List of United States Navy vice admirals on active duty before 1960

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This is a complete list of United States Navy vice admirals on active duty before 1960. The grade of vice admiral (or three-star admiral) is ordinarily the second-highest in the peacetime Navy, ranking above rear admiral and below admiral.

Contents

The grade of vice admiral was originally created to honor particularly successful Union Navy flag officers of the American Civil War. Between World War I and World War II, dozens of officers cycled through three designated vice admiral billets in the United States Fleet, holding the rank temporarily before reverting to their permanent grade of rear admiral upon relinquishing command. Dozens of temporary vice admirals were appointed during World War II alone, and by January 1, 1960, the Navy register listed 28 line officers as vice admirals on the active list in the peacetime Navy.

Many rear admirals received honorary tombstone promotions to vice admiral when they retired, having been specially commended for performance of duty in actual combat before the end of World War II, but only a handful were ever recalled to active duty in that grade. Tombstone promotions were abolished effective November 1, 1959.

Taxonomy

List of U.S. Navy vice admirals on active duty before 1960

This is a complete list of officers who held the rank of vice admiral while on active duty in the United States Navy before January 1, 1960, including officers who received a tombstone promotion to vice admiral if they were recalled to active duty in that rank.

Entries are indexed by the numerical order in which each officer became a vice admiral on the active list, or by an asterisk (*) if the officer served in that rank only after transferring to the retired list. Each entry lists the officer's name, date appointed, [6] date the officer vacated the active-duty rank, [7] number of years of service as vice admiral (Yrs), [8] positions held as vice admiral, [9] and other biographical notes. [10]

Italics denote active duty as vice admiral while on the retired list.

The list is sortable by active-duty appointment order, last name, date appointed, date vacated, and number of years on active duty as vice admiral.

