3 Folder 7

United States Naval Academy - Summer Cruise Leave, 1937

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Series 2: Photographs, 1943-1971 Boxes 3-5, 6[OS], MSOS

Series Description

Photographs, mainly black-and-white, from Longino's various tours of duty in the U.S. Navy, featuring images of events and activities such as aerial operations, shipboard receptions, and various ceremonies. Most of the photographs are the product of Longino's World War II service with Air Group 40 aboard U.S.S. Suwannee, service as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of U.S.S. Lake Champlain, and commands of Fleet Air, San Diego and Antisubmarine Warfare Group 3, the latter of which includes numerous photographs from U.S.S. Ticonderoga's 1971 deployment to the Far East. Included among the photographs are several negatives and copies of pencil drawings.

Among the photographs from U.S.S. Lake Champlain are images, taken by both the U.S. Navy and NASA, of the recovery of Gemini 5 and the reception of astronauts L. Gordon Cooper and Charles Conrad. Several of the photographs bear Cooper's and Conrad's autographs.

Series Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by duty station and topic.

Box 3 Folder 8

U.S.S. Canisteo, 1964, undated

Includes images of U.S.S. Enterprise.

Box 6[OS] Folder 3

U.S.S. Canisteo, undated

Box 3 Folder 9

Columbia University - School of International Affairs Portrait, 1956

Box 3 Folder 10

Fighter Squadron 61, 1952, undated

Photographs were taken by and aboard U.S.S. Midway.

Box 6[OS] Folder 4

U.S.S. Lake Champlain, 1961-1962, undated

Box 3 Folder 11

U.S.S. Lake Champlain, 1962, undated

Includes photographs of U.S.S. Remey (Destroyer : DD-688), U.S.S. Robinson (Destroyer : DD-562), U.S.S. Rookes (Destroyer : DD-804), and U.S.S. Wadleigh (Destroyer : DD-689).

Box 3 Folder 12

U.S.S. Lake Champlain (1956-1958) - Inspections, undated

Box 3 Folder 13

U.S.S. Lake Champlain (1956-1958) - Unidentified Special Events and Visitors, undated

Several images feature Admiral Arleigh Burke.

Box 3 Folder 14

U.S.S. Lake Champlain (1964-1965) - Airlift Operations, undated

Box 3 Folder 15

U.S.S. Lake Champlain (1964-1965) - Award Ceremonies, undated

Includes promotion ceremonies for officers and crew. Also includes images of Rhode Island Governor John Chafee.

Box 3 Folder 16-17

U.S.S. Lake Champlain (1964-1965) - Gemini 5 Recovery (NASA Photographs), 1965

Box 3 Folder 18-24

U.S.S. Lake Champlain (1964-1965) - Gemini 5 Recovery (Navy Photographs), 1965

Drawer MSOS Folder 1

U.S.S. Lake Champlain (1964-1965) - Gemini 5 Recovery (Navy Photographs), 1965

Box 3 Folder 25

U.S.S. Lake Champlain (1964-1965) - Gemini 5 Recovery (Portraits), 1965

Autographed portraits of astronauts L. Gordon Cooper and Charles Conrad.

Box 3 Folder 26

U.S.S. Lake Champlain (1964-1965) - Group Portraits, 1964, undated

Includes a group portrait for the ASW Tactical School.

Box 3 Folder 27

U.S.S. Lake Champlain (1964-1965) - HS-5 Change of Command, 1965 May

Box 3 Folder 28-29

U.S.S. Lake Champlain (1964-1965) - New York Visit, 1965 March

Box 6[OS] Folder 5

U.S.S. Lake Champlain (1964-1965) - New York Visit, 1965 March

Box 3 Folder 30

U.S.S. Lake Champlain (1964-1965) - Operation Steel Pike, 1964 October

Photographs of distinguished visitors, including Rear Admiral W. B. Stuart and Congressman Mendel Rivers.

Box 3 Folder 31

U.S.S. Lake Champlain (1964-1965) - Paul Hahn Golf Demonstration, undated

Box 3 Folder 32

U.S.S. Lake Champlain (1964-1965) - Portraits, undated

Photographs of Longino exercising.

Box 3 Folder 33

U.S.S. Lake Champlain (1964-1965) - Tours and Inspections, undated

Box 4 Folder 1

U.S.S. Lake Champlain (1964-1965) - Twentieth Anniversary Ball, undated

Includes photograph of Lionel Hampton.

