Rear Admiral Ridley McLean attended UT from 1888 to 1890, before entering the Naval Academy, from which he graduated in 1894. He is best known as Lieutenant Ridley McLean, the author of the Bluejacket’s Manual, a primer on uniforms, ranks, rates, and other essential information for all naval personnel from seaman to admiral. His manual was first published in 1902 and has been in print—with revisions and enlargements—ever since.
He served on board the gunboat Marietta in 1898 during the Reyes Rebellion in Nicaragua, on the ammunition ship America during the Spanish-American War, and on the staff of Rear Admiral Kempff during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900 and the Philippine Insurrection during 1901 and 1902. He was commanding officer of the USS New Hampshire and chief of staff to the commander of Battleship Force I, Atlantic Fleet during World War I and was awarded the Navy Cross for his service.
McLean served as judge advocate general of the navy from 1913 to 1916. While serving as commander of Battleship Division 3 of the United States Fleet, he died suddenly on November 12, 1933, aboard his flagship, the USS Nevada. His funeral service, with all the honors befitting his rank, was held aboard the USS Nevada. As soon as the services were completed, the Nevada steamed through the Golden Gate and headed for Southern California, where another service was held, after which the body was sent to Washington for burial in Arlington National Cemetery.