Flag of a Navyfour-star admiral
Flag of a Navy
four-star admiral

This is a complete list of four-star admirals in the United States Navy. The rank of admiral (or full admiral, or four-star admiral) is the highest rank normally achievable in the U.S. Navy. It ranks above vice admiral (three-star admiral) and below fleet admiral (five-star admiral).

There have been 275 four-star admirals in the history of the U.S. Navy. Of these, 234 achieved that rank while on active duty, 40 were promoted upon retirement in recognition of combat citations, and one was promoted posthumously. Admirals entered the Navy via several paths: 237 were commissioned via the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), 22 via Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC), 9 via Officer Candidate School (OCS), 2 via warrant, 2 via Aviation Officer Candidate School (AOCS), one via direct commission (direct), one via the Naval Aviation Cadet (NAVCAD) program, and one via the U.S. Merchant Marine.

List of admirals

Entries in the following list of four-star admirals are indexed by the numerical order in which each officer was promoted to that rank while on active duty, or by an asterisk (*) if the officer did not serve in that rank while on active duty. Each entry lists the admiral's name, date of rank,[1] active-duty positions held while serving at four-star rank,[2] number of years of active-duty service at four-star rank (Yrs),[3] year commissioned and source of commission,[4] number of years in commission when promoted to four-star rank (YC),[5] and other biographical notes.[6]