NamePhotoDate appointed [6] Date vacated [7] Yrs [8] Position [9] Notes [10]
1 David G. Farragut Admiral Farragut2.jpg 21 Dec 1864 24 Jul 1866  2 (1801–1870) Promoted to admiral, 25 Jul 1866. Brother-by-adoption of Navy admiral David D. Porter Jr.
2 David D. Porter David Dixon Porter - Mathew Brady's National Photographic Art Gallery (Cropped).jpg 25 Jul 1866 14 Aug 1870  4 (1813–1891) Promoted to admiral, 15 Aug 1870. Brother-by-adoption of Navy admiral David G. Farragut.
3 Stephen C. Rowan Stephen C Rowan (cropped).jpg 15 Aug 1870 26 Feb 1889 19 (1808–1890)
4 Henry T. Mayo Henry Thomas Mayo.JPG 10 Jun 1915 18 Jun 1916  1 (1857–1937) [11] Promoted to admiral, 19 Jun 1916. Governor, U.S. Naval Home, 1924–1928.
5 DeWitt Coffman Portrait gray.png 19 Jun 1916 31 Aug 1918  2 (1876–1932) [12]
6 William S. Sims William sowden sims.jpg 22 May 1917  3 Dec 1918  2 (1858–1936) [11] Promoted to admiral, 4 Dec 1918. President, Naval War College, 1917; 1919–1922. Awarded Pulitzer Prize for History, 1921.
7 Albert W. Grant Vice Adm. Albert W. Grant.jpg 20 Aug 1917 31 Mar 1919  2 (1856–1930) [12]
8 Henry B. Wilson Jr. Henry Braid Wilson.jpg 25 Sep 1918 30 Jun 1919  1 (1861–1954) [11] Promoted to admiral, 30 Jun 1919. Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, 1921–1925. Father-in-law of U.S. Secretary of War Patrick J. Hurley.
9 Albert Gleaves Albert Gleaves LCCN2014704998 (cropped).jpg 4 Dec 1918 31 Aug 1919  1 (1858–1937) [11] Promoted to admiral, 1 Sep 1919. Governor, U.S. Naval Home, 1928–1931.
10 William L. Rodgers NH 54827 Rear Admiral William L. Rodgers, USN (cropped).jpg 28 Jun 1919 30 Jan 1920  1 (1860–1944) [12] Son of Navy rear admiral John Rodgers; grandson of Navy commodore John Rodgers.
11 Clarence S. Williams Clarence S Williams.jpg 1 Jul 1919  5 Jul 1921  2 (1863–1951) [13] Promoted to admiral, 14 Oct 1925. President, Naval War College, 1922–1925.
12 Hilary P. Jones Vice Adml. Hilary P. Jones LOC npcc.04459 (cropped).jpg 14 Jul 1919 29 Jun 1921  2 (1865–1939) [11] Promoted to admiral, 30 Jun 1921.
13 Harry S. Knapp 24-PA-008 Rear Admiral Harry S. Knapp, USN (cropped).jpg 3 Feb 1920 27 Jun 1920  0 (1856–1928) [14]
14 Harry M. P. Huse VADM Harry M. P. Huse, ca, 1900 (cropped).jpg 27 Jun 1920 15 Jan 1921  1 (1858–1942) [12] Awarded Medal of Honor, 1914.
15 Albert P. Niblack NH 47503 Vice Admiral Albert P. Niblack, USN (cropped).jpg 15 Jan 1921 19 Jun 1922  1 (1859–1929) [14] Director of Naval Intelligence, 1919–1920; Director, International Hydrographic Bureau, 1927–1929.
16 John D. McDonald NH 47957 Rear Admiral John D. McDonald, USN (cropped).jpg 1 Jul 1921 20 Jun 1923  2 (1862–1952) [12]
17 William R. Shoemaker NH 60905 Vice Admiral William R. Shoemaker, USN (cropped).jpg 8 Jul 1921 20 Jun 1923  2 (1863–1938) [14]
18 Edwin A. Anderson Anderson EA USN h56034.jpg 19 Jun 1922 22 Jul 1922  0 (1860–1933) [14] Promoted to admiral, 28 Aug 1922. Awarded Medal of Honor, 1914.
19 Andrew T. Long NH 48194 Rear Admiral Andrew T. Long, USN.jpg 7 Aug 1922 21 Jun 1923  1 (1866–1946) [15] Director, International Hydrographic Bureau, 1930–1937. [16]
20 Henry A. Wiley Henry Ariosto Wiley.JPG 20 Jun 1923  5 Oct 1925  2 (1867–1943) [17] Promoted to admiral, 8 Sep 1927. Chairman/Commissioner, U.S. Maritime Commission, 1936–1940.
21 Newton A. McCully NH 47954 Vice Adm. Newton A. McCully (cropped).jpg 20 Jun 1923 22 Dec 1924  2 (1867–1951) [18]
22 Philip Andrews LCCN97507119-cropped.jpg 21 Jun 1923 10 Oct 1925  2 (1866–1935) [14]
23 Josiah S. McKean NH 47985 Vice Admiral Josiah S. McKean, USN (cropped).jpg 22 Dec 1924  4 Sep 1926  2 (1864–1951) [18]
24 Richard H. Jackson NH 120012 Admiral Richard Harrison Jackson, USN (cropped).jpg 5 Oct 1925  3 Sep 1926  1 (1866–1971) [17] Promoted to admiral, 4 Sep 1926. Distant cousin of Air Force four-star general Charles P. Cabell.
25 Roger Welles Rear Adm. Roger Welles.jpg 10 Oct 1925 29 Oct 1926  1 (1862–1932) [14] Director of Naval Intelligence, 1917–1919.
26 Ashley H. Robertson NH 47167 Rear Adm. Ashley H. Robertson.jpg 4 Sep 1926 12 Jul 1928  2 (1867–1930) [14]
27 Louis R. de Steiguer Admiral Louis R. de Steiguer, USN (cropped).jpg 4 Sep 1926  9 Sep 1927  1 (1867–1947) [17] Promoted to admiral, 10 Sep 1927.
28 Guy H. Burrage BURRAGE, GUY H., ADMIRAL LCCN2016862045.jpg 29 Oct 1926 15 Sep 1928  2 (1867–1954) [18]
29 William V. Pratt Vice Adm. William V. Pratt.jpg 24 Sep 1927 25 Jun 1928  1 (1869–1957) [19] Promoted to admiral, 26 Jun 1928. President, Naval War College, 1925–1927.
30 Louis M. Nulton ADM Louis M. Nulton, ca. 1915 (cropped).jpg 26 Jun 1928 20 May 1929  1 (1869–1954) [17] Promoted to admiral, 21 May 1929. Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, 1925–1928.
31 Montgomery M. Taylor NH 85117 Admiral Montgomery Meigs Taylor, USN.jpg 12 Jul 1928 21 Jun 1929  1 (1869–1952) [17] Promoted to admiral, 1 Sep 1931. Grandnephew of U.S. President Zachary Taylor; distant cousin of Army four-star general Montgomery C. Meigs.
32 John H. Dayton NH 91759 Rear Admiral John H. Dayton (cropped).jpg 15 Sep 1928  5 Sep 1929  1 (1869–1953) [20]
33 Lucius A. Bostwick Portrait gray.png 21 May 1929 24 May 1930  1 (1869–1940) [14]
34 William C. Cole Rear Adm. William C. Cole.jpg 21 Jun 1929 14 Jun 1930  1 (1868–1935) [14]
35 Richard H. Leigh Richard Henry Leigh.JPG 24 May 1930 14 Sep 1931  1 (1870–1946) [17] Promoted to admiral, 15 Sep 1931.
36 Arthur L. Willard Arthur Lee Willard.jpg 14 Jun 1930 24 Jun 1932  2 (1870–1935) [14]
37 George R. Marvell 24-P-42 Capt. George R. Marvell (cropped).jpg 21 Nov 1930 16 Dec 1931  1 (1869–1941) [14]
38 Luke McNamee Luke McNamee.jpg 15 Sep 1931 10 Aug 1932  1 (1871–1952) [17] Promoted to admiral, 11 Aug 1932. Governor of Guam, 1907; Director of Naval Intelligence, 1921–1923; President, Naval War College, 1933–1934.
39 William H. Standley STANDLEY, H. WILLIAM H. LCCN2016861940 (cropped).jpg 16 Dec 1931 19 May 1933  1 (1872–1963) [19] Promoted to admiral, 20 May 1933. U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union, 1942–1943.
40 Frank H. Clark Portrait gray.png 24 Jun 1932 20 May 1933  1 (1871–1947) [15]
41 Joel R. P. Pringle JoelRPPringle USN.jpg 12 Aug 1932 25 Sep 1932  0 (1873–1932) Died in office.
42 David F. Sellers NH 85835 Admiral David Foote Sellers, USN (cropped).jpg 27 Sep 1932  9 Jun 1933  1 (1874–1949) [17] Promoted to admiral, 10 Jun 1933. Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, 1934–1938.
43 Frank H. Brumby NH 56267 Vice Admiral Frank Hardeman Brumby, USN.jpg 20 May 1933 14 Jun 1934  1 (1874–1950) [17] Promoted to admiral, 15 Jun 1934.
44 Harris Laning Admiral Harris Laning.png 26 May 1933 31 Mar 1935  2 (1873–1941) [14] Promoted to admiral, 1 Apr 1935. President, Naval War College, 1930–1933; Governor, U.S. Naval Home, 1937–1941.
45 Joseph M. Reeves NH 47100 Admiral Joseph M. Reeves, USN.jpg 10 Jun 1933 
23 Feb 1942 
30 Jun 1933 
15 Jun 1942 
0 (1872–1948) [21]
Naval aviation observer. Promoted to admiral, 1 Jul 1933.
46 Walton R. Sexton Vice Adm. Walton R. Sexton (1).jpg 1 Jul 1933 15 Jun 1934  1 (1876–1943) [15]
47 Edward H. Campbell Rear Adm'l E.H. Campbell, Judge Advocate General, U.S.N., 4-11-25 LCCN2016850271 (cropped).jpg 15 Jun 1934  1 Apr 1935  1 (1872–1946) [15]
48 Thomas T. Craven Thomas Tingey Craven.jpg 15 Jun 1934 
16 Jun 1942 
13 Jul 1935 
10 Nov 1945 
4 (1873–1950) [18]
49 Henry V. Butler NH 773 Captain Henry V. Butler, USN.jpg 1 Apr 1935 
24 Jul 1942 
9 Jun 1936 
31 Oct 1944 
3 (1874–1957) [18]
Naval aviation observer.
50 Arthur J. Hepburn Arthur hepburn adm usn.svg 1 Apr 1935 23 Jun 1936  1 (1877–1964) [17] Promoted to admiral, 24 Jun 1936.
51 William D. Leahy NH 48260 Admiral William D. Leahy, USN (cropped).jpg 13 Jul 1935 29 Mar 1936  1 (1875–1959) Promoted to admiral, 30 Mar 1936; to fleet admiral, 15 Dec 1944. Governor of Puerto Rico, 1939–1940; U.S. Ambassador to France, 1941–1942. Wife's niece married Navy admiral David W. Bagley.
52 Clarence S. Kempff 80-G-1025045 Rear Admiral Clarence S. Kempff.jpg 30 Mar 1936  2 Jan 1937  1 (1874–1959) [20]
53 Frederick J. Horne Frederick J Horne.png 9 Jun 1936 
21 Mar 1942  
29 Jan 1938 
28 Jan 1945  
5 (1880–1959) [22]
Naval aviation observer. Promoted to admiral, 15 Dec 1944.
54 William T. Tarrant William T. Tarrant, USN.jpg 24 Jun 1936 
1 Aug 1942 
13 Jul 1938 
12 Nov 1945 
5 (1878–1972) [23]
55 Edward C. Kalbfus Admiral Edward C. Kalbfus.jpg 2 Jan 1937 28 Jan 1938  1 (1877–1954) [17] Promoted to admiral, 29 Jan 1938. President, Naval War College, 1934–1936; 1939–1942.
56 John W. Greenslade John W. Greenslade.jpg 29 Jan 1938 
30 May 1942  
1 Feb 1944 
20 May 1939 
1 Feb 1944  
24 Apr 1946 
5 (1880–1950) [24]
57 Ernest J. King 80-G-K-13800-A (26222698781).jpg 29 Jan 1938 24 Jun 1939  1 (1878–1956) [25]
Naval aviator. Promoted to admiral, 1 Feb 1941; to fleet admiral, 17 Dec 1944. Awarded Congressional Gold Medal, 1946. Father-in-law of Air Force four-star general Frederic H. Smith Jr.
58 Adolphus Andrews NH 56042 Vice Admiral Adolphus Andrews, USN.jpg 13 Jul 1938 
30 May 1942  
1 Nov 1943 
1 Feb 1941 
1 Nov 1943  
15 May 1945 
6 (1879–1948) [26]
59 Charles P. Snyder NH 45017 Admiral Charles P. Snyder, USN (cropped).jpg 17 Jun 1939  5 Jan 1940  1 (1879–1964) Promoted to admiral, 6 Jan 1940. President, Naval War College, 1937–1939.
60 Charles A. Blakely Vice Admiral Charles A. Blakely, USN (cropped).jpg 24 Jun 1939 13 Jun 1940  1 (1879–1950) [27]
Naval aviation observer.
61 William S. Pye William Satterlee Pye (cropped).jpg 6 Jan 1940 
1 Jul 1944 
20 Sep 1942 
13 Dec 1945 
4 (1880–1959) [27]
62 William F. Halsey Jr. Vice Admiral William F. Halsey.jpg 13 Jun 1940 17 Nov 1942  2 (1882–1959)
Naval aviator. Promoted to admiral, 18 Nov 1942; to fleet admiral, 4 Dec 1945.
63 Wilson Brown Jr. RADM Wilson Brown Jr.jpg 1 Feb 1941 
1 Dec 1944 
1 Jul 1942 
18 Sep 1945 
2 (1881–1957) [27]
64 Robert L. Ghormley Ghormley;g12864.jpg 19 Sep 1941  1 Aug 1946  5 (1883–1958) [28]
* Arthur P. Fairfield 80-G-302293 Rear Admiral Arthur P. Fairfield, USN.jpg 1 Nov 1941 14 Dec 1946  5 (1877–1946) [29] Died in office.
65 Royal E. Ingersoll ADM Royal E. Ingersoll.jpg 1 Jan 1942 30 Jun 1942  0 (1883–1976) Promoted to admiral, 1 Jul 1942.
* Alfred W. Johnson Alfred Wilkinson Johnson.jpg 3 Jan 1942 14 Nov 1945  4 (1876–1963) [29]
66 Samuel M. Robinson Samuel Murray Robinson.PNG 31 Jan 1942 26 Aug 1945  4 (1882–1972) Engineering duty officer. Promoted to admiral, 27 Aug 1945. Administrator, Webb Institute of Naval Architecture, 1946–1951.
67 William A. Glassford Jr. VADM William A. Glassford.jpg 31 Jan 1942 
29 May 1943  
2 Apr 1942 
1 Mar 1947  
4 (1886–1958) [30]
68 Herbert F. Leary Herbert Fairfax Leary.jpg 6 Feb 1942 
20 Sep 1942  
1 Nov 1943  
11 Sep 1942 
1 Apr 1943  
16 Jan 1946  
3 (1885–1957) [30] President, New York Maritime Academy, 1946–1949; President, New York State Maritime College, 1949–1951.
* Harry E. Yarnell Adm Harry Yarnell.svg 23 Feb 1942 15 Jun 1942  0 (1875–1959) [31]