Box 4 Folder 2-7

U.S.S. Lake Champlain (1964-1965) - Unidentified Special Events and Visitors, undated

Box 4 Folder 8

London, undated

Photographs from Longino's tour as Defense Attaché and Naval Attaché in London. Includes images of Ambassador Anne Armstrong.

Box 6[OS] Folder 6

National War College - Graduating Class Portrait, 1963

Box 4 Folder 9

National War College - Graduation, 1963 June 7

Box 6[OS] Folder 7

U.S.S. Pensacola, undated

Box 6[OS] Folder 8

Portraits, 1943, undated

Miscellaneous group portraits.

Box 4 Folder 10-11

Portraits, 1961-1969, undated

Official and unofficial portraits of Longino. Includes a photograph of Longino with Admiral John McCain.

Box 4 Folder 12

Portraits - NASA, 1964, undated

Includes autographed portraits of astronauts L. Gordon Cooper and Charles Conrad, as well as group portraits of other Project Gemini and Mercury astronauts.

Box 4 Folder 13

Rainbow Flight, 1944

Box 6[OS] Folder 9

Rainbow Flight, 1944, 1994

Image of aviators who trained under Longino at NAS Green Cove Springs.

Box 4 Folder 14

San Diego - Antisubmarine Warfare Group 3 Change of Command, 1970 May 22

Box 4 Folder 15

San Diego - Distinguished Visitors, 1969 September, undated

Includes images of Canadian Vice Admiral John C. O'Brien and members of the Japan Training Squadron.

Box 4 Folder 16

San Diego - Miscellaneous Events, 1970, undated

One photograph features an aerial embarkation aboard U.S.S. Snook. One event is possibly the Antisubmarine Warfare Group 3 change of command of July 27, 1971.

Box 4 Folder 17

San Diego - Operational Readiness Inspection, undated

Includes images of Sculpin.

Box 4 Folder 18

San Diego - OV 10 Flight, 1969 November

Box 4 Folder 19

San Diego - Parades, Inspections, and Award Ceremonies, undated

Box 4 Folder 20

San Diego - Parades, Inspections, and Award Ceremonies (Orlando),

Box 4 Folder 21

San Diego - Portraits, 1969 November, undated

Box 4 Folder 22

Sixth Fleet, undated

Box 6[OS] Folder 10

U.S.S. Suwannee/Air Group 40, 1944 February

Box 4 Folder 23

U.S.S. Suwannee/Air Group 40 - Aerial Operations, 1945 April

Box 4 Folder 24

U.S.S. Suwannee/Air Group 40 - Crashes (F6F), 1945 April-May

Box 4 Folder 25

U.S.S. Suwannee/Air Group 40 - Crashes (TBM), 1945 February-March

Box 4 Folder 26

U.S.S. Suwannee/Air Group 40 - Crashes (Unidentified), undated

Box 4 Folder 27

U.S.S. Suwannee/Air Group 40 - JATO Takeoff, 1945 March

Box 4 Folder 28

U.S.S. Suwannee/Air Group 40 - Landing Operations, undated

Box 6[OS] Folder 11

U.S.S. Suwannee/Air Group 40 - Photo Album, 1945, undated

Includes images of Air Group 40 carrier operations, as well as early training operations and a Great Lakes aircraft carrier.

Box 4 Folder 29

U.S.S. Suwannee/Air Group 40 - Portraits and Group Photographs, 1945 April, undated

Box 4 Folder 30

U.S.S. Suwannee/Air Group 40 - Recreational Activities, undated

Box 6[OS] Folder 12

U.S.S. Ticonderoga, 1968 April

Box 4 Folder 31

U.S.S. Ticonderoga, undated

Box 4 Folder 32-36

U.S.S. Ticonderoga - Distinguished Visitors, undated

Images of meetings with Asian naval and civilian delegations.

Box 4 Folder 37

U.S.S. Ticonderoga - Foreign Vessel Tour, undated

Box 4 Folder 38-42

U.S.S. Ticonderoga - Inspections and Award Ceremonies, undated

Also includes images of promotion ceremonies and civilian awards.

Box 4 Folder 43

U.S.S. Ticonderoga - Miscellaneous Events, undated

Box 4 Folder 44

U.S.S. Ticonderoga - Portraits and Group Photographs, 1971, undated

Box 5 Folder 1

U.S.S. Ticonderoga - Press Event, undated

Box 5 Folder 2

U.S.S. Ticonderoga - Submarine Boarding, 1970

Features Longino boarding a submarine by helicopter.

Box 5 Folder 3

U.S.S. Ticonderoga - Wreath Layings and Commemorations, undated

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