# Name Photo Date of rank[1] Position[2] Yrs[3] Commission[4] YC[5] Notes[6]
1 David G. Farragut
NH 85517 David G. Farragut (cropped).jpg
25 Jul 1866   4 1810 (warrant) 56 (1801–1870) Brother-by-adoption of Navy four-star admiral David D. Porter Jr.
2 David D. Porter Jr.
David Dixon Porter - Mathew Brady
15 Aug 1870  
  • Admiral of the Navy, 1870–1891.
  • Head, Board of Inspection, 1877–1891.
21 1829 (warrant) 41 (1813–1891) Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, 1865–1869. Brother-by-adoption of Navy four-star admiral David G. Farragut.
3 George Dewey
Adm. George Dewey (flipped).jpg
2 Mar 1899   18 1858 (USNA) 41 (1837–1917) Promoted to admiral, 8 Mar 1899 but was promoted to Admiral of the Navy, 24 Mar 1903, with retroactive date of rank 2 Mar 1899. Candidate for Democratic Party nomination for U.S. President, 1900.
4 Frank F. Fletcher
Adm Frank F Fletcher.jpg
10 Mar 1915   2 1875 (USNA) 40 (1855–1928)[7] Awarded Medal of Honor, 1914. Uncle of Navy four-star admiral Frank J. Fletcher.
5 Thomas B. Howard
Thomas Benton Howard (cropped).jpg
11 Mar 1915   1 1873 (USNA) 42 (1854–1920)[7] Superintendent, U.S. Naval Observatory, 1917–1919.
6 Walter C. Cowles
Walter Cleveland Cowles.JPG
12 Mar 1915   1 1873 (USNA) 42 (1853–1917)[7]
7 Albert G. Winterhalter
Admiral Albert Gustav Winterhalter circa 1915.jpg
9 Jul 1915   2 1877 (USNA) 38 (1856–1920)[7]
8 Cameron M. Winslow
Admiral Cameron McRae Winslow.jpg
13 Sep 1915   1 1875 (USNA) 40 (1854–1932)[7]
9 Henry T. Mayo
Henry Thomas Mayo.JPG
19 Jun 1916   3 1876 (USNA) 41 (1857–1937)[7][8] Governor, U.S. Naval Home, 1924–1928.
10 William B. Caperton
ADM William B. Caperton, 1914 (cropped).jpg
28 Jul 1916   3 1875 (USNA) 41 (1855–1941)[7][8] Special Representative of the President in Brazil, 1918.
11 William S. Benson
NH 366 Admiral William S. Benson, USN (cropped).jpg
29 Aug 1916   3 1877 (USNA)[9] 39 (1855–1932)[7][8] Chairman/Commissioner, U.S. Shipping Board, 1919–1928.
12 Austin M. Knight
Austin Melvin Knight (cropped).JPG
4 Apr 1917   1 1873 (USNA)[9] 44 (1854–1927)[7] President, Naval War College, 1913–1917. Brother of Seattle Mayor Bertha Knight Landes.
13 William S. Sims
Admiral William Sowden Sims.jpg
4 Dec 1918   2 1880 (USNA)[9] 38 (1858–1936)[7][8] President, Naval War College, 1917; 1919–1922. Awarded Pulitzer Prize for History, 1921.
14 Henry B. Wilson Jr.
Admiral Henry Braid Wilson, U.S. Navy.jpg
30 Jun 1919   2 1881 (USNA)[9] 38 (1861–1954)[7][8] Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, 1921–1925. Father-in-law of U.S. Secretary of War Patrick J. Hurley.
15 Hugh Rodman
NH 46940 Admiral Hugh Rodman, USN (cropped).jpg
1 Jul 1919   2 1880 (USNA)[9] 39 (1859–1940)[7][8] U.S. Minister and Envoy to Peru, 1921.
16 Albert Gleaves
Albert Gleaves (2).jpg
1 Sep 1919   2 1877 (USNA)[9] 42 (1858–1937)[7][8] Governor, U.S. Naval Home, 1928–1931.
17 Robert E. Coontz
Robert E. Coontz (cropped).jpg
1 Nov 1919   6 1885 (USNA)[9] 34 (1864–1935)[7][8] Governor of Guam, 1912–1913.
18 Joseph Strauss
STRAUSS, J., ADMIRAL LCCN2016860168 (cropped).jpg
4 Feb 1921   1 1885 (USNA)[9] 36 (1861–1948)[7][8]
19 Hilary P. Jones
JONES, H.P., ADMIRAL LCCN2016862129 (cropped).jpg
30 Jun 1921   2 1884 (USNA)[9] 37 (1865–1939)[7][8]
20 Edward W. Eberle
NH 49671 Admiral Edward W. Eberle, USN (cropped).jpg
5 Jul 1921   6 1885 (USNA)[9] 36 (1864–1929)[7] Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, 1915–1919.
21 Edwin A. Anderson
Anderson EA USN h56034.jpg
28 Aug 1922   1 1882 (USNA)[9] 40 (1860–1933)[7] Awarded Medal of Honor, 1914.
22 Samuel S. Robison
24-P-48 Admiral Samuel S. Robison, USN (cropped).jpg
30 Jun 1923   3 1888 (USNA)[9] 35 (1867–1952)[7][10] Military Governor of Santo Domingo, 1921–1922; Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, 1928–1931; Superintendent, Admiral Farragut Academy, 1931–1948. Brother-in-law of Navy four-star admiral Charles F. Hughes.
23 Thomas Washington
Washington, Admiral Thomas LOC hec.14640-cropped.jpg
11 Oct 1923   2 1887 (USNA)[9] 36 (1865–1954)[7][10] Governor, U.S. Naval Home, 1931–1937.
24 Charles F. Hughes
ADM Charles F. Hughes portrait.jpg
14 Oct 1925   5 1888 (USNA)[9] 37 (1866–1934)[7] Brother-in-law of Navy four-star admiral Samuel S. Robison; daughter married brother of Navy five-star admiral Chester W. Nimitz.
25 Clarence S. Williams
Admiral Clarence Stewart Williams, USN (cropped).jpg
14 Oct 1925   2 1884 (USNA)[9] 41 (1863–1951)[7][10] President, Naval War College, 1922–1925.
26 Richard H. Jackson
NH 120012 Admiral Richard Harrison Jackson, USN (cropped).jpg
4 Sep 1926   1 1887 (USNA)[9] 39 (1866–1971)[7][10] Distant cousin of Air Force four-star general Charles P. Cabell.
27 Henry A. Wiley
NH 119486 Admiral Henry Ariosto Wiley, USN.jpg
8 Sep 1927  
  • Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet (CINCUS), 1927–1929.
2 1888 (USNA)[9] 39 (1867–1943)[7] Chairman/Commissioner, U.S. Maritime Commission, 1936–1940.
28 Mark L. Bristol
Mark Lambert Bristol.jpg
9 Sep 1927   2 1887 (USNA)[9] 40 (1868–1939)[7] U.S. High Commissioner, Turkey, 1919–1927.
29 Louis R. de Steiguer
Admiral Louis R. de Steiguer, USN (cropped).jpg
10 Sep 1927   1 1889 (USNA)[9] 38 (1867–1947)[7][10]
30 William V. Pratt
William Veazie Pratt.jpg
26 Jun 1928   5 1889 (USNA)[9] 39 (1869–1957)[7][11] President, Naval War College, 1925–1927.
31 Louis M. Nulton
ADM Louis M. Nulton, ca. 1915 (cropped).jpg
21 May 1929   1 1889 (USNA)[9] 40 (1869–1954)[7][10] Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, 1925–1928.
32 Charles B. McVay Jr.
NH 85115 Admiral Charles B. McVay, Jr., USN (cropped).jpg
9 Sep 1929   2 1890 (USNA)[9] 39 (1868–1949)[7][10]
33 Frank H. Schofield
NH 45860 Admiral Frank H. Schofield, USN (cropped).jpg
24 May 1930   2 1890 (USNA)[9] 40 (1869–1942)[7]
34 Jehu V. Chase
Jehu V. Chase.jpg
17 Sep 1930  
  • Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet (CINCUS), 1930–1931.
1 1890 (USNA)[9] 40 (1869–1937)[7] Great-grandfather of Navy four-star admiral James F. Caldwell Jr.
35 Montgomery M. Taylor
NH 85117 Admiral Montgomery Meigs Taylor, USN.jpg
1 Sep 1931   2 1890 (USNA)[9] 41 (1869–1952)[7][10] Grandnephew of U.S. President Zachary Taylor; distant cousin of Army four-star general Montgomery C. Meigs.
36 Richard H. Leigh
Richard Henry Leigh.JPG
15 Sep 1931  
  • Commander, Battle Force, U.S. Fleet (COMBATFOR), 1931–1932.
  • Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet (CINCUS), 1932–1933.
2 1891 (USNA)[9] 40 (1870–1946)[7][10]
37 Luke McNamee
ADM Luke McNamee, USN.jpg
11 Aug 1932  
  • Commander, Battle Force, U.S. Fleet (COMBATFOR), 1932–1933.
1 1892 (USNA)[9] 40 (1871–1952)[7][10] Governor of Guam, 1907; Director of Naval Intelligence, 1921–1923; President, Naval War College, 1933–1934.