69 William L. Calhoun William Lowndes Calhoun.jpg 27 Feb 1942  1 Dec 1946  5 (1884–1963) [32] Great-grandson of U.S. Vice President John C. Calhoun.
70 Ferdinand L. Reichmuth NH 47104 Rear Admiral Ferdinand L. Reichmuth, USN (cropped).jpg 27 Feb 1942 22 Aug 1942  0 (1881–1978) [33]
71 Jonas H. Ingram Vice Admiral Jonas H. Ingram, USN.jpg 27 Feb 1942 14 Nov 1944  3 (1886–1952) Promoted to admiral, 15 Nov 1944. Commissioner, All-America Football Conference, 1947–1949. Awarded Medal of Honor, 1914.
72 Arthur L. Bristol Jr. Arthur L. Bristol.jpg 27 Feb 1942 20 Apr 1942  0 (1886–1942)
Naval aviator. Died in office.
73 Russell Willson Russell L. Willson.jpg 21 Mar 1942 
1 Jan 1943 
1 Jan 1943 
5 Feb 1946 
4 (1883–1948)
74 Roland M. Brainard Roland M. Brainard.jpg 20 Apr 1942 
1 Nov 1943 
2 May 1943 
22 Aug 1946 
4 (1886–1967) [27]
75 John H. Hoover Vice Admiral John H. Hoover - 19420630 (cropped).jpg 11 Jun 1942 
1 May 1944  
12 Aug 1943 
1 Jul 1948  
5 (1887–1970) [34]
Naval aviator. Retired as admiral, 1 Jul 1948.
76 Frank J. Fletcher Frank Jack Fletcher-g14193.jpg 26 Jun 1942  1 May 1947  5 (1885–1973) Retired as admiral, 1 May 1947. Awarded Medal of Honor, 1914. Nephew of Navy four-star admiral Frank F. Fletcher.
77 Charles S. Freeman Portrait gray.png 27 Jun 1942  1 Dec 1942  0 (1878–1969)
78 Richard S. Edwards Jr. Richard Edwards, Adm USN.svg 20 Aug 1942  2 Apr 1945  3 (1885–1956) Promoted to admiral, 3 Apr 1945.
79 Alexander Sharp Jr. Alexander Sharp Jr., USN.jpg 22 Aug 1942 11 Oct 1944  2 (1885–1975) [27]
80 Arthur S. Carpender Arthur Carpender (colored).jpg 22 Sep 1942 
3 Apr 1945  
30 Nov 1943 
1 Nov 1946  
3 (1884–1959) [34] Retired as admiral, 1 Nov 1946.
81 John H. Towers 80-G-302368 Vice Admiral John H. Towers, USN (cropped).jpg 12 Oct 1942  6 Nov 1945  3 (1885–1955)
Naval aviator. Promoted to admiral, 7 Nov 1945.
82 Henry K. Hewitt S-563 Vice Admiral Henry Kent Hewitt.jpg 26 Nov 1942  2 Apr 1945  2 (1887–1972) Promoted to admiral, 3 Apr 1945.
83 Aubrey W. Fitch Aubrey W. Fitch;h97275.jpg 28 Dec 1942  1 Jul 1947  5 (1883–1948)
Naval aviator. Retired as admiral, 1 Jul 1947.
* Joseph K. Taussig Joseph Taussig.jpg 28 Jan 1943 
16 Jul 1943 
30 Jan 1943 
27 Apr 1947 
4 
  • Senior Member, Naval Clemency and Prison Inspection Board, 1943–1946.
  • Special duty, Office of the Secretary of the Navy, 1946–1947.
(1877–1947) [29]
84 Raymond A. Spruance Ray Spruance (cropped).jpg 29 May 1943 15 Feb 1944  1 (1886–1969) Promoted to admiral, 16 Feb 1944. President, Naval War College, 1946–1948; U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, 1952–1955.
85 Thomas C. Kinkaid VAdm. Thomas C. Kinkaid, USN. LCCN2016650698.jpg 16 Jun 1943  2 Apr 1945  2 (1888–1972) Promoted to admiral, 3 Apr 1945. Brother-in-law of Navy four-star admiral Husband E. Kimmel.
86 Arthur B. Cook Portrait gray.png 22 Jul 1943 15 May 1944  1 (1881–1952)
Naval aviator. Retired 1 Dec 1944.
87 John S. McCain Sr. Vice-Admiral John S McCain.jpg 6 Aug 1943  6 Sep 1945  2 (1884–1945) [35]
Naval aviator. Promoted to admiral, 6 Sep 1945. Father of Navy four-star admiral John S. McCain Jr.; grandfather of U.S. Senator John S. McCain III. Died in office.
88 Patrick N. L. Bellinger Patrick N. L. Bellinger2.jpg 5 Oct 1943  1 Oct 1947  4 (1885–1962)
Naval aviator.
89 Charles A. Lockwood Jr. NH 58424 Vice Admiral Charles A. Lockwood Jr., Portrait (cropped).jpg 5 Oct 1943  1 Sep 1947  4 (1890–1967)
90 John H. Newton NH 82802 Vice Admiral John H. Newton, USN (cropped).jpg 19 Oct 1943 26 Nov 1945  2 (1881–1948)
91 David W. Bagley VADM David Worth Bagley, USN.jpg 1 Feb 1944  1 Apr 1947  3 (1883–1960) [36] Retired as admiral, 1 Apr 1947. Father of Navy four-star admiral David H. Bagley and Navy four-star admiral Worth H. Bagley; grandson of North Carolina Governor Jonathan Worth; aunt married U.S. Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels; wife's aunt married Navy admiral William D. Leahy.
92 Randall Jacobs 80-G-K-16220 Rear Admiral Randall Jacobs, USN (cropped).jpg 1 Feb 1944 
1 Nov 1946 
15 Sep 1945 
1 Nov 1952 
8 (1885–1967) [27]
93 Ross T. McIntire Ross T. McIntire portrait cropped.jpg 1 Feb 1944  3 Mar 1947  3 (1889–1959) Medical Corps.
94 Ben Moreell Vice Adm. Ben Moreell.jpg 1 Feb 1944 10 Jun 1946  2 (1892–1978) Civil Engineer Corps. Promoted to admiral, 11 Jun 1946.
95 Richmond K. Turner Richmond K. Turner.jpg 7 Mar 1944 23 May 1945  1 (1885–1961)
Naval aviator. Promoted to admiral, 24 May 1945.
96 Willis A. Lee Jr. Willis A. Lee;h95009.jpg 21 Mar 1944 25 Aug 1945  1 (1888–1945) Died in office.
97 Marc A. Mitscher Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher during World War II (80-G-424169).jpg 21 Mar 1944 28 Feb 1946  2 (1887–1947)
Naval aviator. Promoted to admiral, 1 Mar 1946.
98 Robert C. Giffen RobertGiffen.jpg 15 May 1944  3 Dec 1945  2 (1886–1962) [37]
* Emory S. Land Admiral Emory S. Land, 1936.jpg 1 Jul 1944 15 Jan 1946  2 (1879–1971) [38] Construction Corps.
99 Theodore S. Wilkinson Theodore Wilkinson 1944 small.jpg 12 Aug 1944 21 Feb 1946  2 (1888–1946) Died in office. Awarded Medal of Honor, 1914.
100 Alan G. Kirk Alan g kirk.jpg 10 Sep 1944  1 Mar 1946  1 (1888–1963) Retired as admiral, 1 Mar 1946. Director of Naval Intelligence, 1941; U.S. Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg, 1946–1947; to Soviet Union, 1949–1952; to China, 1962–1963.
101 Charles M. Cooke Jr. Charles-Cooke-g302333.jpg 28 Sep 1944  7 Jan 1946  1 (1886–1970) Promoted to admiral, 8 Jan 1946.
102 Howard L. Vickery Vice Admiral Howard L. Vickery.jpg 30 Oct 1944 
1 Oct 1945 
1 Oct 1945 
1 Jan 1946 
1 (1892–1946) Engineering duty officer (ship or hull construction).
103 William R. Munroe 80-G-49323 William R. Munroe (cropped).jpg 11 Nov 1944  1 May 1947  2 (1886–1966)
104 Charles H. McMorris Charles Horatio McMorris.jpg 27 Nov 1944 30 Jun 1948  4 (1890–1954) [27]
105 George D. Murray VADM George D. Murray.jpg 29 Nov 1944  1 Aug 1951  7 (1889–1956)
Naval aviator. Retired as admiral, 1 Aug 1951.
106 Jesse B. Oldendorf Jesse Oldendorf.jpg 7 Dec 1944  1 Sep 1948  4 (1887–1974) Retired as admiral, 1 Sep 1948.
107 Daniel E. Barbey Vice Admiral Daniel E. Barbey, US Navy, on 23 July 1945.jpg 9 Dec 1944 30 Jun 1948  4 (1889–1969) [27]
108 Sherwoode A. Taffinder NH 77048 Captain Sherwoode A. Taffinder (cropped).jpg 23 Dec 1944 18 Apr 1946  1 (1884–1965)
* Olaf M. Hustvedt Olaf M. Hustvedt.jpg 1 Mar 1945  3 Jun 1946  1 (1886–1978) [29]
109 William W. Smith NH 44989 Rear Admiral William Ward Smith, USN (cropped).jpg 6 Mar 1945  1 Oct 1946  2 (1888–1966)
110 Walter S. Anderson Walter S. Anderson.jpg 3 Apr 1945  1 Mar 1946  1 (1881–1981)
111 William S. Farber Portrait gray.png 3 Apr 1945  1 Dec 1946  2 (1885–1963)
112 James L. Kauffman 80-G-702816 Vice Admiral James L. Kauffman, USN (cropped).jpg 3 Apr 1945 20 Jun 1946  1 (1887–1963) [27]
113 Edward L. Cochrane Edward L. Cochrane.jpg 3 Apr 1945  1 Oct 1947  2 (1892–1959) Engineering duty officer (ship or hull construction)
114 Harry W. Hill Harry W. Hill.jpg 22 Apr 1945 
21 Oct 1952 
1 May 1952 
21 May 1954 
9 (1890–1971) [39] Retired as admiral, 1 May 1952.
115 Frederick C. Sherman VAdm Frederick C. Sherman.jpg 13 Jul 1945  1 Mar 1947  2 (1880–1957)
Naval aviator. Retired as admiral, 1 Mar 1947.
116 Louis E. Denfeld 80-G-704657 (26290116655).jpg 1 Sep 1945 31 Jan 1947  1 (1891–1972) [40] Promoted to admiral, 7 Jan 1946. Candidate for Republican Party nomination for Governor of Massachusetts, 1950.
117 DeWitt C. Ramsey CINCPAC ADM Ramsey.jpg 26 Nov 1945 27 Dec 1945  0 (1888–1961)
Naval aviator. Promoted to admiral, 28 Dec 1945.
118 Howard F. Kingman Captain Howard F. Kingman.png 10 Dec 1945 30 Nov 1946  1 (1890–1968) [27]
119 Alfred E. Montgomery Rear Adm. Alfred E. Montgomery.jpg 10 Dec 1945 14 Aug 1947  2 (1891–1972) [27]
Naval aviator.
120 John L. Hall Jr. 80-G-302404 Rear Admiral John L. Hall Jr., USN (cropped).jpg 10 Dec 1945  1 May 1953  7 (1891–1978) Retired as admiral, May 1953.
121 Thomas L. Gatch Portrait gray.png 10 Dec 1945  1 Sep 1947  2 (1891–1954)
122 Richard L. Conolly VADM Richard L. Conolly (cropped).jpg 11 Dec 1945 
1 Dec 1950  
22 Sep 1946 
1 Nov 1953  
4 (1892–1962) [41] Promoted to admiral, 23 Sep 1946. President, Long Island University, 1953–1962.
123 William H. P. Blandy Vice Adm. William H. P. Blandy (cropped).jpg 11 Dec 1945  2 Feb 1947  1 (1890–1954) Promoted to admiral, 3 Feb 1947.
124 Bernhard H. Bieri 80-G-701987 Rear Admiral Bernhard H. Bieri, USN.jpg 11 Dec 1945 
1 Mar 1949  
15 Apr 1948 
1 Jun 1951  
5 (1889–1971) [30]
125 George F. Hussey Jr. George F. Hussey, Jr..jpg 11 Dec 1945  4 Sep 1947  2 (1894–1983)
126 Oscar C. Badger II 80-G-704899 Rear Admiral Oscar C. Badger, USN (cropped).jpg 13 Dec 1945 
24 Feb 1948  
7 Aug 1947 
1 Jul 1952  
6 (1890–1958) [34] Retired as admiral, 1 Jul 1952. Awarded Medal of Honor, 1914. Cousin of U.S. Secretary of the Navy George E. Badger.
127 Lynde D. McCormick VADM Lynde D. McCormick (cropped).jpg 19 Dec 1945 
3 Apr 1950  
3 May 1954  
13 Nov 1948 
21 Dec 1950  
16 Aug 1956  
6 (1895–1956) [42] Promoted to admiral, 22 Dec 1950. Died in office.
128 Arthur W. Radford Admiral Arthur W. Radford 80-G-438923.jpg 28 Dec 1945 29 Apr 1949  3 (1896–1973)
Naval aviator. Promoted to admiral, 30 Apr 1949. Married aunt of Army four-star general Michael S. Davison.
129 Forrest P. Sherman 80-G-421847 (25762458604).jpg 28 Dec 1945  1 Nov 1949  4 (1896–1951)
Naval aviator. Promoted to admiral, 2 Nov 1949.
130 Robert M. Griffin Portrait gray.png 10 Jan 1946  9 Jul 1948  3 (1889–1976) [27]
Naval aviation observer.
131 Walter S. DeLany Walter S. DeLany 22 January 1944.PNG 10 Jan 1946 
30 Jun 1952  
1 Jul 1948 
1 Feb 1953  
3 (1891–1980) [30]
132 William M. Fechteler William Fechteler.jpg 24 Jan 1946 31 Jan 1950  4 (1896–1967) Promoted to admiral, 1 Feb 1950.
133 Gerald F. Bogan Vice Admiral Gerald F. Bogan.jpg 1 Feb 1946  1 Feb 1950  4 (1894–1973) [27]
Naval aviator.
134 Earle W. Mills Vice Adm. Earle W. Mills (cropped).jpg 6 Feb 1946  1 Mar 1949  3 (1896–1968) Engineering duty officer.
135 Robert B. Carney Robert Bostwick Carney.jpg 15 Jun 1946 31 Oct 1950  4 (1895–1990) Promoted to admiral, 1 Nov 1950. Aunt married Navy four-star admiral Frank B. Upham.
136 Harold G. Bowen Sr. VADM Harold G. Bowen Sr.jpg 10 Jul 1946  1 Jun 1947  1 (1883–1965) Engineering duty officer.
137 William J. Carter Jr. Portrait gray.png 22 Aug 1946  1 Oct 1946  0 (1893–1971) Supply Corps.
138 John D. Price Vice Adm. John D. Price (cropped).jpg 1 Sep 1946  1 Jun 1954  8 (1892–1957)
Naval aviator. Retired as admiral, 1 Jun 1954.
139 John L. McCrea John McCrea (9069564716).jpg 16 Sep 1946 29 Feb 1952  5 (1891–1990) [27]
140 Donald B. Duncan Donald B Duncan.jpg 31 Jan 1947  9 Aug 1951  5 (1896–1975)
Naval aviator. Promoted to admiral, 10 Aug 1951. Governor, U.S. Naval Home, 1957–1962. Brother-in-law of U.S. Secretary of Commerce Harry L. Hopkins.
