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Picture
Name
Rank
Start
End
Notability
Ref
1
Davis Charles H. Davis
O-04 Rear admiral
July 17, 1862
April 27, 1865
Veteran of Filibuster War and American Civil War ; Member of Davis political family .
[ 3] [ 4]
2
Drayton Percival Drayton
O-04 Captain
April 28, 1865
August 4, 1865
Veteran of Paraguay expedition and American Civil War for Union; Brother of Confederate General Thomas Drayton . Percival Drayton died in office.
[ 3] [ 4]
3
Dixon David Dixon Porter (acting)
O-04 Rear admiral
August 8, 1865
August 24, 1865
Veteran of Mexican–American War and American Civil War ; Later served as Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy .
[ 3] [ 4]
4
Jenkins Thornton A. Jenkins
O-04 Rear admiral
August 24, 1865
April 11, 1869
Veteran of Mexican–American War and American Civil War ; Later commanded the Asiatic Squadron .
[ 3] [ 4]
5
Alden James Alden Jr.
O-04 Rear admiral
April 12, 1869
September 30, 1871
Veteran of Mexican–American War and American Civil War ; Later commanded the European Squadron .
[ 3] [ 4]
6
Ammen Daniel Ammen
O-04 Rear admiral
October 1, 1871
June 4, 1878
Veteran of American Civil War ; Also commanded the Bureau of Yards and Docks .
[ 3] [ 4]
7
Whiting William D. Whiting
O-04 Commodore
June 11, 1878
October 12, 1881
Veteran of American Civil War ;
[ 3] [ 4]
8
Walker John G. Walker
O-04 Rear admiral
October 22, 1881
October 31, 1889
Veteran of American Civil War ; Also commanded the White Squadron .
[ 3] [ 4]
9
Ramsay Francis M. Ramsay
O-04 Rear admiral
November 1, 1889
April 5, 1897
Veteran of American Civil War ; Also commanded the New York Navy Yard and served as naval attaché in London .
[ 3] [ 4]
10
Crowninshield Arent S. Crowninshield
O-04 Rear admiral
April 8, 1897
April 28, 1902
Veteran of American Civil War and Spanish–American War ; Member of Crowninshield family .
[ 3] [ 4]
11
Taylor Henry C. Taylor
O-04 Rear admiral
April 29, 1902
July 26, 1904
Veteran of American Civil War and Spanish–American War ; Previously served as the President of the Naval War College . Taylor died in office.
[ 3] [ 4]
12
Converse George A. Converse
O-04 Rear admiral
August 1, 1904
May 18, 1907
Veteran of Spanish–American War ; Also commanded the Bureau of Ordnance .
[ 3] [ 4]
13
Brownson Willard H. Brownson
O-04 Rear admiral
May 19, 1907
December 24, 1908
Veteran of Revolta da Armada and Spanish–American War ; Also served as the Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy .
[ 3] [ 4]
14
Pillsbury John E. Pillsbury
O-04 Rear admiral
January 14, 1908
June 23, 1909
Veteran of Spanish–American War ; Later served as the President of National Geographic Society .
[ 3] [ 4]
15
Potter William P. Potter
O-04 Rear admiral
July 1, 1909
December 2, 1909
Veteran of Spanish–American War ; Later served as aid for Personnel to the Secretary of the Navy George von Lengerke Meyer .
[ 3] [ 5] [ 4]
16
Nicholson Reginald F. Nicholson
O-04 Rear admiral
December 2, 1909
January 1, 1912
Veteran of American Civil War , Spanish–American War and World War I ; Later served as the first American naval attaché to Ecuador and Peru . Brother of Army general William J. Nicholson .
[ 3] [ 4]
17
Andrews Philip Andrews
O-04 Rear admiral
January 1, 1912
March 26, 1913
Veteran of Philippine–American War and World War I ; Later commanded the US Naval Forces in Europe . Recipient of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal .
[ 3] [ 4]
18
Blue Victor Blue
O-04 Rear admiral
March 26, 1913
August 10, 1916
Veteran of Spanish–American War , Philippine–American War and World War I ; Served two times as Chief of the Bureau of Navigation. Recipient of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal and Specially Meritorious Service Medal .
