He was later attached to the staff of Rear Admiral Louis Kempff[3] aboard his flagship, USS Kentucky, on which he participated in Boxer Rebellion in 1900 and the Philippine insurrection during 1901–1902.

This tour would be cut short upon receipt of new orders to the staff of the Commander in Chief of the Atlantic Fleet, Rear Admiral Charles S.

[4] Lieutenant Commander McLean was on the Admiral's flagship the USS Connecticut on its tour around the world in the Great White Fleet from 1907 to 1909.

When World War I broke out, Commander McLean served as chief of staff for the Battleship Force 1, Atlantic Fleet, under VADM Albert Grant.

Rear Admiral McLean fought for submarine sustainability and flexibility to fight long ways from home and for extended periods.

[8] On November 12, 1933, at the age of 61, Rear Admiral McLean, Commander of Battleship Division 3 died suddenly from a heart attack aboard his flagship the USS Nevada, while at anchor in San Francisco Bay.

The following day funeral services were held on board the Nevada while the flag-draped coffin of the Rear Admiral lay on the deck.