38 William H. Standley
William Standley 80-G-K-2786 (26144162862).jpg
20 May 1933   4 1895 (USNA)[9] 38 (1872–1963)[7][11][12] U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union, 1942–1943.
39 David F. Sellers
NH 85835 Admiral David Foote Sellers, USN (cropped).jpg
10 Jun 1933  
  • Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet (CINCUS), 1933–1934.
1 1894 (USNA)[9] 39 (1874–1949)[7][10] Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, 1934–1938.
40 Joseph M. Reeves
NH 47100 Admiral Joseph M. Reeves, USN.jpg
1 Jul 1933  
  • Commander, Battle Force, U.S. Fleet (COMBATFOR), 1933–1934.
  • Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet (CINCUS), 1934–1936.
3 1894 (USNA)[9] 39 (1872–1948)[7][10][13]
41 Frank B. Upham
Admiral Frank Brooks Upham, USN (cropped).jpg
18 Aug 1933   2 1893 (USNA)[9] 40 (1872–1939)[7] Married aunt of Navy four-star admiral Robert B. Carney.
42 Frank H. Brumby
NH 56267 Vice Admiral Frank Hardeman Brumby, USN.jpg
15 Jun 1934  
  • Commander, Battle Force, U.S. Fleet (COMBATFOR), 1934–1935.
1 1895 (USNA)[9] 39 (1874–1950)[7][10]
43 Harris Laning
Admiral Harris Laning.png
1 Apr 1935  
  • Commander, Battle Force, U.S. Fleet (COMBATFOR), 1935–1936.
1 1895 (USNA)[9] 40 (1873–1941)[7] President, Naval War College, 1930–1933; Governor, U.S. Naval Home, 1937–1941.
44 Orin G. Murfin
NH 70950 Admiral Orin G. Murfin, USN (cropped).jpg
4 Oct 1935   1 1897 (USNA)[9] 38 (1876–1956)[7][10]
45 William D. Leahy
NH 48260 Admiral William D. Leahy, USN (cropped).jpg
30 Mar 1936   10 1897 (USNA)[9] 39 (1875–1959)[14] Promoted to fleet admiral, 15 Dec 1944. Governor of Puerto Rico, 1939–1940; U.S. Ambassador to France, 1941–1942. Wife's niece married Navy four-star admiral David W. Bagley.
46 Arthur J. Hepburn
Arthur hepburn adm usn.svg
24 Jun 1936  
  • Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet (CINCUS), 1936–1938.
2 1897 (USNA)[9] 39 (1877–1964)[7][10]
47 Harry E. Yarnell
Adm Harry Yarnell.svg
30 Oct 1936   3 1897 (USNA)[9] 39 (1875–1959)[7][10][15]
48 Claude C. Bloch
NH 79466 Admiral Claude Charles Bloch, USN.jpg
2 Jan 1937  
  • Commander, Battle Force, U.S. Fleet (COMBATFOR), 1937–1938.
  • Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet (CINCUS), 1938–1940.
3 1899 (USNA)[9] 38 (1878–1967)[7][16]
49 Edward C. Kalbfus
NH 48681 Admiral Edward C. Kalbfus, USN (cropped).jpg
29 Jan 1938  
  • Commander, Battle Force, U.S. Fleet (COMBATFOR), 1938–1939.
1 1899 (USNA)[9] 39 (1877–1954)[7][10] President, Naval War College, 1934–1936; 1939–1942.
50 James O. Richardson
NH 77052 Admiral James O. Richardson, USN (cropped).jpg
24 Jun 1939  
  • Commander, Battle Force, U.S. Fleet (COMBATFOR), 1939–1940.
  • Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet (CINCUS), 1940–1941.
2 1902 (USNA)[9] 37 (1878–1974)[7][16] Relieved, 1941.
51 Thomas C. Hart
NH 95164 Admiral Thomas C. Hart U.S.N (cropped).jpg
25 Jul 1939   3 1897 (USNA)[9] 42 (1877–1971)[17] Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, 1931–1934; U.S. Senator from Connecticut, 1945–1946.
52 Harold R. Stark
Harold Rainsford Stark.jpg
1 Aug 1939   6 1903 (USNA)[9] 36 (1880–1972)
53 Charles P. Snyder
NH 45017 Admiral Charles P. Snyder, USN (cropped).jpg
6 Jan 1940  
  • Commander, Battle Force, U.S. Fleet (COMBATFOR), 1940–1941.
1 1900 (USNA)[9] 40 (1879–1964)[7][16] President, Naval War College, 1937–1939.
54 Husband E. Kimmel
Admiral Husband E. Kimmel, USN.jpg
1 Feb 1941   0 1904 (USNA)[9] 37 (1882–1968)[7] Relieved, 1941. Brother-in-law of Navy four-star admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid.
55 Ernest J. King
80-G-K-13800-A (26222698781).jpg
1 Feb 1941   4 1901 (USNA)[9] 40 (1878–1956) Promoted to fleet admiral, 17 Dec 1944. Awarded Congressional Gold Medal, 1946. Father-in-law of Air Force four-star general Frederic H. Smith Jr.
56 Chester W. Nimitz
Adm Chester Nimitz-1942.jpg
31 Dec 1941   6 1905 (USNA)[9] 36 (1885–1966) Promoted to fleet admiral, 19 Dec 1944. Brother married daughter of Navy four-star admiral Charles F. Hughes.
57 Royal E. Ingersoll
NH 90905 Admiral Royal Eason Ingersoll, USN (cropped).jpg
1 Jul 1942   3 1905 (USNA)[9] 37 (1883–1976)
58 William F. Halsey Jr.
Admiral William Frederick Halsey by Harry Warnecke and Robert F. Cranston, 1945, color carbro print, from the National Portrait Gallery - NPG-9500834C 1.jpg
18 Nov 1942   3 1904 (USNA)[9] 38 (1882–1959) Promoted to fleet admiral, 4 Dec 1945.
59 Raymond A. Spruance
Ray Spruance (cropped).jpg
16 Feb 1944   4 1906 (USNA)[9] 38 (1886–1969) U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, 1952–1955.
60 Jonas H. Ingram
ADM Jonas Ingram.jpg
15 Nov 1944   2 1909 (USNA)[9] 35 (1886–1952) Commissioner, All-America Football Conference, 1947–1949. Awarded Medal of Honor, 1914.
61 Frederick J. Horne
Admiral Frederick J Horne.png
15 Dec 1944   1 1899 (USNA)[9] 45 (1880–1959)
62 Richard S. Edwards Jr.
Richard Edwards, Adm USN.svg
3 Apr 1945   2 1907 (USNA)[9] 38 (1885–1956)
63 H. Kent Hewitt
H. Kent Hewitt Adm USN.svg
3 Apr 1945   4 1907 (USNA)[9] 38 (1887–1972)
64 Thomas C. Kinkaid
Thomas C. Kinkaid.jpg
3 Apr 1945   5 1908 (USNA)[9] 37 (1888–1972) Brother-in-law of Navy four-star admiral Husband E. Kimmel.
65 Richmond K. Turner
Richmond Kelly Turner (cropped).jpg
24 May 1945   2 1908 (USNA)[9] 37 (1885–1961)
66 Samuel M. Robinson
80-G-424359 Vice Admiral Samuel M. Robinson, USN (cropped).jpg
27 Aug 1945   1 1903 (USNA)[9] 42 (1882–1972) Administrator, Webb Institute of Naval Architecture, 1946–1951. First staff corps officer to attain rank of admiral.
* John S. McCain Sr.
Vice-Admiral John S McCain.jpg
6 Sep 1945  
  • (posthumous)
0 1906 (USNA)[9] 39 (1884–1945) Father of Navy four-star admiral John S. McCain Jr.; grandfather of U.S. Senator John S. McCain III.
67 John H. Towers
CINCPAC ADM Towers.jpg
7 Nov 1945   2 1906 (USNA)[9] 39 (1885–1955)
68 DeWitt C. Ramsey
CINCPAC ADM Ramsey.jpg
28 Dec 1945   4 1912 (USNA) 33 (1888–1961)
69 Louis E. Denfeld
80-G-704657 (26290116655).jpg
7 Jan 1946   2 1912 (USNA) 34 (1891–1972)[18] Candidate for Republican Party nomination for Governor of Massachusetts, 1950. Relieved, 1949.
70 Charles M. Cooke Jr.
Charles-Cooke-g302333.jpg
8 Jan 1946   2 1910 (USNA)[9] 36 (1886–1970)
71 Marc A. Mitscher
Vice Admiral Marc A. Mitscher during World War II (80-G-424169).jpg
1 Mar 1946   1 1910 (USNA)[9] 36 (1887–1947) Died in office.
72 Ben Moreell
ADM Ben Moreell.jpg
11 Jun 1946   0 1917 (direct) 29 (1892–1978)
73 Richard L. Conolly
VADM Richard L. Conolly (cropped).jpg
23 Sep 1946   4 1914 (USNA) 32 (1892–1962)[19] President, Naval War College, 1950–1953; President, Long Island University, 1953–1962.
74 William H.P. Blandy
L-38-07 ADM William H.P. Blandy.jpg