141 Francis S. Low Francis Stuart Low2.jpg 12 Mar 1947  1 Jul 1956  9 (1894–1964) Retired as admiral, 1 Jul 1956.
142 Harold B. Sallada L38-77.07.01 Rear Admiral Harold B. Sallada.jpg 11 May 1947  1 Oct 1949  2 (1895–1977)
Naval aviator. Retired as admiral, 1 Oct 1949.
143 Arthur C. Miles Portrait gray.png 26 Jan 1948  4 Oct 1949  2 (1893–1972) [27] Aeronautical engineering duty officer.
144 Arthur D. Struble Arthur Dewey Struble.jpg 14 Apr 1948  1 Jul 1956  8 (1894–1983) Retired as admiral, 1 Jul 1956.
145 Russell S. Berkey Vice Adm. Russel S. Berkey (cropped).jpg 9 Jul 1948  1 Sep 1950  2 (1893–1984) Retired as admiral, 1 Sep 1950.
146 Donald B. Beary VADM Donald Beary.jpg 1 Nov 1948  1 Oct 1950  2 (1888–1966)
147 Felix B. Stump CINCPAC ADM Stump.jpg 3 Dec 1948  9 Jul 1953  5 (1894–1972)
Naval aviator. Promoted to admiral, 10 Jul 1953.
148 John W. Reeves Jr. 38-MCN-438 Rear Admiral John W. Reeves, Jr.jpg 1 Apr 1949  1 May 1950  1 (1888–1967)
Naval aviator. Retired as admiral, 1 May 1950. General Manager, Los Angeles International Airport, 1950–1952.
149 Calvin T. Durgin Calvin T. Durgin on USS Makin Island (CVE-93), 1944-45.pg.jpg 16 May 1949 22 Jan 1951  2 (1893–1965) [27]
Naval aviator.
150 C. Turner Joy Vice Admiral C. Turner Joy, USNA Superintendent (uncovered).jpg 26 Aug 1949  1 Jul 1954  5 (1895–1956) Retired as admiral, 1 Jul 1954.
151 Thomas L. Sprague Thomas L. Sprague (cropped).jpg 1 Oct 1949  1 Apr 1952  3 (1894–1972)
Naval aviator. Retired as admiral, 1 Apr 1952.
152 E. Dorsey Foster Vice Admiral Edwin Dorsey Foster (cropped).jpg 4 Oct 1949 31 Dec 1950  1 (1896–1979) Supply Corps.
153 John J. Ballentine Vice Adm. John J. Ballentine.jpg 14 Nov 1949  1 May 1954  4 (1896–1970)
Naval aviator. Retired as admiral, 1 May 1954.
154 John H. Cassady John H Cassady.PNG 16 Jan 1950 18 Mar 1954  4 (1896–1969)
Naval aviator. Promoted to admiral, 19 Mar 1954.
155 John W. Roper Portrait gray.png 26 Jan 1950 30 Mar 1951  1 (1898–1963) [27] Son of U.S. Secretary of Commerce Daniel C. Roper.
156 Matthias B. Gardner NH 81907 Vice Admiral Matthias B. Gardner, USN (cropped).jpg 28 Sep 1950  1 Aug 1956  6 (1897–1975)
Naval aviator. Retired as admiral, 1 Aug 1956.
157 Jerauld Wright 80-G-K-20072 Admiral Jerauld Wright, USN.jpg 7 Nov 1950 11 Apr 1954  3 (1898–1995) Promoted to admiral, 12 Apr 1954. U.S. Ambassador to China, 1963–1965.
158 Albert G. Noble 80-G-428026 Vice Admiral Albert G. Noble.jpg 29 Dec 1950  1 Oct 1951  1 (1885–1980) Retired as admiral, 1 Oct 1951.
159 Arthur C. Davis Vice Adm. Arthur C. Davis, USN (cropped).jpg 12 Feb 1951 
1 Apr 1955 
1 Apr 1955 
1 Oct 1955 
5 (1893–1965) [43]
Naval aviator. Retired as admiral, 1 Apr 1955.
160 Ingolf N. Kiland Portrait gray.png 12 Feb 1951 26 Jan 1953  2 (1895–1992) [27]
161 Robert P. Briscoe Admiral Robert Briscoe from 2000 USS Briscoe Cruisebook.jpg 12 Feb 1951  1 Jul 1956  5 (1897–1968) Promoted to admiral, 2 Jul 1956.
162 Harold M. Martin NH 97358 Vice Admiral Harold M. Martin, USN.jpg 15 Feb 1951  1 Feb 1956  5 (1896–1972)
Naval aviator. Retired as admiral, 1 Feb 1956.
163 Laurance T. DuBose 80-G-433301 Laurance T. DuBose (cropped).jpg 30 Mar 1951  1 Jun 1955  4 (1893–1967) Retired as admiral, 1 Jun 1955.
164 William M. Callaghan Vice Adm. William M. Callaghan.jpg 11 Apr 1951  1 Mar 1957  6 (1897–1991)
165 James Fife Jr. James Fife Jr.jpg 10 Aug 1951  1 Aug 1955  4 (1897–1975) Retired as admiral, 1 Aug 1955. Director, Mystic Seaport, 1956–1975.
166 Charles W. Fox Vice Adm. Charles W. Fox (uncovered) (cropped).jpg 10 Oct 1951  1 Aug 1953  2 (1894–1975) Supply Corps.
167 Frank G. Fahrion Admiral Frank G Fahrion.jpg 5 Jan 1952  1 May 1956  4 (1894–1970) Retired as admiral, 1 May 1956.
168 Joseph J. Clark KN-23312 Vice Admiral Joseph J. Clark, USN (cropped).jpg 20 May 1952  1 Dec 1953  2 (1893–1971)
Naval aviator. Retired as admiral, Dec 1953.
169 Ralph A. Ofstie Vice Adm. Ralph A. Ofstie (1) (cropped).jpg 16 Jun 1952 18 Nov 1956  4 (1897–1956)
Naval aviator. Died in office.
170 Francis C. Denebrink Vice Admiral Francis C. Denebrink, USN.jpg 20 Dec 1952  1 Jul 1956  4 (1896–1987)
171 James L. Holloway Jr. Admiral James L Holloway Jr.PNG 2 Feb 1953 31 Dec 1957  5 (1898–1984) Promoted to admiral, 1 Jan 1958. Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, 1947–1950; Governor, U.S. Naval Home, 1962–1966. Father of Navy four-star admiral James L. Holloway III.
172 Roscoe F. Good 80-G-625675 Vice Admiral Roscoe Fletcher Good, USN (cropped).jpg 27 Mar 1953  1 Mar 1958  5 (1897–1974) Retired as admiral, 1 Mar 1958.
173 Thomas S. Combs 80-G-1015391 Thomas Selby Combs.jpg 30 Jun 1953  1 Apr 1960  7 (1898–1964)
Naval aviator.
174 John E. Gingrich Adm. John E. Gingrich.jpg 1 Aug 1953  1 Oct 1954  1 (1897–1960) Retired as admiral, 1 Oct 1954.
175 William K. Phillips Rear Admiral William K. Phillips, USN.jpg 1 Oct 1953  1 Aug 1955  2 (1894–1986) Retired as admiral, 1 Aug 1955.
176 Alfred M. Pride Alfred M. Pride.jpeg 1 Dec 1953  1 Oct 1959  6 (1897–1988)
Naval aviator. Retired as admiral, 1 Oct 1959.
177 Thomas G. W. Settle NH 50226 Lieutenant Thomas G. W. Settle, USN (cropped).jpg 8 Mar 1954 
12 Feb 1962 
26 Aug 1963 
6 Jul 1956 
1 Jul 1963 
10 Oct 1963 
4 (1895–1980) [27]
178 Edmund T. Wooldridge NH 95738 Vice Admiral Edmund T. Wooldridge, USN.jpg 1 Apr 1954  1 Aug 1958  4 (1897–1968) [44] Retired as admiral, 1 Aug 1958.
179 Frederick G. McMahon Portrait gray.png 1 May 1954  1 Jan 1959  5 (1898–1986)
Naval aviator.
180 Austin K. Doyle Austin K. Doyle.jpg 1 Jun 1954  1 Aug 1958  4 (1898–1970)
Naval aviator. Retired as admiral, 1 Aug 1958.
181 Murrey L. Royar Vice Adm. Murrey L. Royar.jpg 2 Oct 1954  1 Feb 1956  1 (1894–1985) Supply Corps.
182 Charles Wellborn Jr. Vice Adm. Charles Wellborn Jr. (2).jpg 21 Jun 1955  1 Feb 1963  8 (1901–1988)
183 Maurice E. Curts Vice Adm. Maurice E. Curts (cropped).jpg 24 Jun 1955 
1 Feb 1958  
28 Apr 1957 
1 Apr 1960  
4 (1898–1976) [45] Promoted to admiral, 29 Apr 1957.
184 Herbert G. Hopwood Herbert G. Hopwood.JPG 1 Aug 1955 31 Jan 1958  3 (1898–1966) Promoted to admiral, 1 Feb 1958.
185 George L. Russell George Lucius Russell (cropped).jpg 23 Nov 1955 15 Aug 1957  2 (1900–1978)
186 Stuart H. Ingersoll 80-G-1029988 Vice Admiral Stuart Howe Ingersoll, USN (cropped).jpg 19 Dec 1955 
25 Jul 1960 
1 Jul 1960 
1 May 1961 
5 (1898–1983)
Naval aviator.
187 Stuart S. Murray Stuart S. Murray.jpg 7 Dec 1955  1 Aug 1956  1 (1898–1980) Retired as admiral, 1 Aug 1956. Nephew of Oklahoma Governor William H. Murray.
189 Cato D. Glover Jr. Admiral Cato D. Glover.jpg 17 Jan 1956  1 Sep 1957  2 (1897–1988)
Naval aviator. Retired as admiral, 1 Sep 1957.
190 Charles R. Brown Charles R Brown.PNG 24 Jan 1956 31 Dec 1958  3 (1899–1983)
Naval aviator. Promoted to admiral, 1 Jan 1959.
191 Edward W. Clexton Edward W. Clexton.jpg 1 Feb 1956  1 Jul 1960  4 (1900–1966) Aeronautical engineering duty officer.
192 James H. Thach Jr. Portrait gray.png 6 Feb 1956 23 Oct 1956  1 (1900–1962)
193 Bernard L. Austin VADM Bernard L. Austin.jpg 15 Mar 1956 
1 Aug 1964 
1 Aug 1964 
17 Oct 1967 
12 (1902–1979)
194 Harry D. Felt CINCPAC ADM Felt.jpg 12 Apr 1956 31 Aug 1956  0 (1902–1992)
Naval aviator. Promoted to admiral, 1 Sep 1956.
195 Ruthven E. Libby Ruthven E. Libby.jpg 1 May 1956  1 May 1960  4 (1900–1986)
196 Lorenzo S. Sabin Jr. Lorenzo S. Sabin Jr.jpg 1 May 1956  1 Mar 1961  5 (1899–1988)
197 William L. Rees Portrait gray.png 29 May 1956  1 Oct 1960  4 (1900–1989)
Naval aviator.
198 Robert L. Dennison Vice Adm. Robert L. Dennison.jpg 18 Jun 1956 30 Mar 1959  3 (1901–1980)
Naval aviator. Promoted to admiral, 31 Mar 1959.
199 John M. Will 80-G-692034 Vice Admiral John M. Will, U.S. Navy.jpg 2 Jul 1956  1 Jul 1959  3 (1899–1981) Retired as admiral, 1 Jul 1959.
200 Carl F. Espe Vice Adm. Carl F. Espe (cropped).jpg 6 Jul 1956 11 Apr 1958  2 (1900–1988) [27]
201 Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter (1957).jpg 1 Aug 1956  1 May 1957  1 (1897–1982) Director of Central Intelligence, 1947–1950.
202 William V. Davis Jr. 80-G-691393 Vice Admiral William V. Davis, Jr., U.S. Navy (cropped).jpg 1 Aug 1956  1 Apr 1960  4 (1902–1981)
Naval aviator.
203 Robert Goldthwaite Robert Goldthwaite (cropped).jpg 5 Aug 1956 20 Jun 1963  7 (1903–1979) [27]
Naval aviator.
204 Harold Page Smith Harold Page Smith.jpg 24 Oct 1956 17 Feb 1960  3 (1904–1993) Promoted to admiral, 18 Feb 1960. Uncle of Navy four-star admiral Leighton W. Smith Jr.
205 Wallace M. Beakley UA 56.03 Vice Admiral Wallace M. Beakley Collection.jpg 28 Jan 1957  3 Aug 1963  7 (1903–1975) [27]
Naval aviator.
206 George W. Anderson Jr. USN 1143709 ADM George W. Anderson, Jr. (25898922113).jpg 1 May 1957 
14 Sep 1959  
18 Jan 1958 
31 Jul 1961  
3 (1906–1992) [46]
Naval aviator. Promoted to admiral, 1 Aug 1961. U.S. Ambassador to Portugal, 1963–1966.
207 Robert B. Pirie NH 95737 Vice Admiral Robert B. Pirie, USN.jpg 3 Jul 1957  1 Nov 1962  5 (1905–1990)
Naval aviator.
208 Frank T. Watkins Frank T. Watkins.jpg 1 Aug 1957 27 Aug 1958  1 (1898–1980) [27]
209 John H. Sides 80-G-1028077 Vice Admiral John H. Sides (cropped).jpg 1 Aug 1957 30 Aug 1960  3 (1904–1978) Promoted to admiral, 31 Aug 1960.
210 James S. Russell ADM James S. Russell.jpg 14 Aug 1957 20 Jul 1958  1 (1903–1996)
Naval aviator. Promoted to admiral, 21 Jul 1958.
211 Byron H. Hanlon Byron H. Hanlon.jpg 4 Nov 1957  1 Oct 1958  1 (1899–1977) Retired as admiral, 1 Oct 1958.
212 Ralph E. Wilson Portrait gray.png 20 Dec 1957  1 Jul 1960  3 (1902–1990)
213 Herbert D. Riley VADM Herbert D. Riley (1904-1973).jpg 10 Feb 1958  1 Apr 1964  6 (1904–1973)
Naval aviator.
214 John Sylvester Vice Admiral John Sylvester (cropped 2).jpg 11 Apr 1958  1 Sep 1964  6 (1904–1990)
215 Roland N. Smoot 80-G-433302 Roland N. Smoot.jpg 31 Jul 1958  1 Jun 1962  4 (1901–1984)
216 William G. Cooper Portrait gray.png 1 Aug 1958  1 Feb 1960  2 (1903–1971)
217 Clarence E. Ekstrom Vice Adm. Clarence Ekstrom (cropped).jpg 30 Sep 1958  1 Dec 1962  4 (1902–1986)
Naval aviator.
218 Frederick N. Kivette Rear Adm. Frederick N. Kivette.jpg 30 Sep 1958  1 Oct 1961  3 (1902–1975)
Naval aviator.
219 George C. Towner Vice Adm. George C. Towner.jpg 1 Oct 1958 10 Dec 1960  2 (1901–1999) [27]
220 Hyman G. Rickover Hyman Rickover 1955.jpg 23 Oct 1958 
1 Feb 1964 
1 Feb 1964 
15 Nov 1973 
15 (1900–1986) [47] Engineering duty officer. Promoted to admiral, 16 Nov 1973. Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom, 1980; Congressional Gold Medal, 1958 and 1982.
221 William R. Smedberg III Vice Adm. William R. Smedburg III.jpg 21 Mar 1959  1 Apr 1964  5 (1902–1994)
222 John T. Hayward Vice Adm. John T. Hayward.jpg 25 Apr 1959 
13 Jun 1963  
9 Mar 1962 
1 Sep 1968  
8 (1908–1999) [30]
Naval aviator.
223 Roy A. Gano Admiral Roy Alexander Gano (cropped).jpg 30 Jun 1959  1 Jul 1964  5 (1902–1971)
* Burton B. Biggs RADM Burton B. Biggs.jpg 6 Aug 1959 
11 Aug 1963 
1 Aug 1963 
1 Jan 1964 
4 (1898–1967) [29]

