Career
He resigned from the Navy 2 years later to join the Hydrographic Office. An eminent mathematician, oceanographer, and civil engineer, Littlehales compiled many publications in navigation, terrestrial magnetism, and oceanography. He served as chairman of the Section of Physical Oceanography, American Geophysical Union, and as vice president of the Section of Oceanography, International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics.
From 1919 until retirement, Littlehales ably represented the United States at numerous hydrographic congresses and councils throughout the world.
Littlehales died 12 August 1943 at Washington, District of Columbia
Three United States. Navy survey ships have been named United States Ship Littlehales in his honor.