3 Feb 1947   3 1913 (USNA) 34 (1890–1954)
75 Arthur W. Radford
ADM Arthur Radford.JPG
7 Apr 1949   8 1916 (USNA) 33 (1896–1973) Married aunt of Army four-star general Michael S. Davison.
76 Forrest P. Sherman
Forrest P SHerman.jpg
2 Nov 1949   2 1917 (USNA) 32 (1896–1951) Died in office.
77 William M. Fechteler
80-G-412087 (26343401546).jpg
1 Feb 1950   6 1916 (USNA) 34 (1896–1967)
78 Robert B. Carney
Robert Bostwick Carney.jpg
2 Oct 1950   5 1916 (USNA) 34 (1895–1990) Aunt married Navy four-star admiral Frank B. Upham.
79 Lynde D. McCormick
80-G-625350 Admiral Lynde D. McCormick, USN (cropped portrait 2).jpg
22 Dec 1950   4 1915 (USNA) 35 (1895–1956)[20] President, Naval War College, 1954–1956.
80 Donald B. Duncan
Donald B Duncan.jpg
9 Aug 1951   5 1917 (USNA) 34 (1896–1975) Governor, U.S. Naval Home, 1957–1962. Brother-in-law of U.S. Secretary of Commerce Harry L. Hopkins.
81 Felix B. Stump
NH 83118 Admiral Felix B. Stump, USN (cropped).jpg
27 Jun 1953   5 1917 (USNA) 36 (1894–1972)
82 Jerauld Wright
80-G-K-20072 Admiral Jerauld Wright, USN.jpg
6 Apr 1954   6 1917 (USNA) 37 (1898–1995) U.S. Ambassador to China, 1963–1965.
83 John H. Cassady
L38-13.08.01 Admiral John H. Cassady.jpg
7 Apr 1954   2 1918 (USNA) 36 (1896–1969)
84 Arleigh A. Burke
ADM Burke, Arleigh (CNO).jpg
6 Jun 1955   6 1923 (USNA) 32 (1901–1996) Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom, 1977.
85 Robert P. Briscoe
Admiral Robert Briscoe from 2000 USS Briscoe Cruisebook.jpg
30 Apr 1956   3 1918 (USNA) 38 (1897–1968)
86 Walter F. Boone
Adm. Walter F. Boone.jpg
1 May 1956   4 1920 (USNA) 36 (1898–1995) Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, 1954–1956; Deputy Associate Administrator for Defense Affairs, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 1962–1968.
87 Harry D. Felt
CINCPAC ADM Felt.jpg
1 Sep 1956   8 1923 (USNA) 33 (1902–1992)
88 Maurice E. Curts
Maurice E Curts.jpg
29 Apr 1957   1 1919 (USNA) 38 (1898–1976)[19]
89 James L. Holloway Jr.
ADM James L. Holloway Jr (cropped).jpg
1 Jan 1958   1 1918 (USNA) 40 (1898–1984) Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, 1947–1950; Governor, U.S. Naval Home, 1962–1966. Father of Navy four-star admiral James L. Holloway III.
90 Herbert G. Hopwood
Herbert G. Hopwood.JPG
1 Feb 1958   2 1919 (USNA) 39 (1898–1966)
91 James S. Russell
ADM James S. Russell.jpg
21 Jul 1958   7 1926 (USNA) 32 (1903–1996)
92 Charles R. Brown
NH 56283-KN Admiral Charles Randall Brown, USN.jpg
1 Jan 1959   2 1921 (USNA) 38 (1899–1983)
93 Robert L. Dennison
Robert L Dennison.jpg
1 Feb 1959   4 1923 (USNA) 36 (1901–1980)
94 Harold Page Smith
Harold Page Smith.jpg
1 Feb 1960   5 1924 (USNA) 36 (1904–1993) Uncle of Navy four-star admiral Leighton W. Smith Jr.
95 John H. Sides
L-38-82 ADM John H. Sides.jpg
1 Mar 1960   3 1925 (USNA) 35 (1904–1978)
96 George W. Anderson Jr.
PAA-N-4996 ADM George W. Anderson, Jr. (26501746045).jpg
1 Aug 1961   2 1927 (USNA) 34 (1906–1992) U.S. Ambassador to Portugal, 1963–1966.
97 Claude V. Ricketts
ADM Claude V. Ricketts.jpg
1 Nov 1961   3 1929 (USNA) 32 (1906–1964) Died in office.
98 David L. McDonald
ADM McDonald, David Lamar.jpg
1 Apr 1963   4 1928 (USNA) 35 (1906–1997)
99 Charles D. Griffin
ADM Griffin, Charles D.jpg
26 Jun 1963   5 1927 (USNA) 36 (1906–1996)
100 U.S. Grant Sharp Jr.
ADM Sharp, Ulysses Grant Jr.jpg
27 Sep 1963   5 1927 (USNA) 36 (1906–2001) Great-aunt married U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant.
101 Thomas H. Moorer
ADM Thomas Moorer.JPG
26 Jun 1964   10 1933 (USNA) 31 (1912–2004)
102 Horacio Rivero Jr.
ADM Rivero, Horacio Jr.jpg
31 Jul 1964   8 1931 (USNA) 33 (1910–2000) U.S. Ambassador to Spain, 1972–1974.
103 John S. Thach
ADM Thach, John.jpg
25 Mar 1965   2 1927 (USNA) 38 (1905–1981)
104 Alfred G. Ward
ADM Ward, Alfred G.jpg
27 Mar 1965   3 1932 (USNA) 33 (1909–1982)
105 Roy L. Johnson
ADM Roy Johnson.jpg
31 Mar 1965   2 1929 (USNA) 36 (1906–1999)
106 John S. McCain Jr.
John S. McCain, Jr. color portrait.jpg
1 May 1967   5 1931 (USNA) 36 (1911–1981) Son of Navy four-star admiral John S. McCain Sr.; father of U.S. Senator John S. McCain III.
107 Ignatius J. Galantin
Ignatius J Gallantin.jpg
19 May 1967   3 1933 (USNA) 34 (1910–2004)
108 Ephraim P. Holmes
ADM Holmes, Ephraim.jpg
17 Jun 1967   3 1930 (USNA) 37 (1908–1997)
109 John J. Hyland Jr.
ADM Hyland, John J.jpg
1 Dec 1967   3 1934 (USNA) 33 (1912–1998)
110 Bernard A. Clarey
ADM Bernard A. Clarey.jpg
17 Jan 1968   5 1934 (USNA) 34 (1912–1996)
111 Waldemar F.A. Wendt
Waldemar F. A. Wendt portrait.jpg
12 Jul 1968   3 1933 (USNA) 35 (1912–1997)
112 Elmo R. Zumwalt Jr.
Elmo Zumwalt.jpg
1 Jul 1970   4 1942 (USNA) 28 (1920–2000) Democratic Party nominee for U.S. Senator from Virginia, 1976. Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom, 1998.
113 Charles K. Duncan
ADM Duncan, Charles K.jpg
1 Sep 1970   2 1933 (USNA) 37 (1911–1994)
114 Jackson D. Arnold
VADM Jackson D Arnold
14 Oct 1970   1 1934 (USNA) 36 (1912–2007) First restricted line officer to attain rank of admiral.
115 Ralph W. Cousins
L38-18 ADM Ralph W. Cousins.jpg
1970-10-3030 Oct 1970   5 1937 (USNA) 33 (1915–2009)
116 William F. Bringle
Vice Admiral William F. Bringle.jpg
1 Jul 1971   2 1937 (USNA) 34 (1913–1999)
117 Isaac C. Kidd Jr.
Isaac C. Kidd, Jr. portrait.jpg
1 Dec 1971   7 1942 (USNA) 29 (1919–1999)
118 Richard G. Colbert
Adm. Richard G. Colbert (cropped 2).jpg
1 Jun 1972   1 1937 (USNA) 35 (1915–1973) President, Naval War College, 1968–1971.
119 Noel A.M. Gayler
CINCPAC ADM Gayler.jpg
1 Sep 1972   4 1935 (USNA) 37 (1914–2011) Director, National Security Agency, 1969–1972.
120 Maurice F. Weisner
CINCPAC ADM Weisner.jpg
1 Sep 1972   7 1941 (USNA) 31 (1917–2006)
121 James L. Holloway III
James Holloway III.jpg
1 Sep 1973   5 1942 (USNA) 31 (1922–2019) Son of Navy four-star admiral James L. Holloway Jr.
122 Worth H. Bagley
ADM Worth H. Bagley.jpg
1 Sep 1973   2 1947 (USNA) 26 (1924–2016) Son of Navy four-star admiral David W. Bagley; brother of Navy four-star admiral David H. Bagley; great-aunt married Navy five-star admiral William D. Leahy; great-aunt married U.S. Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels.
123 Hyman G. Rickover
Hyman Rickover 1955.jpg
16 Nov 1973   9 1922 (USNA) 51 (1900–1986)[21] Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom, 1980; Congressional Gold Medal, 1958 and 1982.
124 Means Johnston Jr.
L38-44.03.01 Admiral Means Johnston, Jr., USN.jpg
25 Nov 1973   2 1939 (USNA) 34 (1916–1989)
125 Harold E. Shear
ADM Shear, Harold Edson.jpg
24 May 1974   6 1942 (USNA) 32 (1918–1999) Administrator, U.S. Maritime Administration, 1981–1985.
126 John P. Weinel
ADM Weinel, John Philip.jpg
2 Aug 1974   3 1939 (USNA) 35 (1916–2004)