[ 3] [ 4]
19
Palmer Leigh C. Palmer
O-04 Rear admiral
August 16, 1916
November 1, 1918
Veteran of Spanish–American War and World War I ; Recipient of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal .
[ 3] [ 4]
20
Blue Victor Blue
O-04 Rear admiral
December 19, 1918
July 21, 1919
Veteran of Spanish–American War , Philippine–American War and World War I ; Served two times as Chief of the Bureau of Navigation. Recipient of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal and Specially Meritorious Service Medal .
[ 3] [ 4]
21
Washington Thomas Washington
O-04 Rear admiral
August 11, 1919
July 27, 1923
Veteran of Spanish–American War , Philippine–American War and World War I ; Later served as Commandant of the Naval Operating Base, San Francisco, California and reached the rank of four-star admiral . Recipient of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal .
[ 3] [ 4]
22
Long Andrew T. Long
O-04 Rear admiral
July 27, 1923
June 7, 1924
Veteran of Spanish–American War , Philippine–American War and World War I ; Recipient of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal and Legion of Honour .
[ 3] [ 4]
23
Shoemaker William R. Shoemaker
O-04 Rear admiral
June 7, 1924
February 10, 1927
Veteran of Spanish–American War , and World War I ; Recipient of the Navy Cross .
[ 3] [ 4]
24
Leigh Richard H. Leigh
O-04 Rear admiral
February 10, 1927
May 22, 1930
Veteran of Spanish–American War , and World War I ; Later served as four-star admiral as Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet . Recipient of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal , Order of the British Empire and Order of Leopold .
[ 3] [ 6] [ 4]
25
Upham Frank B. Upham
O-04 Rear admiral
May 22, 1930
June 30, 1933
Veteran of Spanish–American War , and World War I ; Later served as four-star admiral as Commander-in-Chief, Asiatic Fleet . Recipient of the Navy Cross .
[ 3] [ 4]
26
Leahy William D. Leahy
O-04 Rear admiral
July 1, 1933
June 30, 1935
Veteran of Spanish–American War , Philippine–American War , World War I and World War II ; One of four men, who achieved the rank of fleet admiral . Later served as Chief of Naval Operations or first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff . Recipient of the Navy Cross and three awards of Navy Distinguished Service Medal .
[ 3] [ 4]
27
Andrews Adolphus Andrews
O-04 Rear admiral
June 30, 1935
June 11, 1938
Veteran of Spanish–American War , Veracruz Expedition , World War I and World War II ; Reached the rank of vice admiral . Later served as Commander, Eastern Sea Frontier . Recipient of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal .
[ 3] [ 4]
28
Richardson James O. Richardson
O-04 Rear admiral
June 11, 1938
June 15, 1939
Veteran of Spanish–American War , Philippine–American War , World War I and World War II ; Reached the rank of admiral . Later served as Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific Fleet .
[ 3] [ 4]
29
Nimitz Chester W. Nimitz
O-04 Rear admiral
June 15, 1939
December 19, 1941
Veteran of World War I and World War II ; One of four men, who achieved the rank of fleet admiral . Later served as Chief of Naval Operations or Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific Fleet . Recipient of four awards of Navy Distinguished Service Medal and one Army Distinguished Service Medal .
[ 3] [ 4]
30
Jacobs Randall Jacobs
O-04 Vice admiral
December 19, 1941
September 15, 1945
Veteran of World War I and World War II ; Reached the rank of vice admiral while in office. Held the command of the bureau for the duration of World War II. Recipient of Navy Distinguished Service Medal .
[ 3] [ 4]
31
Denfeld Louis E. Denfeld
O-04 Vice admiral
September 15, 1945
February 21, 1947
Veteran of Veracruz Expedition , Haitian Campaign , World War I and World War II ; Reached the rank of four-star admiral . Later served as Chief of Naval Operations or Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific Fleet . Recipient of Navy Distinguished Service Medal and three awards of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 4]
32
Fechteler William M. Fechteler
O-04 Vice admiral
February 22, 1947
September 1949
Veteran of World War I and World War II ; Reached the rank of four-star admiral . Later served as Chief of Naval Operations or Commander-in-Chief, United States Atlantic Fleet . Recipient of two awards of Navy Distinguished Service Medal , one Army Distinguished Service Medal and one award of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 4]
33
Roper John W. Roper
O-04 Vice admiral
September 7, 1949
March 30, 1951
Veteran of World War I and World War II ; Reached the rank of vice admiral . Recipient of Legion of Merit and one Navy Commendation Medal .
