Naval Academy Names Building in Honor of Former Superintendent

The Naval Academy held a ceremony Oct. 2 to rename the Administration Building “Larson Hall” in honor of two-time Superintendent Adm. Charles R. Larson (USNA ’58).

The Naval Academy renamed the Administration Building in honor of two-time
Superintendent Adm. Charles Larson.

Larson Hall, built in 1907 and renovated in 2014, serves as the headquarters of the Naval Academy superintendent and immediate staff.

“When you think about his hands-on leadership style, what an appropriate building to bear his name,” said Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski.

Larson, who passed away July 25, 2014, served as superintendent from 1983-1986 and 1994-1998. His vision led to the foundation of what is now the Admiral James B. Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership and refocused the Naval Academy curriculum on developing leaders of character.

Senator Barbara Mikulski gives remarks at the dedication ceremony
for Larson Hall.

“His leadership was value driven,” said Mikulski, who praised Larson for his efforts to build character development into the academy curriculum. “In the end, it’s character that counts. He was an outstanding man.”

He established the academy's Character Development Division to provide character and honor instruction to the Brigade of Midshipmen and was instrumental in the development and construction of Alumni Hall.

“He inspired the brigade to take ownership of our mission,” said Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Ted Carter. “Our formalized leadership and character development curriculum today owes everything it does to the foundation Admiral Larson laid, and our Navy and Marine Corps team has continuously reaped the benefits of his vision and leadership.”

Vice Adm. Ted Carter gives remarks at the dedication ceremony
for Larson Hall.

He also established the master's degree program for incoming company officers and the senior enlisted leader program that brings non-commissioned officers into Bancroft Hall to work hand-in-hand with company officers and midshipmen.

“The Larson name is one that deserves to be recognized, memorialized and remembered by all,” said Carter. “The naming a prominent building in his honor is a fitting and proper way to inspire our next generation of officers to remember what our nation requires and what is expected to become leaders of character and consequence – young men and women who exhibit excellence without arrogance.”

A native of Sioux Falls, S.D., Larson graduated from the Naval Academy in 1958, a class that included Senator John S. McCain. His 40-year career included service as an aviator and submarine officer and command of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. He was the first naval officer selected as a White House Fellow, serving as special assistant to the Secretary of the Interior in 1968. He also served as naval aide to President Richard Nixon.

Senator Barbara Mikulski, Mrs. Sally Larson, and Vice Adm. Ted Carter
cut the ribbon during the dedication ceremony for Larson Hall.

In 1979, at the age of 43, Larson became the second-youngest admiral in U.S. Navy history. He retired in 1998.

His major military decorations included the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, seven awards of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, three awards of the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal. In addition, he received decorations from the governments of Japan, Korea, Thailand and France.