After graduation in 1916, his first assignment was in the USS Benham (Destroyer No. 49), employed in escort duty in the Atlantic during World War I. He later served in battleships in the Asiatic Station and as flag lieutenant to the Commander U.S. Naval Detachment in Turkish waters. After duty in the Office of Naval Communications, he returned to sea in the USS West Virginia (BB-48) and USS Pennsylvania (BB-38). During World War II he was CO of the light cruiser USS Mobile (CL-63), involved in bombardment of Wake Island, the occupation of Tarawa, and attacks on Kwajalein and Wotje. In 1944 he was assigned as Naval Liaison Officer with the British Pacific Fleet. He then attended the Naval War College and in 1947 was designated a member of the U.S. Naval Mission to Brazil until his retirement in 1948.