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Naval History and Heritage Command

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Adapted from Modern Biographical Files collection, Navy Department Library.

Topic
  • Ordnance and Weapons
Document Type
  • Biography
Wars & Conflicts
  • World War I 1917-1918
File Formats
Location of Archival Materials
  • NHHC-Library

Wilbur R. Auken

[birth date unknown]-[death date unknown]

Captain Wilbur R. Auken, US Navy, Member of the Naval Examining Board, Navy Department, was born in Utica, New York, and was appointed to the Naval Academy from 25th District of New York in 1899. He is the author of various service publications in strategy, ordnance and training.

During the World War he was on duty in the Bureau of Ordnance, Navy Department, until October 1918, when he was ordered to the Naval Forces in European Waters, and after duty as an observer with foreign fleets, he was assigned to the USS Melville. Later he was transferred to the USS Birmingham.

During 1919 and the first part of 1920, he was in command of Destroyer Division 29, and later Destroyer Division 43.

From June 1920 until June 1921, he served as executive officer of the USS Oklahoma. He was on duty. He was on duty at the Naval Academy from 1921 until 1924 and Head of Ordnance Department when he was given command of the USS Aroostook. After attending the Naval War College, Newport, R.I., he served for two years in charge of the Training Division, Bureau of Navigation, Navy Department. He commanded the USS Vestal from 1929 until 1931 when he returned to Newport, R.I., as a member of the staff of the Naval War College. He assumed command of the USS Oklahoma in May 1934, and in December 1935 reported for his present day.

END

Published: Wed Jun 23 10:47:37 EDT 2021