[ 3] [ 4]
34
DuBose Laurance T. DuBose
O-04 Vice admiral
March 30, 1951
February 2, 1953
Veteran of Haitian Campaign , World War I , Yangtze Patrol and World War II ; Reached the rank of four-star admiral . Later served as Commander-in-Chief, United States First Fleet or Commander, Eastern Sea Frontier . Recipient of three awards of the Navy Cross and three awards of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 4]
35
Holloway Jr. James L. Holloway Jr.
O-04 Vice admiral
February 3, 1953
January 31, 1956
Veteran of World War I and World War II ; Reached the rank of four-star admiral . Later commanded United States Naval Forces Europe during 1958 Lebanon crisis . Recipient of Navy Distinguished Service Medal and one award of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 4]
36
Smith Harold P. Smith
O-04 Vice admiral
January 31, 1956
February 12, 1960
Veteran of World War II ; Reached the rank of four-star admiral . Later commanded United States Atlantic Command . Recipient of the Navy Cross , Navy Distinguished Service Medal and two awards of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 4]
37
Smedberg William R. Smedberg III
O-04 Vice admiral
February 12, 1960
February 11, 1964
Veteran of World War II and Korea ; Previously served as the Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy . Recipient of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal , Silver Star and five awards of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 4]
38
Semmes Jr. Benedict J. Semmes Jr.
O-04 Vice admiral
April 1, 1964
March 31, 1968
Veteran of World War II and Korea ; Later served as the President of the Naval War College or Commander-in-Chief, United States Second Fleet . Recipient of the Navy Cross , Navy Distinguished Service Medal , and one award of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 4]
39
Duncan Charles K. Duncan
O-04 Vice admiral
April 5, 1968
August 21, 1970
Veteran of World War II ; Later served as the Commander-in-Chief, United States Atlantic Fleet . Recipient of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal , and one award of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 4]
40
Guinn Dick H. Guinn
O-04 Vice admiral
August 21, 1970
February 1, 1972
Veteran of World War II and Korean War ; Later served as the Commander-in-Chief, United States Atlantic Fleet . Recipient of the Navy Cross , Navy Distinguished Service Medal , and one award of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 7] [ 4]
41
Bagley David H. Bagley
O-04 Vice admiral
February 1, 1972
April 10, 1975
Veteran of World War II , Korea and Vietnam ; Son of four-star Admiral David W. Bagley and brother of four-star admiral Worth H. Bagley . Recipient of two awards of Navy Distinguished Service Medal , and four awards of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 4]
42
Watkins James D. Watkins
O-04 Vice admiral
April 10, 1975
July 21, 1978
Veteran of Korea and Vietnam ; Reached the rank of four-star admiral . Later served as United States Secretary of Energy or Chair of the President's Commission on the HIV Epidemic . Recipient of two awards of Defense Distinguished Service Medal , three awards of Navy Distinguished Service Medal , and three awards of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 4]
43
Baldwin Robert B. Baldwin
O-04 Vice admiral
July 21, 1978
August 1, 1980
Veteran of World War II and Vietnam ; Previously served as Commander-in-Chief, United States Seventh Fleet . Recipient of two awards of Navy Distinguished Service Medal , and two awards of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 4]
44
Zech Lando W. Zech Jr.
O-04 Vice admiral
August 1, 1980
September 28, 1983
Veteran of World War II and Korea ; Previously served as Commander Naval Forces Japan . Recipient of two awards of Navy Distinguished Service Medal , and two awards of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 4]
45
Lawrence William P. Lawrence
O-04 Vice admiral
September 28, 1983
December 31, 1985
Veteran of Korea and Vietnam ; Later served as Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific Fleet and as Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy . Recipient of four awards of Navy Distinguished Service Medal , and three awards of Silver Star .
[ 3] [ 4]
46
Carlson Dudley L. Carlson
O-04 Vice admiral
January 1, 1986
October 8, 1987
Veteran of Vietnam ; Two awards of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 4]
47
Edney Leon A. Edney
O-04 Vice admiral
October 9, 1987
August 8, 1988
Veteran of Vietnam ; Retired as four-star admiral . Served as Vice Chief of Naval Operations or Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic . Two awards of Defense Distinguished Service Medal , two awards of Navy Distinguished Service Medal , and five awards of Distinguished Flying Cross .
