Johnston Blakeley was born near Seaford, County Down, Ireland in October 1781. Brought to the United States as a child in 1783, he was appointed a Midshipman in 1800. After service in President during the Quasi-War with France and command of Enterprise early in the War of 1812, Master Commandant Blakeley was appointed to command of the newly built sloop-of-war Wasp. In 1814 he made a very successful cruise which included capture of HMS Reindeer. Wasp was last heard of 9 October 1814 and is believed to have foundered in a gale. Blakeley received the thanks of Congress, a gold medal, and post-humous advancement to Captain for his last cruise.

(TB-27: dp. 165; l. 175'; b. 17'8"; dr. 6'; s. 26 k., cpl. 32 a. 3 1-pdr., 3 18" TT.; cl. Blakeley)

Blakeley (Torpedo Boat No. 27) was launched 22 November 1900 by George Lawley and Sons Corp., South Boston, Mass.; sponsored by Miss Nellie M. White; and commissioned 27 December 1904, Lieutenant C. E. Courtney in command.

Blakeley joined the 3rd Torpedo Flotilla, Atlantic Fleet, and cruised along the east coast until going out of commission in February 1907. Placed in reserve at Norfolk Navy Yard 19 June 1907, Blakeley alternated between commissioned and reserve service until March 1914. She was recommissioned 13 January 1908; placed in reserve at New York later in the year; recommissioned 6 May 1909, and went into reserve 9 November 1909. Placed out of commission at Newport Naval Station 17 March 1914, she remained in ordinary until May 1913 when she went into service as a station craft at the Naval Station. Fully commissioned 7 April 1917, she served as a patrol vessel out of Boston and New London until January 1919. In August 1918 she was renamed and reclassified Coast Torpedo Boat No. 13. Decommissioned at Philadelphia Navy Yard 8 March 1919, she was sold 19 July 1920.