127 Frederick H. Michaelis
ADM Michaelis, Frederick H.jpg
19 Apr 1975   3 1940 (USNA) 35 (1917–1992)
128 David H. Bagley
Bagley, David Harrington.JPG
21 May 1975   2 1943 (USNA) 32 (1920–1992) Son of Navy four-star admiral David W. Bagley; brother of Navy four-star admiral Worth H. Bagley; great-aunt married Navy five-star admiral William D. Leahy; great-aunt married U.S. Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels.
129 Stansfield Turner
Admiral Stansfield Turner, official Navy photo, 1983.JPEG
1 Sep 1975   4 1946 (USNA) 29 (1923–2018) President, Naval War College, 1972–1974.
130 Daniel J. Murphy
D. J. Murphy 428-GX-271-KN-28684.jpg
28 May 1976  
  • Deputy to the Director of Central Intelligence for the Intelligence Community (D/DCI/IC), 1976–1977.
1 1943 (OCS) 33 (1922–2001) U.S. Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, 1977–1981; Chief of Staff to the U.S. Vice President, 1981–1985.
131 Thomas B. Hayward
ADM Hayward, Thomas B CNO Official Portrait.jpg
12 Aug 1976   6 1947 (USNA) 29 (1924–2022)
132 Robert L. J. Long
CINCPAC ADM Long.jpg
5 Jul 1977   6 1943 (USNA) 34 (1920–2002)
133 Donald C. Davis
ADM Donald C. Davis.jpg
9 May 1978   3 1943 (USNA) 35 (1921–1998)
134 Alfred J. Whittle Jr.
ADM Whittle, Alfred James Jr.jpg
1 Aug 1978   3 1945 (USNA) 33 (1924–1993)
135 Harry D. Train II
ADM Train, Harry Depue II.jpg
1 Oct 1978   4 1949 (USNA) 29 (1927–       )
136 James D. Watkins
Admiral James Watkins, official military photo.JPEG
18 Sep 1979   7 1949 (USNA) 30 (1927–2012) Chairman, Watkins Commission, 1987–1988; U.S. Secretary of Energy, 1989–1993.
137 William J. Crowe Jr.
Adm William Crowe Jr.JPG
30 May 1980   9 1947 (USNA) 33 (1925–2007) U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, 1994–1997. Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom, 2000.
138 Bobby R. Inman
Admiral Bobby Ray Inman, official CIA photo, 1983.JPEG
12 Feb 1981   1 1952 (OCS) 29 (1931–       )[22] Director of Naval Intelligence, 1974–1976; Director, National Security Agency, 1977–1981. First naval intelligence specialist to attain rank of admiral.
139 William N. Small
ADM Small, William Newell 2.JPEG
1 Jul 1981   4 1948 (USNA) 33 (1927–2016)
140 John G. Williams Jr.
John G. Williams, Jr.jpg
1 Jul 1981   2 1947 (USNA) 34 (1924–1991)
141 George E.R. Kinnear II
George Kinnear1.jpg
31 Jul 1981   1 1948 (OCS) 33 (1928–2015)
142 Kinnaird R. McKee
Kinnaird R. McKee DN-SC-86-01010.JPG
2 Mar 1982   6 1951 (USNA) 31 (1929–2013) Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, 1975–1978.
143 Sylvester R. Foley Jr.
ADM Sylvester Foley.JPEG
28 May 1982   3 1950 (USNA) 32 (1928–2019) U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy for Defense Programs, 1985–1988.
144 Wesley L. McDonald
ADM McDonald, Wesley USN.jpg
1 Oct 1982   3 1946 (USNA) 36 (1924–2009)
145 Ronald J. Hays
Ronald J Hays.jpg
29 Apr 1983   5 1950 (USNA) 33 (1928–2021)
146 Steven A. White
Steven A White.jpg
1 Aug 1983   2 1952 (NROTC) 31 (1928–2021) Manager of Nuclear Power, Tennessee Valley Authority, 1986–1988.
147 Lee Baggett Jr.
Admiral (ADM) Lee Baggett Jr., USN (uncovered).jpg
30 May 1985   3 1950 (USNA) 35 (1927–1999)
148 James A. Lyons Jr.
James A Lyons Jr.jpg
16 Sep 1985   2 1952 (USNA) 33 (1927–2018)
149 Carlisle A.H. Trost
Admiral Carlisle Trost, official military photo.JPEG
4 Oct 1985   5 1953 (USNA) 32 (1930–2020)
150 James B. Busey IV
James B Busey IV.jpg
17 Oct 1985   4 1954 (NAVCAD) 31 (1932–       ) Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration, 1989–1991; U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation, 1991–1992.
151 Arthur S. Moreau Jr.
Admiral Arthur S. Moreau Jr.jpg
15 Nov 1985   1 1953 (USNA) 32 (1931–1986) Died in office.
152 Frank B. Kelso II
ADM Frank B. Kelso II, 1994.jpg
13 Jun 1986   8 1956 (USNA) 30 (1933–2013)
153 Huntington Hardisty
Huntington Hardisty.jpg
11 Mar 1987   4 1952 (USNA) 35 (1929–2003) President, Naval War College, 1977.
154 Powell F. Carter Jr.
Portrait of US Navy (USN) Admiral (ADM) Powell F. Carter Jr. (covered).jpg
1 Oct 1987   4 1955 (USNA) 32 (1931–2017)
155 David E. Jeremiah
ADM David E Jeremiah.JPG
1 Oct 1987   7 1956 (OCS) 32 (1934–2013)
156 Leon A. Edney
Portrait of US Navy Admiral Leon A. Edney.jpg
1 Oct 1988   4 1957 (USNA) 31 (1935–       )
157 Bruce DeMars
Adm. Bruce DeMars, USN.jpg
1 Nov 1988   8 1957 (USNA) 31 (1935–       )
158 James R. Hogg
James R. Hogg DN-SC-91-02424.JPEG
1 Dec 1988   3 1956 (USNA) 32 (1934–       )
159 Jonathan T. Howe
Jonathan howe.jpg
1 Jun 1989   3 1957 (USNA) 32 (1935–       ) U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Politico-Military Affairs, 1982–1984; Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary General for Somalia, 1993–1994.
160 Charles R. Larson
Adm Charles R Larson - official portrait, Superintendent of US Naval Academy.jpg
1 Mar 1990   8 1958 (USNA) 32 (1936–2014)[23] Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, 1983–1986; Democratic Party nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, 2002.
161 Jerome L. Johnson
Jerome L Johnson.jpg
1 Jul 1990   2 1956 (NROTC) 34 (1935–       )
162 Paul D. Miller
Adm Paul D Miller USN.jpeg
1 Feb 1991   3 1964 (OCS) 27 (1941–       )
163 William D. Smith
William D Smith.jpg
22 Feb 1991   2 1955 (USNA) 36 (1933–2020)
164 Robert J. Kelly
Robert J Kelly.jpg
1 Mar 1991   3 1959 (USNA) 32 (1938–       )
165 Jeremy M. Boorda
Adm. Jeremy M. Boorda (2).jpg
2 Mar 1992   4 1962 (OCS) 30 (1938–1996) Died in office.
166 William O. Studeman
Vice Admiral William Studeman (NSA), 1988.jpg
9 Apr 1992   3 1962 (NROTC) 30 (1940–       ), Director of Naval Intelligence, 1985–1988; Director, National Security Agency, 1988–1992. Father of Navy rear admiral Michael W. Studeman.
167 Stanley R. Arthur
Stanley R Arthur.jpg
6 Jul 1992   3 1957 (NROTC) 35 (1935–       )[24]
168 Henry H. Mauz Jr.
Henry H Mauz2.jpg
1 Aug 1992   2 1959 (USNA) 33 (1936–       )
169 Henry G. Chiles Jr.
Henry G Chiles (cropped).jpg
14 Feb 1994   2 1960 (USNA) 34 (1938–       )
170 William A. Owens
Admiral William Owens, military portrait, 1994.JPEG
1 Mar 1994   2 1962 (USNA) 32 (1940–       )
171 Leighton W. Smith Jr.
ADM Leighton W. Smith, Jr.jpg
1 May 1994   2 1962 (USNA) 32 (1939–       ) Nephew of Navy four-star admiral Harold Page Smith.
172 Richard C. Macke
USCINCPAC ADM Macke.jpg
1 Oct 1994   2 1960 (USNA) 34 (1938–       )[7] Relieved, 1996.
173 Ronald J. Zlatoper
Ronald J Zlatoper.jpg
5 Oct 1994   2 1963 (NROTC) 31 (1941–2022)
174 William J. Flanagan Jr.
ADM William J Flanagan.jpg
1 Nov 1994   2 1964 (MMA)[25] 30 (1943–       )
175 Joseph W. Prueher
Joseph W. Prueher, ADM USN, 1996.jpg
1 Jun 1995   4 1964 (USNA) 31 (1942–       ) U.S. Ambassador to China, 1999–2001.