[ 3] [ 4]
48
Boorda Jeremy M. Boorda
O-04 Vice admiral
August 9, 1988
November 6, 1991
Veteran of Vietnam and Bosnian War ; Reached the rank of four-star admiral . Served as Chief of Naval Operations or United States Naval Forces Europe . Two awards of Defense Distinguished Service Medal , four awards of Navy Distinguished Service Medal , and one award of Army Distinguished Service Medal .
[ 3] [ 4]
49
Zlatoper Ronald J. Zlatoper
O-04 Vice admiral
November 7, 1991
July 22, 1994
Veteran of Vietnam and Gulf War ; Retired as four-star admiral . Later served as Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific Fleet . One award of Defense Distinguished Service Medal , one award of Navy Distinguished Service Medal , and three awards of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 4]
50
Bowman Frank Bowman
O-04 Vice admiral
July 22, 1994
September 19, 1996
Veteran of Vietnam and Gulf War ; Retired as four-star admiral . Also served as Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion. One award of Defense Distinguished Service Medal , one award of Navy Distinguished Service Medal , and four awards of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 4]
51
Oliver Daniel T. Oliver
O-04 Vice admiral
September 20, 1996
November 18, 1999
Veteran of Gulf War ; Later served as President of the Naval Postgraduate School . One award of Defense Superior Service Medal , and four awards of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 4]
52
Ryan Norbert R. Ryan Jr.
O-04 Vice admiral
November 19, 1999
October 7, 2002
Veteran of Gulf War ; Twin brother of Vice Admiral John R. Ryan . Two awards of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 4]
53
Hoewing Gerald L. Hoewing
O-04 Vice admiral
October 8, 2002
November 22, 2005
Veteran of Gulf War ; Previously served as Commander, Carrier Group Seven. Navy Distinguished Service Medal and four awards of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 4]
54
Harvey John C. Harvey Jr.
O-04 Vice admiral
November 22, 2005
April 16, 2008
Veteran of Gulf War ; Reached the rank of four-star admiral . Later served as Commander, United States Fleet Forces Command . Recipient of Defense Distinguished Service Medal , two awards of Navy Distinguished Service Medal and five awards of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 4]
55
Ferguson Mark E. Ferguson III
O-04 Vice admiral
April 16, 2008
October 5, 2011
Veteran of Gulf War ; Reached the rank of four-star admiral . Later served as Commander-in-Chief, United States Naval Forces Europe . Recipient of Defense Distinguished Service Medal , two awards of Navy Distinguished Service Medal and three awards of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 4]
56
Van Buskirk Scott R. Van Buskirk
O-04 Vice admiral
October 11, 2011
August 2, 2013
Veteran of Iraq War ; Later served as Commander-in-Chief, United States Seventh Fleet . Recipient of two awards of Navy Distinguished Service Medal , and seven awards of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 4]
57
Moran William F. Moran
O-04 Vice admiral
August 2, 2013
May 27, 2016
Veteran of Gulf War ; Reached the rank of four-star admiral . Later served as Vice Chief of Naval Operations . Recipient of two awards of Navy Distinguished Service Medal , and five awards of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 8] [ 4]
58
Burke Robert P. Burke
O-04 Vice admiral
May 27, 2016
May 23, 2019
Veteran of Gulf War ; Reached the rank of four-star admiral . Later served as Vice Chief of Naval Operations . Recipient of two awards of Navy Distinguished Service Medal , and five awards of Legion of Merit .
[ 3] [ 9] [ 4]
59
Nowell John B. Nowell
O-04 Vice admiral
May 24, 2019
June 3, 2022
Veteran of Gulf War ; Previously served as Director, Military Personnel Plans and Policy. Recipient of Navy Distinguished Service Medal , six awards of Legion of Merit and Bronze Star Medal .
[ 3]
60
Cheeseman Richard J. Cheeseman Jr.
O-04 Vice admiral
June 3, 2022
Incumbent
Previously served as Commander, Carrier Strike Group 10 . Recipient of four awards of Legion of Merit and Bronze Star Medal .
[ 10]