Timeline

An officer held the active-duty grade of vice admiral (Vice Adm.) in the U.S. Navy until his death; retirement; resignation; reversion to lower permanent grade upon vacating a position carrying the ex officio rank; or promotion to a higher grade such as admiral (Adm.) or fleet admiral (Fleet Adm.). An officer on the retired list could also be recalled to active duty in the grade of vice admiral (Vice Adm. (ret.)) or admiral (Adm. (ret.)).

Between World War I and World War II, there were three ex officio vice admiral positions. One commanded the battleships of the United States Fleet (BATSHIPS), and a second commanded the Scouting Force (SCOFOR). The third position was successively allocated to command the naval forces in Europe (NAVEUR), the cruisers of the Scouting Force (CRUSCOFOR), and the aircraft carriers of the Battle Force (AIRBATFOR).

Stephen C. RowanDavid Dixon PorterDavid G. FarragutList of United States Navy vice admirals on active duty before 1960
Albert GleavesWilliam F. Halsey Jr.Charles Adams BlakelyErnest J. KingFrederick J. HorneHenry V. ButlerHarris LaningWilliam H. StandleyGeorge R. MarvellJohn H. DaytonGuy H. BurrageRoger WellesPhilip Andrews (admiral)Andrew T. LongEdwin A. AndersonAlbert P. NiblackHarry M. P. HuseHarry Shepard KnappWilliam Ledyard RodgersWilliam S. SimsWilson Brown (admiral)Adolphus AndrewsWilliam T. TarrantArthur J. HepburnEdward H. CampbellFrank H. BrumbyFrank Hodges ClarkArthur L. WillardWilliam Carey ColeMontgomery M. TaylorAshley H. RobertsonJosiah S. McKeanNewton A. McCullyJohn D. McDonaldHilary P. JonesAlbert W. GrantWilliam S. PyeCharles P. Snyder (admiral)John W. GreensladeEdward C. KalbfusClarence S. KempffWilliam D. LeahyThomas T. CravenWalton R. SextonJoseph M. ReevesDavid F. SellersJoel R. P. PringleLuke McNameeRichard H. LeighLucius A. BostwickLouis M. NultonWilliam V. PrattLouis R. de SteiguerRichard H. JacksonHenry A. WileyWilliam R. ShoemakerClarence S. WilliamsHenry B. Wilson Jr.DeWitt CoffmanHenry T. MayoList of United States Navy vice admirals on active duty before 1960
Burton Beecher BiggsRoy A. GanoJohn T. HaywardWilliam R. Smedberg IIIHyman G. RickoverGeorge Crosby TownerFrederick N. KivetteClarence EkstromWilliam Goodwin CooperRoland N. SmootJohn SylvesterHerbert D. RileyRalph Ensign WilsonByron N. HanlonJames S. RussellJohn H. SidesFrank Thomas WatkinsRobert B. PirieGeorge W. Anderson Jr.Wallace M. BeakleyHarold Page SmithRobert GoldthwaiteWilliam Virginius Davis, Jr.Roscoe H. HillenkoetterCarl F. EspeJohn Mylin WillRobert L. DennisonWilliam Lehigh ReesLorenzo Sherwood Sabin, Jr.Ruthven E. LibbyHarry D. FeltBernard Lige AustinJames Harmon Thach, Jr.Edward W. ClextonCharles R. BrownCato D. Glover, Jr.Stuart S. MurrayStuart H. IngersollGeorge Lucius RussellHerbert G. HopwoodMaurice E. CurtsCharles Wellborn, Jr.Murrey L. RoyarAustin K. DoyleFrederick G. McMahonEdmund T. WooldridgeThomas G. W. SettleAlfred M. PrideWilliam K. PhillipsJohn E. GingrichThomas S. CombsRoscoe F. GoodJames L. Holloway Jr.Francis C. DenebrinkRalph A. OfstieJoseph J. ClarkFrank G. FahrionCharles W. FoxJames Fife, Jr.William M. CallaghanLaurence T. DuBoseHarold M. MartinRobert P. BriscoeIngolf N. KilandArthur Cayley DavisAlbert G. NobleJerauld WrightMatthias B. GardnerJohn Wesley RoperJohn H. CassadyJohn J. BallentineEdwin Dorsey FosterThomas L. SpragueC. Turner JoyCalvin Thornton DurginJohn W. Reeves, Jr.Felix StumpDonald Bradford BearyRussell S. BerkeyArthur Dewey StrubleArthur Clark MilesHarold B. SalladaFrancis S. LowDonald B. DuncanJohn L. McCreaJohn Dale PriceWilliam Joseph Carter, Jr.Harold Gardiner Bowen, Sr.Robert B. CarneyEarle W. MillsGerald F. BoganWilliam FechtelerWalter Stanley DeLanyRobert Melville GriffinForrest ShermanArthur W. RadfordLynde D. McCormickOscar C. Badger IIGeorge F. Hussey, Jr.Bernhard H. BieriWilliam H. P. BlandyRichard L. ConollyThomas Leigh GatchJohn Lesslie Hall, Jr.Alfred E. MontgomeryHoward F. KingmanDeWitt C. RamseyLouis E. DenfeldFrederick C. ShermanHarry W. Hill (admiral)Edward L. CochraneJames L. KauffmanWilliam S. FarberWalter S. AndersonWilliam W. SmithOlaf M. HustvedtSherwoode A. TaffinderDaniel E. BarbeyJesse B. OldendorfGeorge D. MurrayCharles H. McMorrisWilliam R. MunroeHoward L. VickeryCharles M. Cooke Jr.Alan Goodrich KirkTheodore S. WilkinsonEmory S. LandRobert C. GiffenMarc MitscherWillis A. LeeRichmond K. TurnerBen MoreellRoss T. McIntireRandall JacobsDavid W. BagleyJohn H. NewtonCharles A. LockwoodPatrick N. L. BellingerJohn S. McCain, Sr.Arthur B. CookThomas C. KinkaidRaymond A. SpruanceJoseph TaussigAubrey W. FitchHenry K. HewittJohn H. TowersArthur S. CarpenderAlexander SharpRichard S. EdwardsCharles S. FreemanFrank J. FletcherJohn H. HooverRoland M. BrainardRussell WillsonArthur L. Bristol Jr.Jonas H. IngramFerdinand L. ReichmuthWilliam L. Calhoun (admiral)Harry E. YarnellHerbert F. LearyWilliam A. GlassfordSamuel M. RobinsonAlfred Wilkinson JohnsonRoyal E. IngersollArthur P. FairfieldRobert L. GhormleyList of United States Navy vice admirals on active duty before 1960