176 Jay L. Johnson
Admiral Jay Johnson, official military photo.JPEG
1 Apr 1996   4 1968 (USNA) 28 (1946–       )
177 Thomas J. Lopez
ADM Thomas J Lopez.jpg
31 Jul 1996   2 1964 (NROTC) 32 (1940–       )
178 Frank L. Bowman
ADM Frank L. Bowman (covered 2).jpg
1 Oct 1996   8 1966 (NROTC) 30 (1944–       )
179 Harold W. Gehman Jr.
Admiral Harold W. Gehman, Jr..jpg
1 Oct 1996   4 1965 (NROTC) 31 (1942–       )
180 Archie R. Clemins
Archie R Clemins (cropped).jpg
1 Jan 1997   2 1966 (NROTC) 31 (1943–2020)
181 J. Paul Reason
Admiral Joseph Paul Reason.jpg
1 Feb 1997   2 1965 (USNA) 32 (1941–       ) First African-American to achieve the rank of admiral.
182 Donald L. Pilling
Donald L Pilling.jpg
30 Oct 1997   3 1965 (USNA) 32 (1943–2008)
183 Richard W. Mies
Adm. Richard W. Mies STRATCOM.gif
1 Aug 1998   3 1967 (USNA) 31 (1944–       )
184 Charles S. Abbot
Charles S Abbot.jpg
1 Sep 1998   2 1966 (USNA) 32 (1945–       ) Deputy Director, Office of Homeland Security, 2001–2003.
185 James O. Ellis
James o ellis.jpg
1 Jan 1999   5 1969 (USNA) 30 (1947–       )
186 Dennis C. Blair
Dennis Blair.jpg
1 May 1999   3 1968 (USNA) 31 (1946–       ) President, Institute for Defense Analyses, 2003–2006; Director of National Intelligence, 2009–2010.
187 Vernon E. Clark
VernClark.jpg
1 Nov 1999   6 1968 (OCS) 31 (1944–       )
188 Thomas B. Fargo
Thomas fargo.jpg
1 Dec 1999   6 1970 (USNA) 29 (1948–       )
189 Robert J. Natter
Robert J Natter.jpg
1 Sep 2000   3 1967 (USNA) 33 (1945–       )
190 William J. Fallon
ADM Fallon Portrait.jpg
1 Nov 2000   8 1967 (NROTC) 33 (1944–       ) Resigned, 2008.
191 Gregory G. Johnson
Gregory G Johnson.jpg
24 Oct 2001   3 1969 (NROTC) 32 (1946–       )
192 Walter F. Doran
ADMWalterDoran.jpg
4 May 2002   3 1967 (NROTC) 35 (1945–       )
193 Edmund P. Giambastiani Jr.
Giambastiani - 27 Feb 07.jpg
2 Oct 2002   5 1970 (USNA) 32 (1948–       )
194 Michael G. Mullen
Michael Mullen, CJCS, official photo portrait, 2007.jpg
28 Aug 2003   8 1968 (USNA) 35 (1946–       )
195 John B. Nathman
John B. Nathman.jpg
1 Dec 2004   3 1970 (USNA) 34 (1948–       )
196 Timothy J. Keating
Timothy J. Keating 2007 2.jpg
1 Jan 2005   5 1971 (USNA) 34 (1949–       )
197 Kirkland H. Donald
ADM Kirkland H Donald.jpg
1 Jan 2005   8 1975 (USNA) 30 (1953–       )
198 Robert F. Willard
ADM Robert F. Willard.jpg
18 Mar 2005   7 1973 (USNA) 32 (1950–       )
199 Henry G. Ulrich III
Henry ulrich.jpg
22 Jul 2005   2 1972 (USNA) 33 (1950–       )
200 Gary Roughead
US Navy 071108-N-0000X-001 Navy file photo of Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead.jpg
1 Sep 2005   6 1973 (USNA) 32 (1951–       )
201 James G. Stavridis
Stavridis EUCOM.jpg
18 Oct 2006   7 1976 (USNA) 30 (1955–       ) Dean, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, 2013–2018.
202 Patrick M. Walsh
ADM Walsh.jpg
5 Apr 2007   5 1977 (USNA) 30 (1955–       )
203 Eric T. Olson
Admiral Eric Olson.jpg
6 Jul 2007   4 1973 (USNA) 34 (1952–       ) First Navy SEAL to achieve the rank of admiral.
204 Jonathan W. Greenert
Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert (CNO).jpg
29 Sep 2007   8 1975 (USNA) 32 (1953–       )
205 Mark P. Fitzgerald
ADM Mark Fitzgerald.jpg
30 Nov 2007   3 1973 (NROTC) 34 (1951–       )
206 John C. Harvey Jr.
ADM John C Harvey Jr.jpg
24 Jul 2009   3 1973 (USNA) 36 (1951–       ) Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, 2014–2017.
207 James A. Winnefeld Jr.
Admiral James A. Winnefeld, Jr.jpg
19 May 2010   5 1978 (NROTC) 32 (1956–       ) Chair, President's Intelligence Advisory Board, 2022–present.
208 Samuel J. Locklear III
Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III 2012.jpg
6 Oct 2010   5 1977 (USNA) 33 (1954–       )
209 William H. McRaven
ADM William H. McRaven 2012.jpg
8 Aug 2011   3 1977 (NROTC) 34 (1955–       ) Chancellor, University of Texas System, 2015–2018.
210 Mark E. Ferguson III
Ferguson2014.jpg
22 Aug 2011   5 1978 (USNA) 33 (1956–       )
211 Cecil D. Haney
Admiral Cecil D. Haney STRATCOM.jpg
20 Jan 2012   4 1978 (USNA) 34 (1955–       )
212 Bruce W. Clingan
ADM Bruce W. Clingan.jpg
24 Feb 2012   2 1977 (NROTC) 34 (1955–       )
213 William E. Gortney
Gortney2014.jpg
14 Sep 2012   4 1977 (AOCS) 35 (1955–       )
214 John M. Richardson
Admiral John M. Richardson (CNO) 150917-N-AT895-703 (26207156950).jpg
2 Nov 2012   7 1982 (USNA) 31 (1960–       )
215 Harry B. Harris Jr.
Harris Jr PACOM 2015.jpg
16 Oct 2013   5 1978 (USNA) 35 (1956–       )[26] U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, 2018–2021. First Asian-American to achieve the rank of admiral.
216 Michael S. Rogers
Rogers 2018.jpg
3 Apr 2014   4 1981 (NROTC) 33 (1959–       ) First Information Warfare Community officer to achieve the rank of admiral.
217 Michelle J. Howard
Admiral Michelle J. Howard VCNO.jpg
1 Jul 2014   3 1982 (USNA) 32 (1960–       ) Chair, The Naming Commission, 2021–2022. First woman to achieve the rank of admiral.
218 Philip S. Davidson
Davidson PACOM.jpg
19 Dec 2014   7 1982 (USNA) 32 (1960–       )
219 Scott H. Swift
Admiral Scott H. Swift, USN.jpg
27 May 2015   3 1979 (AOCS) 36 (1957–       )
220 James F. Caldwell Jr.
ADM James Caldwell 2015.jpg
14 Aug 2015   8 1981 (USNA) 34 (1959–       ) Great-grandson of Navy four-star admiral Jehu V. Chase.
221 Kurt W. Tidd
ADM Kurt W. Tidd.jpg
14 Jan 2016   2 1978 (USNA) 38 (1956–       ) Son of Navy vice admiral Emmett H. Tidd; brother of Navy rear admiral Mark L. Tidd.
222 William F. Moran
Moran 2016 2.jpg
31 May 2016   3 1981 (USNA) 35 (1958–       )[27]
223 James G. Foggo III
Foggo 2018.jpg
20 Oct 2017   3 1981 (USNA) 36 (1959–       )
224 Christopher W. Grady
ADM Christopher W. Grady (2).jpg
4 May 2018   5 1984 (NROTC) 34 (1962–       )
225 John C. Aquilino
ADM John C. Aquilino (USINDOPACOM).jpg
17 May 2018   5 1984 (USNA) 34 (1961–       )[28]
226 Craig S. Faller
Faller Southcom 2.jpg
26 Nov 2018   3 1983 (USNA) 35 (1961–       )
227 Robert P. Burke
Burke 2020.jpg
10 Jun 2019   3 1983 (NROTC) 36 (1962–       )
228 Michael M. Gilday
Gilday CNO.jpg
22 Aug 2019   4 1985 (USNA) 34 (1962–       )
229 Charles A. Richard
Chas Richard STRATCOM 2019.jpg
18 Nov 2019   3 1982 (NROTC) 37 (1959–       )
230 William K. Lescher
Adm. William K. Lescher.jpg
29 May 2020   2 1980 (USNA) 40 (1958–       )
231 Samuel J. Paparo Jr.
Admiral Paparo 2021.jpg
5 May 2021   2 1987 (NROTC) 34 (1964–       )
232 Daryl L. Caudle
Admiral Daryl L. Caudle (U.S. Fleet Forces Command).jpg
7 Dec 2021   2 1985 (OCS) 36 (1963–       )
233 Stuart B. Munsch
Munsch Official Portrait, 2022.jpg
27 Jun 2022   1 1985 (USNA) 37 (1962–       )
234 Lisa M. Franchetti
ADM Lisa M. Franchetti (2).jpg
2 Sep 2022   1 1985 (NROTC) 37 (1964–       )

