Delano, Francis R.

Francis H. Delano was a United States naval commander of the U.S.S. Marietta and captain of the U.S.S. Dixie which saw action in Colombia and Panama from 1901-1903. He rose to the rank of rear admiral.

Francis Henry Delano entered the U.S. Naval Academy as a Midshipman on 23 September 1863. He graduated on 6 June 1867 and reported to USS Susquehanna on 20 June. Detached in January 1868 he was transferred to the steamer Contoocook in March. On 26 October 1868 he was detached from Contoocook and ordered to duty on USS Yantie. In December 1868 Delano received his commission as an Ensign. Promoted to Lieutenant on 6 February 1873, Delano served on USS Ashuelot until detached in October 1873. In March 1874 he was ordered to duty on USS Portsmouth. By August 1875 he had received orders to report to the receiving ship Sabine. He was detached from Sabine in July 1876 and transferred to the steamer Shawmut, serving with the North Atlantic Fleet until January 1877. Appointed Lieutenant Commander on 22 June 1894, he reported to the Washington Navy Yard for ordnance instruction in September. The following month, he was assigned as executive officer of the receiving ship Wabash. His posting to Wabash ended in May 1896, and he proceeded to Yokohama, Japan to join USS Olympia as executive officer. In October 1904 he reported for duty as commanding officer of the receiving ship Lancaster. This was Delano's final assignment before retiring on 29 June 1905. On 4 March 1911, in accordance with the provisions of an act of Congress, he received a commission appointing him a Rear Admiral in the Navy, on the Retired List, from 29 June 1905.