History

Civil War

Stephen C. Rowan Stephen C Rowan.jpg
Stephen C. Rowan

The grade of vice admiral in the United States Navy was created by Congress in December 1864 to honor David G. Farragut for his victory at the Battle of Mobile Bay during the American Civil War. The promotion made Farragut the senior officer in the Navy but did not give him command of all naval forces, unlike the corresponding grade of lieutenant general that had been revived for Ulysses S. Grant earlier that year. [48] After the war, Farragut was promoted to admiral and his vacated vice admiralcy was filled by David D. Porter. When Farragut died in 1870, Porter succeeded him as admiral and Stephen C. Rowan became vice admiral. Three years later, Congress stopped further promotions to admiral or vice admiral, and the vice admiral grade expired with Rowan in 1890. [1]

After the Spanish–American War, Congress tried to revive the grade to reward William T. Sampson and Winfield S. Schley for winning the Battle of Santiago de Cuba, but the officers feuded bitterly over credit for the victory and their partisans in the Senate could not agree on who would be the senior vice admiral, so neither was promoted. [49] [50] Even after Sampson died in 1902, his admirers continued to prevent Schley from being promoted, while Schley's friends blocked all moves to elevate any other officer over him during his lifetime, such as an attempt to promote Robley D. Evans to vice admiral on the retired list in 1909. No new vice admirals were created until after Schley's death in 1911. [51] [52]

World War I

Henry T. Mayo Henry Thomas Mayo.JPG
Henry T. Mayo

In 1915, Congress authorized the President to designate the commanders in chief of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Asiatic Fleets to hold the rank of admiral, and their seconds in command the rank of vice admiral. The chief of naval operations (CNO) received the rank of admiral the following year. [53] Because Porter and Rowan had been promoted permanently to vice admiral and then never gone to sea again, Congress made these new ranks strictly ex officio. Upon relinquishing command, an officer lost his designation as admiral or vice admiral and reverted to his permanent grade of rear admiral. [54] The three fleet commanders were immediately made admirals to match the rank of their foreign counterparts, but only the second in command of the Atlantic Fleet, Henry T. Mayo, was designated a vice admiral, since the Pacific and Asiatic Fleets were too small to employ their vice admirals. [55]

Albert Gleaves Albert Gleaves LCCN2014704998 (cropped).jpg
Albert Gleaves

When the United States entered World War I, Congress generalized the law to let the President designate up to six commanders of any fleet or subdivision of a fleet to hold ranks higher than rear admiral, of which up to three could be admirals and the rest vice admirals. This allowed William S. Sims to be designated vice admiral as commander of U.S. Naval Forces in European Waters. The other two vice admiral designations went to the Atlantic Fleet's two battleship force commanders. [56] When the Asiatic Fleet's commander in chief retired in December 1918, his four-star designation was transferred to Sims, whose vacated vice admiralcy went to Albert Gleaves, commander of the Atlantic Fleet's cruiser and transport force. [57] By the end of 1918, all three seagoing admirals and all three vice admirals were assigned to the Atlantic and European theaters, including the four-star commander in chief of the Pacific Fleet, who had taken a force to patrol the South Atlantic Ocean. [58]

William L. Rodgers William Ledyard Rodgers.jpg
William L. Rodgers

With the end of hostilities in Europe, the six designations for admirals and vice admirals were redistributed in 1919. The commanders in chief of the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets remained admirals. About half of the major ships in the Atlantic Fleet transferred to the Pacific Fleet, which was now large enough to employ a vice admiral to command its battleship force. A second vice admiral commanded the battleship force of the Atlantic Fleet, and a third vice admiral, Gleaves, commanded its cruiser and transport force. The sixth designation returned to the Asiatic Fleet when Sims left his European command, but its commander in chief, William L. Rodgers, was promoted only to vice admiral since Gleaves was already slated to be its admiral, so for a few months there were four vice admirals and only three admirals, including the CNO. [59]

In September 1919, Gleaves was appointed commander in chief of the Asiatic Fleet with the rank of admiral. Rodgers remained vice admiral in command of Division 1 of the Asiatic Fleet until January 1920, so for the first and only time, the Pacific, Atlantic, and Asiatic Fleets each had an admiral and vice admiral, as originally envisioned in 1915. [60]

Interwar

In 1922 the three fleets were combined into a single United States Fleet with three admirals and three vice admirals. One admiral served as commander in chief of the United States Fleet (CINCUS), a second admiral as commander in chief of the Asiatic Fleet, and the third admiral as commander in chief of the former Pacific Fleet, now the Battle Fleet. A vice admiral commanded the former Atlantic Fleet, now the Scouting Fleet, and a second vice admiral commanded the battleship divisions of the Battle Fleet. [61] The Battle Fleet and Scouting Fleet became the Battle Force and Scouting Force, respectively, when the United States Fleet was reorganized into type commands in 1931. [62] When the Pacific and Atlantic Fleets were reconstituted in February 1941, CINCUS was dual-hatted as commander in chief of the Pacific Fleet (CINCPAC), and the commander in chief of the Atlantic Fleet was made an admiral by downgrading the Battle Force's commander to vice admiral and its battleship commander to rear admiral. [63]

The third vice admiral designation moved from the Asiatic Fleet to the commander of U.S. Naval Forces in European Waters in 1920 and lapsed when the European force was disbanded in 1929. It was revived the next year for the commander of the Scouting Fleet's light cruiser divisions and subsequently the Scouting Force's cruisers, before migrating in 1935 to the commander of the Battle Force's aircraft. [64]

William V. Pratt William Veazie Pratt.jpg
William V. Pratt

A flag officer in the United States Fleet climbed a cursus honorum that nominally began with command of a battleship division as a rear admiral, followed by command of all battleship divisions in the Battle Force as a vice admiral, then command of the entire Battle Force as an admiral, and finally either CINCUS, the highest office afloat, or CNO, the highest office ashore—or both, in the case of William V. Pratt. [65] Upon leaving the fleet, it was normal for a former three- or four-star commander to revert to his permanent grade of rear admiral and remain on active duty until statutory retirement as president of the Naval War College, commandant of a naval district, or member of the General Board. [53]

Since there were four admirals and only three vice admirals, it was not uncommon to skip the rank of vice admiral entirely, especially for commanders in chief of the Asiatic Fleet, which was seen as a four-star consolation prize for flag officers who were out of the running for CINCUS or CNO. [65] By the early 1940s, neither the CNO (Harold R. Stark), CINCUS (Claude C. Bloch, James O. Richardson), nor CINCPAC (Husband E. Kimmel, Chester W. Nimitz) had ever been a vice admiral.

World War II

Robert L. Ghormley Ghormley;g12864.jpg
Robert L. Ghormley

In July 1941, Congress authorized the President to designate, at his own discretion, up to nine additional officers to carry the ex officio rank of vice admiral while performing special or unusual duty, for a total of 12 vice admirals in the permanent establishment. [66] The first of the nine new vice admiral designations was assigned to Robert L. Ghormley, then serving as special observer in the U.S. Embassy in London. [67] After the United States entry into World War II in December 1941, the new commander in chief of the Atlantic Fleet, Royal E. Ingersoll, was designated a vice admiral after his predecessor, Ernest J. King, was appointed commander in chief of the United States Fleet (COMINCH, formerly CINCUS) and took the Atlantic Fleet's four-star designation with him. [68] The remaining seven vice admiral slots were quickly filled by the director of the Office of Procurement and Material and the commanders of U.S. Naval Forces, Southwest Pacific; ANZAC Force; the service forces in the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets; and two anti-submarine task forces in the Atlantic Fleet.

Russell Willson Russell L. Willson.jpg
Russell Willson

All 12 vice admiral designations were in use by March 1942, when a headquarters reorganization called for two more vice admirals to be vice chief of naval operations and chief of staff to COMINCH. Frederick J. Horne and Russell Willson were nominated to be temporary vice admirals, [69] under a 1941 statute that authorized an unlimited number of appointments in all grades for temporary service during a national emergency, with temporary flag officers needing confirmation by the Senate. [3] The statute technically created temporary grades only up to rear admiral, but the Senate confirmed Horne and Willson as vice admirals anyway, [70] and continued to confirm temporary admirals and vice admirals when nominated. Dozens of temporary vice admirals were appointed during World War II, either to serve in a specified job or simply for the duration of the national emergency.

