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Who was the first admiral of the U.S navy?

Who was the First Admiral of the U.S. Navy?

The United States Navy has a rich history that spans over two centuries, and its ranks have been filled with notable individuals who have played a significant role in shaping the country’s maritime power. One of the most important positions in the Navy is that of an admiral, who is the highest-ranking officer in the fleet. But who was the first admiral of the U.S. Navy?

Early Years of the U.S. Navy

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The United States Navy was established on April 30, 1798, when Congress passed the Naval Act, which authorized the construction of six frigates and the establishment of a naval force. The first commander-in-chief of the U.S. Navy was John Barry, a veteran of the American Revolutionary War who was appointed to the position in 1794. Barry is often referred to as the "Father of the American Navy" because of his contributions to the development of the Navy during its early years.

The First Admirals

The rank of admiral was not formally established in the U.S. Navy until 1862, during the American Civil War. Prior to that, the highest rank in the Navy was that of captain, which was held by officers who commanded ships or squadrons. However, in 1862, the rank of commodore was established, which was equivalent to a British admiral. The first commodore in the U.S. Navy was Samuel F. Du Pont, who was appointed to the position in 1862.

The First Admiral

The rank of admiral was formally established in the U.S. Navy in 1864, when the Navy Department issued an order establishing the rank of admiral and vice admiral. The first admiral in the U.S. Navy was David Glasgow Farragut, who was appointed to the position in 1864. Farragut was a highly respected officer who had played a key role in the Union Navy during the American Civil War. He was known for his bravery and tactical genius, and his appointment as the first admiral in the U.S. Navy was a testament to his leadership skills.

Farragut’s Career

David Glasgow Farragut was born on July 5, 1801, in Campbell’s Station, Tennessee. He joined the Navy in 1810, at the age of nine, and served in the War of 1812. He rose through the ranks quickly, becoming a lieutenant in 1825 and a captain in 1841. During the Mexican-American War, Farragut played a key role in the capture of key ports, including Veracruz and Tabasco.

The Battle of Mobile Bay

Farragut’s most famous victory came during the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864, during the American Civil War. The battle was a decisive Union victory, and it marked the beginning of the end of the Confederacy’s control of the Gulf of Mexico. Farragut’s leadership during the battle was instrumental in the Union victory, and he was hailed as a hero for his bravery and tactical genius.

Legacy

David Glasgow Farragut’s appointment as the first admiral in the U.S. Navy was a significant milestone in the history of the Navy. He was a highly respected officer who played a key role in shaping the Navy’s tactics and strategies during the American Civil War. His legacy continues to be celebrated today, and he is remembered as one of the greatest admirals in the history of the U.S. Navy.

Table: Notable Dates in Farragut’s Career

DateEvent
July 5, 1801Born in Campbell’s Station, Tennessee
1810Joined the Navy at the age of nine
1825Became a lieutenant
1841Became a captain
1862Appointed commodore
1864Appointed admiral
August 5, 1864Led the Union Navy to victory in the Battle of Mobile Bay

Conclusion

The first admiral of the U.S. Navy was David Glasgow Farragut, who was appointed to the position in 1864. Farragut was a highly respected officer who played a key role in shaping the Navy’s tactics and strategies during the American Civil War. His bravery and tactical genius were instrumental in the Union victory at the Battle of Mobile Bay, and he is remembered as one of the greatest admirals in the history of the U.S. Navy.

References

  • "The Life of Admiral David Glasgow Farragut" by Captain Edward L. Beach
  • "Farragut: The Biography of a Great Admiral" by Alfred Thayer Mahan
  • "The United States Navy: A History" by Robert Gardiner

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