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Contact Info
Home Town North Adams, MA
Last Address Virginia Beach, VA
Date of Passing Dec 17, 1993
Location of Interment U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery and Columbarium (VLM) - Annapolis, Maryland
Michael Francis Donald Flaherty was born on 10 December 1904, in North Adams, Massachusetts, son of Michael B. and Margaret McGrath Flaherty. He attended Drury High School in North Adams, prior to his appointment to the US Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, from the First District of his native state in 1924. Graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science and commissioned Ensign in the US Navy on 28 June 1928, he subsequently advanced in rank attaining that of Rear Admiral to date from 1 August 1956.
On 1 October 1966 he was transferred to the Retired List of the US Navy and several days later reported as Governor of the Naval Home, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He continued to serve as such until relieved of active duty on 8 October 1969.
He was married to the former Jean Ostrom of Seattle, Washington, and they had two sons (one attended the US Naval Academy, Class of 1954). Rear Admiral Flaherty died in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on 17 December 1993.
Other Comments:
Legion of Merit
"For exceptionally meritorious service from January 1963 to September 1966 as Commander Training Command, United States Atlantic Fleet...Rear Admiral Flaherty has maintained a high level of performance in the Training Command during a period of constantly and rapidly changing training requirements generated by new management programs and new and sophisticated ships, weapons and electronic systems. Through his expert appraisal, his calm and practical approach to problems, and his sound judgment and foresight, he has contributed immeasurably to the combat readiness of the Fleet by bringing the training of his personnel to a very high level of effectiveness, thereby ensuring the readiness of the United States Navy to support national policies..."
Iowa Class Battleship: Displacement 45,000 Tons, Dimensions, 887' 3" (oa) x 108' 2" x 37' 9" (Max). Armament 9 x 16"/50 20 x 5"/38AA, 80 x 40mm 49 x 20mm, 3 AC. Armor, 12 1/8" Belt, 17" Turrets, 1 1/2" +6" +5/8" Decks, 17 1/4" Conning Tower. Machinery, 212,000 SHP; Westinghouse Geared Turbines, 4 screws. Speed, 33 Knots, Crew 1921.
Operational and Building Data: Laid down by Philadelphia Naval Ship Yard, January 25 1941. Launched 7 December 1943. Commissioned April 16 1944. Decommissioned July 1 1948. Recommissioned March 3 1951. Decommissioned March 8 1958. Recommissioned October 22 1988. Decommissioned September 30 1991. Stricken for disposal 12 January 1995 but retained in reserve. Reinstated on the Naval Vessels Register, in reserve, 12 February 1998.
Fate: Berthed at Norfolk, VA; to become a museum-in-reserve,with the weather decks open to the public, but the ship still maintained in reserve and owned by the Navy.