Postwar

The Officer Personnel Act of 1947 consolidated the various laws governing vice admiral appointments. Previously, the President had controlled a pool of 12 vice admiral designations that he could assign at his own discretion. [2] In addition, the Senate could confirm an unlimited number of officers nominated by the President to hold the temporary personal grade of vice admiral, either while serving in a particular job or for the duration of a national emergency. [3] Under the new law, all vice admirals had to be confirmed by the Senate, and held that temporary grade only while serving in a particular job. The maximum number of vice admirals was proportional to the total number of flag officers. [71]

The new law also made any former admiral or vice admiral eligible to retire with that rank, [71] simplifying the hodgepodge of rules that had promoted various classes of retirees piecemeal. Originally every designated admiral and vice admiral retired in his permanent grade of rear admiral. In 1930 Congress promoted officers on the retired list to their highest rank held during World War I, which was defined as having ended on July 2, 1921, so John D. McDonald, who became vice admiral on July 1, 1921, was promoted, but William R. Shoemaker, who became vice admiral only a week later, was not. [72] [73] In 1942 former fleet commanders were allowed to retire as admiral or vice admiral if they had served in that grade for at least a year, a cutoff that John H. Dayton and Walton R. Sexton both missed by about two weeks. Dayton lived long enough to be advanced back to vice admiral by the Officer Personnel Act of 1947, but Sexton did not. [74]

Lynde D. McCormick ADM McCormick, Lynde D.jpg
Lynde D. McCormick

Postwar vice admirals typically headed directorates in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, numbered fleets, type commands, sea frontiers, senior educational institutions like the National War College and the Naval War College, or other interservice or international positions. Upon completing their capstone assignments, many senior flag officers resumed the prewar pattern of remaining on active duty in a lower grade until statutory retirement, in contrast to Army and Air Force general officers who usually preferred to retire immediately to avoid demotion. For example, Lynde D. McCormick reverted from vice admiral to rear admiral but rose again to vice admiral and admiral before dropping to vice admiral for his final assignment. [75]

Tombstone promotions

David W. Bagley VADM David Worth Bagley, USN.jpg
David W. Bagley

In 1925 Congress authorized Navy and Marine Corps officers who had been specially commended for performance of duty in actual combat during World War I to retire with the rank of the next higher grade but not its pay. Such honorary increases in rank at retirement were dubbed tombstone promotions, since their only tangible benefit was the right to carve the higher rank on the officer's tombstone. [76] [77] Later laws expanded eligibility beyond World War I and to officers already on the retired list. Tombstone promotions were limited in 1947 to duty performed before the end of World War II, meaning before January 1, 1947, and halted entirely in 1959. [5] By May 29, 1959, there were 154 vice admirals on the retired list who had never served on active duty in that rank, not counting those already deceased. [78]

Robert C. Giffen RobertGiffen.jpg
Robert C. Giffen

Dozens of vice admirals received tombstone promotions to admiral. [78] Even if a vice admiral reverted to rear admiral, he could still retire as a vice admiral and then claim a tombstone promotion to admiral, but only if he had satisfactory service in the temporary grade of vice admiral during World War II. For example, Gerald F. Bogan, David W. Bagley, Robert C. Giffen, and Alexander Sharp Jr. all reverted to rear admiral after serving as a vice admiral, and all qualified for a tombstone promotion, but only Bagley was advanced to admiral when he retired.

Legislative history

The following list of Congressional legislation includes all acts of Congress pertaining to appointments to the grade of vice admiral in the United States Navy before 1960. [84]

Each entry lists an act of Congress, its citation in the United States Statutes at Large, and a summary of the act's relevance.

LegislationCitationSummary
Act of December 21, 1864 13  Stat.   420
  • Authorized appointment of one vice admiral, selected from the list of active rear admirals (David G. Farragut).
  • Exempted vice admiral from mandatory retirement for age or longevity of service.
Act of July 25, 1866 14  Stat.   222
Act of January 24, 1873 17  Stat.   418
  • Terminated grade of vice admiral at next vacancy.
Act of December 20, 1886 24  Stat.   351
  • Authorized Stephen C. Rowan to be retired at full pay after forty years' service.
Act of March 3, 1915 38  Stat.   941
  • Authorized ex-officio rank of vice admiral for officers designated as second in command of the United States Atlantic Fleet, United States Pacific Fleet, or United States Asiatic Fleet.
Act of May 22, 1917 40  Stat.   89
  • Authorized ex-officio rank for six officers designated to command fleets or subdivisions of fleets, of whom not more than three to have the rank of admiral and the others to have the rank of vice admiral.
Act of March 4, 1925 43  Stat.   1278
  • Authorized officers to retire for age with the rank of the next higher grade if specially commended for performance of duty in actual combat during World War I.
Act of June 21, 1930 45  Stat.   793
Act of June 22, 1938 52  Stat.   839
Act of June 23, 1938 52  Stat.   951
Act of July 17, 1941 55  Stat.   598
  • Authorized ex-officio rank of vice admiral for up to nine additional officers designated to perform special or unusual duty, or to command naval units afloat organized for the purpose of performing a special or unusual mission.
Act of July 24, 1941 55  Stat.   603
  • Authorized temporary appointments to higher ranks or grades during a national emergency, with appointments to rear admiral requiring the advice and consent of the Senate.
  • Authorized retirement in highest temporary rank held on active duty.
Act of February 23, 1942 56  Stat.   120
  • Authorized line officers retired prior to June 23, 1938, and staff officers retired on or after that date to be advanced on the retired list to the rank of the next higher grade if specially commended for performance of duty in actual combat (Joseph M. Reeves, Harry E. Yarnell).
Act of June 16, 1942 56  Stat.   370
Act of July 1, 1944

[Private Law 348]

 58  Stat.   1011
  • Authorized Emory S. Land to be advanced to naval constructor with the rank of vice admiral on the retired list.
Act of February 21, 1946 60  Stat.   28
  • Authorized officers to be placed on the retired list with the rank and three-fourths of the active-duty pay of the highest temporary grade in which they served satisfactorily on or before June 30, 1946.
Act of August 7, 1947

[Officer Personnel Act of 1947]

 61  Stat.   886
  • Authorized temporary grade of vice admiral, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate, for officers on the active list designated for the command of fleets or fleet subdivisions, for the command of naval units afloat organized for the purpose of performing a special or unusual mission, or for the performance of any duty of great importance and responsibility.
  • Assigned temporary grade of vice admiral, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate, to one officer designated as senior member of the Military and Naval Staff Committee of the United Nations.
  • Capped total positions with temporary grades above rear admiral at 15 percent of the total number of line officers serving above the grade of captain, of whom not more than eight to have the rank of admiral.
  • Capped total line officers above grade of rear admiral at 26, of whom not more than four to have the rank of admiral.
  • Exempted from caps a naval officer serving as Chief of Staff to the President.
  • Authorized retirement in highest grade held while on the active list.
  • Authorized previously retired officers who served in the rank of admiral or vice admiral to be advanced to that grade on the retired list.
  • Authorized all officers to retire with the rank of the next higher grade if specially commended for performance of duty in actual combat on or before December 31, 1946 (Burton B. Biggs).
Act of October 12, 1949

[Career Compensation Act of 1949]

 63  Stat.   806
  • Established pay grade O-8 for admiral, vice admiral, and rear admiral.
Act of May 5, 1954

[Officer Grade Limitation Act of 1954]

 68  Stat.   65
  • Capped total number of flag officers as a function of total commissioned officer strength.
Act of May 20, 1958 72  Stat.   124
  • Established pay grade O-9 for vice admiral.
Act of August 11, 1959 73  Stat.   337
  • Repealed authorization for officers to retire with the rank of the next higher grade if specially commended for performance of duty in actual combat.