Tombstone admirals

The Act of Congress of 4 March 1925, allowed officers in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard to be promoted one grade upon retirement if they had been specially commended for performance of duty in actual combat. Combat citation promotions were colloquially known as "tombstone promotions" because they conferred all the perks and prestige of the higher rank including the loftier title on their tombstones but no additional retirement pay. The Act of Congress of 23 February 1942, enabled tombstone promotions to three- and four-star grades. Tombstone promotions were subsequently restricted to citations issued before 1 January 1947, and finally eliminated altogether effective 1 November 1959.

Any admiral who actually served in a grade while on active duty receives precedence on the retired list over any tombstone admiral holding the same retired grade. Tombstone admirals rank among each other according to the dates of their highest active duty grade.

Name Photo Date of rank (VADM) Date retired Commission[4] Notes
1 William L. Calhoun
William Lowndes Calhoun.jpg
16 Jun 1942   Dec 1946   1906 (USNA)[9] (1885–1963)[29] Great-grandson of U.S. Vice President John C. Calhoun.
2 Frank J. Fletcher
Frank Jack Fletcher-g14193.jpg
26 Jun 1942   May 1947   1906 (USNA)[9] (1885–1973) Awarded Medal of Honor, 1914. Nephew of Navy four-star admiral Frank F. Fletcher.
3 Aubrey W. Fitch
Aubrey W. Fitch;h97275.jpg
28 Dec 1942   Jul 1947   1906 (USNA)[9] (1883–1948) Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, 1945–1947.
4 John Howard Hoover
Admiral John H. Hoover.jpg
1 Jan 1943   Jul 1948   1906 (USNA)[9] (1887–1970)
5 Alan G. Kirk
Alan g kirk.jpg
10 Sep 1944   Mar 1946   1909 (USNA)[9] (1888–1963) Director of Naval Intelligence, 1941; U.S. Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg, 1946–1947; to Soviet Union, 1949–1952; to China, 1962–1963.
6 George D. Murray
VADM George D. Murray.jpg
29 Nov 1944   Aug 1951   1911 (USNA)[9] (1889–1956)
7 Jesse B. Oldendorf
Jesse Oldendorf.jpg
7 Dec 1944   Sep 1948   1909 (USNA)[9] (1887–1974)
8 Arthur S. Carpender
Arthur Carpender (colored).jpg
3 Apr 1945   Nov 1946   1908 (USNA)[9] (1884–1959) Superintendent, Admiral Farragut Academy, 1948–19??
9 Harry W. Hill
Harry W. Hill.jpg
22 Apr 1945   1952-05-00May 1952   1911 (USNA)[9] (1890–1971) Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, 1950–1952; Governor, U.S. Naval Home, 1952–1954.
10 Frederick C. Sherman
Admiral Frederick C. Sherman, USN.jpg
13 Jul 1945   Mar 1947   1910 (USNA)[9] (1880–1957)
11 John L. Hall Jr.
80-G-302404 Rear Admiral John L. Hall Jr., USN (cropped).jpg
10 Dec 1945   May 1953   1913 (USNA) (1891–1978)
12 Oscar C. Badger II
80-G-704899 Rear Admiral Oscar C. Badger, USN (cropped).jpg
13 Dec 1945   Jun 1952   1911 (USNA)[9] (1890–1958) Awarded Medal of Honor, 1914. Cousin of U.S. Secretary of the Navy George E. Badger.
13 John D. Price
VADM John Dale Price USN aviator 1892-1957.png
31 Aug 1946   Jun 1954   1916 (USNA) (1892–1957)
14 Francis S. Low
Francis Stuart Low2.jpg
12 Mar 1947   Jul 1956   1915 (USNA) (1894–1964)
15 David W. Bagley
VADM David Worth Bagley, USN.jpg
1 Apr 1947   Apr 1947   1904 (USNA)[9] (1883–1960) 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 five-star admiral William D. Leahy.
16 Harold B. Sallada
L38-77.07.01 Rear Admiral Harold B. Sallada.jpg
11 May 1947   Oct 1949   1917 (USNA) (1895–1977)
17 Arthur D. Struble
Arthur Dewey Struble.jpg
26 Apr 1948   Jul 1956   1915 (USNA)[30] (1894–1983)
18 Russell S. Berkey
Vice Adm. Russel S. Berkey (cropped).jpg
1 Jul 1948   Sep 1950   1916 (USNA) (1893–1984)
19 John W. Reeves Jr.
38-MCN-438 Rear Admiral John W. Reeves, Jr.jpg
1 Apr 1949   May 1950   1911 (USNA)[9] (1888–1967) general manager, Los Angeles International Airport, 1950–1952.
20 C. Turner Joy
Vice Admiral C. Turner Joy, USNA Superintendent (uncovered).jpg
1 Aug 1949   Jul 1954   1916 (USNA) (1895–1956) Superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy, 1952–1954.
21 Thomas L. Sprague
Thomas L. Sprague (cropped).jpg
15 Aug 1949   Apr 1952   1917 (USNA) (1894–1972)
22 John J. Ballentine
Vice Adm. John J. Ballentine.jpg
1 Nov 1949   May 1954   1917 (USNA) (1896–1970)
23 Matthias B. Gardner
NH 81907 Vice Admiral Matthias B. Gardner, USN (cropped).jpg
1 Oct 1950   Aug 1956   1919 (USNA) (1897–1975)
24 Albert G. Noble
80-G-428026 Vice Admiral Albert G. Noble.jpg
29 Dec 1950   Oct 1951   1917 (USNA) (1885–1980)
25 Harold M. Martin
NH 97358 Vice Admiral Harold M. Martin, USN.jpg
1 Feb 1951   Feb 1956   1919 (USNA) (1896–1972)
26 Arthur C. Davis
Vice Adm. Arthur C. Davis, USN (cropped).jpg
12 Feb 1951   Apr 1955   1915 (USNA) (1893–1965)
27 Laurance T. DuBose
80-G-433301 Laurance T. DuBose (cropped).jpg
30 Mar 1951   Jun 1955   1913 (USNA) (1893–1967)
28 James Fife Jr.
James Fife Jr.jpg
9 Aug 1951   Aug 1955   1918 (USNA) (1897–1975) Director, Mystic Seaport, 1956–1975
29 Frank G. Fahrion
Admiral Frank G Fahrion.jpg
28 Dec 1951   May 1956   1917 (USNA) (1894–1970)
30 Joseph J. Clark
Admiral Joseph J. Clark (cropped).jpg
7 Mar 1952   Dec 1953   1918 (USNA) (1893–1971)
31 Roscoe F. Good
80-G-625675 Vice Admiral Roscoe Fletcher Good, USN (cropped).jpg
27 Mar 1953   Mar 1958   1919 (USNA) (1897–1974)
32 William K. Phillips
Rear Admiral William K. Phillips, USN.jpg
28 Jul 1953   Aug 1955   1918 (USNA) (1894–1986)
33 John E. Gingrich
Adm. John E. Gingrich.jpg
30 Jul 1953   Oct 1954   1919 (USNA) (1897–1960)
34 Alfred M. Pride
Alfred M. Pride.jpeg
9 Oct 1953   Oct 1959   1918 (OCS)[31] (1897–1988)
35 Edmund T. Wooldridge
NH 95738 Vice Admiral Edmund T. Wooldridge, USN.jpg
6 Apr 1954   Aug 1958   1920 (USNA) (1897–1968)
36 Austin K. Doyle
Austin K. Doyle.jpg
7 May 1954   Aug 1958   1920 (USNA) (1898–1970)
37 Stuart S. Murray
Stuart S. Murray.jpg
7 Dec 1955   Aug 1956   1918 (USNA) (1898–1980) Nephew of Oklahoma governor William H. Murray.
38 Cato D. Glover Jr.
Admiral Cato D. Glover.jpg
8 Dec 1955   Sep 1957   1919 (USNA) (1897–1988)
39 John M. Will
80-G-692034 Vice Admiral John M. Will, U.S. Navy.jpg
17 Apr 1956   Jul 1959   1923 (USNA) (1899–1981)
40 Byron N. Hanlon
Byron H. Hanlon.jpg
1 Nov 1957   Oct 1958   1921 (USNA) (1900–1977)

History

Four-star positions

Structure of the United States NavyStructure of the United States Navyfederal government of the United StatesUnited States Intelligence Communitycombined operationsUnified combatant commandUnified combatant commandJoint Chiefs of StaffIraq WarWar in Afghanistan (2001–2021)Gulf WarVietnam WarKorean WarCold WarWorld War IIWorld War ISpanish–American WarAmerican Civil War

1866–1941

The rank of admiral was created in 1866 to honor the Civil War achievements of David Farragut. Upon his death, another Civil War hero, David D. Porter Jr., succeeded to the title. In 1873, Congress stated that further vacancies in the grade would not be filled, and the rank lapsed with Porter's death in 1890. Congress revived the rank in 1899 to honor George Dewey, stipulating that the grade would again cease to exist upon his death or retirement. In 1903, Dewey was promoted to the unique rank of Admiral of the Navy, which during his lifetime was considered to be equivalent to an admiral of the fleet, but was later declared to be senior to the five-star grade of fleet admiral.

The Act of 3 March 1915, provided that the commanders in chief of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Asiatic Fleets would have the rank of admiral while so serving, and their seconds in command the rank of vice admiral. In 1916, the Chief of Naval Operations was also made an admiral while so serving, ranking next after the Admiral of the Navy. The ranks of admiral and vice admiral were strictly temporary appointments for the duration of an officer's tour in designated billets, and the temporary admiral reverted to his permanent grade of rear admiral immediately upon vacating the office bearing the title.

In 1917, Congress accommodated the Navy's desire to reorganize the fleet by authorizing the President to appoint three admirals and three vice admirals for any six fleet command positions. All fleet command tours lasted one year except for the commander in chief of the U.S. Fleet, whose term was sometimes renewed for a second year, and the commander in chief of the Asiatic Fleet, whose command was considered a backwater. (The Chief of Naval Operations was appointed for four years.) Officers would typically "fleet up" to admiral or vice admiral for their year of fleet command and then revert to rear admiral to mark time until mandatory retirement.

