 Appointed a naval cadet in September 1899, Blakely graduated from the Naval Academy on February 2, 1903 and, after serving two years at sea as a passed naval cadet, was commissioned ensign in 1905 to date from February 3.Between 1903 and 1907, he served successively in the frigate , "Baltimore" (Cruiser No.3), "Cleveland" (Cruiser No.