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 Acts of December 21, 1874 (13  Stat.   420); July 25, 1866 (14  Stat.   222); and January 24, 1873 (17  Stat.   418). Chisholm, pp. 311-313, 349-353.
  2. 1 2 Acts of March 3, 1915 (38  Stat.   941); May 22, 1917 (40  Stat.   89); July 17, 1941 (55  Stat.   598); and August 7, 1947 [Officer Personnel Act of 1947] (61  Stat.   886). Chisholm, pp. 763-764. Congressional Record (June 30, 1941), Vol. 87, Part 1, p. 5727.
  3. 1 2 3 Acts of July 24, 1941 (55  Stat.   603) and August 7, 1947 [Officer Personnel Act of 1947] (61  Stat.   886). "Personal Money Allowance—Admirals And Vice Admirals (22 Comp. Gen. 1071)". Decisions of the Comptroller General of the United States. Vol. 22. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. 1943. p. 1071.
  4. Act of August 7, 1947 [Officer Personnel Act of 1947] (61  Stat.   886). Wheeler, Rexford V. Jr.; Kinne, Sheldon H. (July 1954). "The Promotion of Career Officers (Part II)". United States Naval Institute Proceedings. 80 (6): 761. Laws Relating to the Navy, Annotated. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. 1922. pp. 683–684.
  5. 1 2 Acts of March 4, 1925 (43  Stat.   1278); July 17, 1941 (55  Stat.   598); June 6, 1942 (56  Stat.   370); August 7, 1947 [Officer Personnel Act of 1947] (61  Stat.   886); October 12, 1949 [Career Compensation Act of 1949] (63  Stat.   806); and August 11, 1959 (72  Stat.   337). Patrick, Howard A. (August 1948). "The Effect of Combat Commendation Upon Retirement". United States Naval Institute Proceedings. 74 (8): 957–965.
  6. 1 2 Dates appointed are taken from U.S. Naval Officers, Vice Admiral and Above, 1864–1963.
  7. 1 2 Dates vacated are taken from U.S. Naval Officers, Vice Admiral and Above, 1864–1963. An officer could vacate the active-duty rank of vice admiral via death, retirement, promotion, or reversion to a lower permanent grade upon relinquishing an office designated to carry the rank of vice admiral.
  8. 1 2 The number of years on active duty as vice admiral is taken to be the number of days rounded to the nearest whole year and excluding any gaps in appointment.
  9. 1 2 Positions are compiled from the Register of the Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, Modern Biographical Files, Generals of the Army and the Air Force and Admirals of the Navy, Ancell and Miller, Cogar, Schuon, and Marquis Who's Who.
  10. 1 2 Biographical notes include years of birth and death; any staff corps affiliation or line officer designation as naval aviation observer, naval aviator, or engineering duty officer; dates of promotion to higher rank; awards of the Medal of Honor, Congressional Gold Medal, Presidential Medal of Freedom, or honors of similar significance; major government appointments; university presidencies or equivalents; familial relationships with significant military officers or significant government officials such as U.S. Presidents, cabinet secretaries, U.S. Senators, or state governors; and other unusual career events such as death in office or resignation.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 Retired as rear admiral; advanced on the retired list to admiral by Act of June 21, 1930, as highest World War I rank.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 Retired as rear admiral; advanced on the retired list to vice admiral by Act of June 21, 1930, as highest World War I rank.
  13. Retired as rear admiral; advanced on the retired list to vice admiral by Act of June 21, 1930, as highest World War I rank; advanced on the retired list to admiral by Act of June 16, 1942, as highest rank held while commanding a fleet or subdivision of a fleet for at least one year.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Retired as rear admiral.
  15. 1 2 3 4 Retired as rear admiral; ineligible for advancement by Act of June 16, 1942, having served as vice admiral for less than one year.
  16. McCarver Jr., Charles. "Long, Andrew Theodore". Dictionary of North Carolina Biography. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Retired as rear admiral; advanced on the retired list to admiral by Act of June 16, 1942, as highest rank held while commanding a fleet or subdivision of a fleet for at least one year.
  18. 1 2 3 4 5 Retired as rear admiral; advanced on the retired list to vice admiral by Act of June 16, 1942, as highest rank held while commanding a fleet or subdivision of a fleet for at least one year.
  19. 1 2 Retired as rear admiral; advanced on the retired list to admiral by Act of August 14, 1938, as highest rank held while serving as Chief of Naval Operations.
  20. 1 2 Retired as rear admiral; ineligible for advancement by Act of June 16, 1942, having served as vice admiral for less than one year; advanced on the retired list to vice admiral by Officer Personnel Act of 1947, as highest rank held on active duty.
  21. Retired as rear admiral; advanced on the retired list to tombstone vice admiral by Act of February 23, 1942; advanced on the retired list to admiral by Act of June 16, 1942, as highest rank held while commanding a fleet or subdivision of a fleet for at least one year.
  22. Reverted to rear admiral, 29 Jan 1938; reappointed as vice admiral, 21 Mar 1942; appointed as admiral, 29 Jan 1945.
  23. Reverted to rear admiral; retired as vice admiral by Act of June 16, 1942, as highest rank held while commanding a fleet or subdivision of a fleet for at least one year.
  24. Reverted to rear admiral, 20 May 1939; confirmed by Senate as vice admiral for temporary service while serving as Commander, Western Sea Frontier, 27 May 1942; retired as vice admiral, 1 Feb 1944, as highest rank held while commanding a fleet or subdivision of a fleet for at least one year.
  25. Reverted to rear admiral, 24 Jun 1939; appointed as admiral, 1 Feb 1941; promoted to fleet admiral, 17 Dec 1944.
  26. Reverted to rear admiral, 1 Feb 1941; confirmed by Senate as vice admiral for temporary service while serving as Commander, Eastern Sea Frontier, 27 May 1942; retired as vice admiral, 1 Nov 1943, as highest rank held while commanding a fleet or subdivision of a fleet for at least one year.
  27. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Reverted to rear admiral; retired as vice admiral.
  28. Appointed as vice admiral for special duty, 19 Sep 1941; confirmed by Senate as vice admiral for temporary service, 27 Apr 1942.
  29. 1 2 3 4 5 Retired as tombstone vice admiral.
  30. 1 2 3 4 5 Reverted to rear admiral; reappointed as vice admiral.
  31. Appointed as admiral, 30 Oct 1936; reverted to rear admiral, 25 Jul 1939, and retired, 1 Nov 1939; advanced on the retired list to tombstone vice admiral, 23 Feb 1942; advanced on the retired list to admiral, 16 Jun 1942, as highest rank held while commanding a fleet or subdivision of a fleet.
  32. Retired as vice admiral, 1 Dec 1946; advanced on the retired list to tombstone admiral, Jan 1954.
  33. Date of rank 16 Jun 1942. Retired as rear admiral, 1 Aug 1946; advanced on the retired list to vice admiral, 28 May 1948.
  34. 1 2 3 Reverted to rear admiral; reappointed as vice admiral; retired as tombstone admiral.
  35. Died, 6 Sep 1945, and posthumously promoted to admiral.
  36. 1 2 Confirmed by Senate as vice admiral for temporary service while serving as Commander, Western Sea Frontier, 18 Jan 1944; while serving as Commander, Hawaiian Sea Frontier, 27 Nov 1944; and until detachment from duty as member of the Joint Mexican-United States Defense Commission, 28 Jul 1945. Reverted to rear admiral, 31 Jan 1946; retired as vice admiral and advanced to tombstone admiral, 1 Apr 1947.
  37. 1 2 Confirmed as vice admiral for temporary service while serving as Commander, Caribbean Sea Frontier, 22 Mar 1944; and until detachment from duty as Commander, Service Force, Atlantic Fleet, 24 Jul 1945. Reverted to rear admiral, 3 Dec 1945; reprimanded for misconduct while Commander, Caribbean Sea Frontier, preventing retirement in highest wartime grade; retired as rear admiral and advanced to tombstone vice admiral, 1 Sep 1946.
  38. Retired as naval constructor with rank of rear admiral, 1 Apr 1937; advanced on the retired list to naval constructor with rank of vice admiral, 1 Jul 1944, by special Act of Congress.
  39. Retired as tombstone admiral, 1 May 1952; recalled to active duty as vice admiral, 21 Oct 1952–21 May 1954.
  40. Appointed as admiral, 1 Feb 1947, retroactive to 7 Jan 1946.
  41. Appointed as admiral, 23 Sep 1946–30 Nov 1950; reappointed as vice admiral, 1 Dec 1950; retired as admiral, 1 Nov 1953.
  42. Reverted to rear admiral, 13 Nov 1948; reappointed as vice admiral, 3 Apr 1950; appointed as admiral, 22 Dec 1950–2 May 1954; reappointed as vice admiral, 3 May 1954; died, 16 Aug 1956.
  43. Retired as tombstone admiral, 1 Apr 1955; recalled to active duty as vice admiral, 1 Apr 1955–1 Oct 1955, and as admiral, 10 Aug 1959–18 Jan 1960.
  44. Retired as tombstone admiral, 1 Aug 1958; recalled to active duty as admiral, 25 Jul 1960–1 May 1961.
  45. Appointed as admiral, 29 Apr 1957–31 Jan 1958; reappointed as vice admiral, 1 Feb 1958; retired as admiral, 1 Apr 1960.
  46. Reverted to rear admiral, 18 Jan 1958; reappointed as vice admiral, 14 Sep 1959; appointed as admiral, 1 Aug 1961.
  47. Retired as vice admiral, 1 Feb 1964; advanced on the retired list to admiral, 16 Nov 1973.
  48. "Vice-Admiral Farragut". The New York Times. December 23, 1864. p. 6.
  49. "Admirals Sampson and Schley". The Army and Navy Journal. February 23, 1901. p. 617.
  50. "Sampson Doomed". The Wilkes-Barre Record. February 28, 1901. p. 5.
  51. "Case Is Lost". The Courier-Journal. January 29, 1902. p. 1.
  52. "Evans No Vice Admiral". The Baltimore Sun. February 16, 1909. p. 2.
  53. 1 2 Peeks, Ryan (October 2016). "Temporary Admirals Might Do". United States Naval Institute Proceedings. 142 (10).
  54. Chisholm, pp. 557, 565, 568. House Report No. 377, 63d Congress, 2d Session: Admirals and Vice Admirals, United States Navy. Government Printing Office. March 13, 1914.
  55. Hearings Before the Committee on Naval Affairs, House of Representatives, Sixty-Fourth Congress, First Session, on Estimates Submitted by the Secretary of the Navy, 1916, Volume 3. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. 1916. pp. 3565–3566, 3653–3654.
  56. "Two Divisions Of Atlantic Battleship Fleet Announced". The Official Bulletin. July 19, 1917. p. 2.
  57. "Half Of U.S. Navy Soon Will Be Sent To The Pacific Ocean". The Capital. November 30, 1918. p. 1.
  58. Johnson, pp 181–183.
  59. "To Command Our Atlantic Fleet". The Beattie Eagle. July 10, 1919. p. 2.
  60. "Changes Among Navy Flag Officers". Army and Navy Journal. February 7, 1920. p. 698.
  61. Annual Reports of the Navy Department For The Fiscal Year 1923. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. 1924. p. 122.
  62. Wheeler, pp. 325–326.
  63. King and Whitehill, p. 318.
  64. "Marvell Awarded Vice Admiralcy As Third Of Rank". The Honolulu Advertiser. December 14, 1930. p. 1.
  65. 1 2 Wheeler, pp. 242, 252–255.
  66. Chisholm, pp. 763–764. Hearings Before the Committee on Naval Affairs of the House of Representatives on Sundry Legislation Affecting the Naval Establishment, 1941–[1942]: Seventy-Sixth Congress, First–[Second] Session, Volume 1. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. 1942. pp. 1426–1433.
  67. Rear Admiral Robert L. Ghormley Advanced To Vice Admiral. Navy Department press release. September 20, 1941.
  68. "Ingersoll Raised To Full Admiral". The Muncie Evening Press. July 3, 1942. p. 2.
  69. "Admiral King Named To Head Operations; Two Are Promoted". The Cincinnati Enquirer. March 14, 1942. p. 7.
  70. Hearings Before the Committee on Naval Affairs of the House of Representatives on Sundry Legislation Affecting the Naval Establishment, 1943–[1944]: Seventy-Sixth Congress, First–[Second] Session, Volume 1. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. 1944. p. 3202.
  71. 1 2 Act of August 7, 1947 [Officer Personnel Act of 1947] (61  Stat.   886.)
  72. "Ten Admirals For Life". The Cincinnati Enquirer. August 23, 1930. p. 7.
  73. "Army and Navy News". The Sunday Star. August 17, 1930. p. 65.
  74. "Navy Officers' Elevation Due". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. July 10, 1942. p. 15.
  75. "Biographic Sketch: Vice Admiral Lynde D. McCormick, U.S.N." Naval War College Review. 9 (2): 54–55. October 1956. JSTOR   45183760.
  76. "Navy Officers Make Honorary Rank Bid". The Fresno Bee. August 5, 1959. p. 3.
  77. Hearings Before the Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives, Eighty-Sixth Congress, Second Session, Part 3: Financial Statements: Manpower, Personnel, and Reserves. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. 1960. pp. 742–743.
  78. 1 2 Hearing Before a Subcommittee of the Committee on Armed Services, United States Senate, Eighty-Sixth Congress, First Session on S. 1795: A Bill Amending Title 10, United States Code, to Revise Certain Provisions Relating to the Promotion and Involuntary Retirement of Officers of the Regular Components of the Armed Forces. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. 1959. pp. 25–26, 61–62.
  79. Wooldridge, E. T. (1995). Into the Jet Age: Conflict and Change in Naval Aviation, 1945–1975, An Oral History. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. pp. 104–105.
  80. "Bogan's Retirement Rank In Jeopardy". News-Pilot. January 31, 1950. p. 12.
  81. 1 2 Court-Martial Order No. 4–1948: Advancement in rank on retired list: special commendation for performance of duty in actual combat. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. April 1948. pp. 127–131.
  82. "Admonish, Reprimand 5 Naval Men". The Windsor Daily Star. May 24, 1946. p. 8.
  83. Investigation of the National Defense Program: Hearings Before A Special Committee Investigating The National Defense Program, United States Senate, Seventy-Ninth Congress, Second Session, Pursuant To S. Res. 55 (79th Congress), Part 33. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. 1946. pp. 17307–17322, 17539.
  84. Legislative history compiled from Chisholm and the Register of the Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

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References

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