Lieutenant commander
In November 1921, Kessing returned to the United States and assumed duty as Officer-in-Charge, Naval Recruiting Stations Indianapolis in his native Indiana. He spent two years in that capacity and joined the destroyer USS "McCormick" under command of Lieutenant commander John H. Cassady in November 1923. Kessing participated in the cruise to the Mediterranean and later was transferred to the battleship USS "Wyoming", operating with the Atlantic Fleet. While in this capacity, he was promoted to Lieutenant commander on June 4, 1925. During his service with "Wyoming" Kessing befriended with ships's executive officer and future Fleet Admiral William F. Halsey.