In 1917 Bogan watch and gunnery officer in the USS Birmingham (CS-2), which was doing escort duty during World War I. In 1919 served in the USS Stribling (DD-96), then the USS Hopewell (DD-181) and USS Broome (DD-210). In 1922 was CO of U.S. Naval Radio Station, Russian Island, Vladivostok and returned that station to Soviet forces after its decommissioning. Became naval aviator and joined squadron with the USS Langley (CV-1), then Commander Fighting Squadron One of the USS Saratoga (CV-3). During World War II he was commanding officer of Naval Air Station Miami and the Saratoga. Later, as a flag officer, he commanded Naval Air, Tenth Fleet, under Admiral Ernest J. King and a fast carrier task group in the Pacific. Returned to the States and was in command of Fleet Air, Alameda and then until his retirement in 1950, Commander First Task Fleet.