Charles P. Snyder (admiral)Harold R. StarkJames O. RichardsonThomas C. HartEdward C. KalbfusClaude C. BlochHarry E. YarnellArthur J. HepburnWilliam D. LeahyOrin G. MurfinHarris LaningFrank H. BrumbyFrank B. UphamJoseph M. ReevesDavid F. SellersWilliam H. StandleyLuke McNameeRichard H. LeighMontgomery M. TaylorFrank H. SchofieldJehu V. ChaseCharles B. McVay Jr.Louis M. NultonWilliam V. PrattLouis R. de SteiguerMark L. BristolHenry A. WileyRichard H. JacksonCharles F. HughesClarence S. WilliamsSamuel S. RobisonThomas WashingtonEdwin A. AndersonEdward W. EberleHilary P. JonesJoseph Strauss (admiral)Robert E. CoontzAlbert GleavesHugh RodmanHenry B. Wilson Jr.William S. SimsAustin M. KnightHenry T. MayoWilliam S. BensonWilliam B. CapertonCameron M. WinslowAlbert G. WinterhalterWalter C. CowlesThomas B. HowardFrank F. FletcherGeorge DeweyDavid Dixon PorterDavid FarragutWorld War IIWorld War ISpanish–American WarAmerican Civil War

1941–1991

Harry B. Harris, the first Asian-American four-star admiral, is pinned with his new rank on 16 October 2013
Harry B. Harris, the first Asian-American four-star admiral, is pinned with his new rank on 16 October 2013

During World War II, the President was authorized to create as many admirals and vice admirals as he deemed necessary for the duration of the emergency. Most of these new creations retired at the end of the war, having been promoted to reward service in the fleet or headquarters, or to achieve parity with wartime counterparts. Although three- and four-star ranks remained temporary appointments, the practice of reverting to a lower grade pending retirement largely halted after 1942, when Congress authorized officers to be retired in the highest grade in which they served on active duty.[32] The rank of fleet admiral was created in 1944, and the four officers promoted to that grade were allowed to remain on active duty permanently.

By 1956, the Navy had equilibrated at a total of seven permanent billets bearing four-star rank: the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO); the Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO), the commanders in chief of the unified commands in the Pacific (CINCPAC) and Atlantic (CINCLANT); the commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT); the commander in chief of U.S. Naval Forces, Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean (CINCNELM) (retitled commander in chief of U.S. Naval Forces Europe (CINCUSNAVEUR) in 1960); and the commander in chief of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces in Southern Europe (CINCSOUTH). In 1965, an eighth billet was added when the chief of naval material (CNM) was promoted to admiral. Occasionally this count would fluctuate when a Navy officer was selected as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), as the chairman's four-star representative to the NATO Military Committee (USMILREP), or as the director or deputy director of central intelligence; or by special legislation.[23]

When the long-serving director of the naval nuclear reactor program, Hyman G. Rickover, was finally compelled to retire in 1982, his successor was promoted to admiral and appointed director of naval nuclear propulsion, institutionalizing the position as a permanent four-star billet. To compensate, another four-star billet was eliminated by merging Allied Forces Southern Europe with U.S. Naval Forces Europe. Similarly, when the U.S. Atlantic Fleet commander (CINCLANTFLT) was separated from the Atlantic unified commander in 1985, the number of four-star billets was conserved by eliminating the chief of naval material position. The U.S. Atlantic Fleet was replaced by U.S. Fleet Forces Command (COMUSFF) in 2006.

Jerome L. JohnsonCharles R. LarsonJonathan T. HoweJames R. HoggBruce DeMarsLeon A. EdneyDavid E. JeremiahPowell F. Carter Jr.Huntington HardistyFrank B. Kelso IIArthur S. Moreau Jr.James B. Busey IVCarlisle A. H. TrostJames A. Lyons Jr.Lee Baggett Jr.Steven A. WhiteRonald J. HaysWesley L. McDonaldSylvester R. Foley Jr.Kinnaird R. McKeeGeorge E. R. Kinnear IIJohn G. Williams Jr.William N. SmallBobby R. InmanWilliam J. Crowe Jr.James D. WatkinsHarry D. Train IIAlfred J. Whittle Jr.Donald C. DavisRobert L. J. LongThomas B. HaywardDaniel Murphy (admiral)Stansfield TurnerDavid H. BagleyFrederick H. MichaelisJohn P. WeinelHarold E. ShearMeans Johnston Jr.Hyman G. RickoverWorth H. BagleyJames L. Holloway IIIMaurice F. WeisnerNoel A.M. GaylerRichard G. ColbertIsaac C. Kidd Jr.William F. BringleRalph W. CousinsJackson D. ArnoldCharles K. DuncanElmo R. Zumwalt Jr.Waldemar F. A. WendtBernard A. ClareyJohn J. Hyland Jr.Ephraim P. HolmesIgnatius J. GalantinJohn S. McCain Jr.Roy L. JohnsonAlfred G. WardJohn S. ThachHoracio Rivero Jr.Thomas H. MoorerU.S. Grant Sharp Jr.Charles D. GriffinDavid L. McDonaldClaude V. RickettsGeorge W. Anderson Jr.John H. SidesHarold Page SmithRobert L. DennisonCharles R. BrownJames S. RussellHerbert G. HopwoodJames L. Holloway Jr.Maurice E. CurtsHarry D. FeltWalter F. BooneRobert P. BriscoeArleigh A. BurkeJohn H. CassadyJerauld WrightFelix B. StumpDonald B. DuncanLynde D. McCormickRobert B. CarneyWilliam M. FechtelerForrest P. ShermanArthur W. RadfordLouis E. DenfeldWilliam H.P. BlandyRichard L. ConollyMarc A. MitscherBen MoreellCharles M. Cooke Jr.DeWitt C. RamseyJohn H. TowersSamuel M. RobinsonRichmond K. TurnerThomas C. KinkaidH. Kent HewittRichard S. Edwards Jr.Frederick J. HorneJonas H. IngramRaymond A. SpruanceWilliam F. Halsey Jr.Royal E. IngersollChester W. NimitzErnest J. KingHusband E. KimmelHarold R. StarkThomas C. HartWilliam D. LeahyGulf WarVietnam WarKorean WarCold WarWorld War II

1991–present

With the end of the Cold War, U.S. Atlantic Command was repurposed as the joint force trainer, becoming U.S. Joint Forces Command in 1999. The change in mission cost the Navy its traditional monopoly over that command, which has since rotated among all the services, but the Navy made up the difference through repeated appointments to other combatant commands and to the vice chairmanship of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (VJCS). All military commanders in chief were retitled "Commanders" in 2002, when the title of "Commander in Chief" was reserved solely to the President of the United States.

Lisa FranchettiStuart B. MunschDaryl CaudleSamuel PaparoWilliam K. LescherCharles A. RichardMichael M. GildayRobert P. BurkeCraig S. FallerJohn C. AquilinoChristopher W. GradyJames G. Foggo IIIWilliam F. Moran (admiral)Kurt W. TiddJames F. Caldwell Jr.Scott H. SwiftPhilip S. DavidsonMichelle J. HowardMichael S. RogersHarry B. Harris Jr.John M. Richardson (admiral)William E. GortneyBruce W. ClinganCecil D. HaneyMark E. Ferguson IIIWilliam H. McRavenSamuel J. LocklearJames A. Winnefeld Jr.John C. Harvey Jr.Mark P. FitzgeraldJonathan W. GreenertEric T. OlsonPatrick M. WalshJames G. StavridisGary RougheadHenry G. Ulrich IIIRobert F. WillardKirkland H. DonaldTimothy J. KeatingJohn B. NathmanMichael MullenEdmund P. Giambastiani Jr.Walter F. DoranGregory G. JohnsonWilliam J. FallonRobert J. NatterThomas B. FargoVernon E. ClarkDennis Blair (U.S. Navy officer)James O. EllisCharles S. AbbotRichard W. MiesDonald L. PillingJ. Paul ReasonArchie R. CleminsHarold W. Gehman Jr.Frank BowmanThomas J. LopezJay L. JohnsonJoseph W. PrueherWilliam J. Flanagan Jr.Ronald J. ZlatoperRichard C. MackeLeighton W. Smith Jr.William A. OwensHenry G. Chiles Jr.Henry H. Mauz Jr.Stanley R. ArthurWilliam O. StudemanJeremy M. BoordaRobert J. KellyWilliam D. SmithPaul David MillerJerome L. JohnsonCharles R. LarsonJonathan T. HoweBruce DeMarsLeon A. EdneyDavid E. JeremiahFrank B. Kelso IIIraq WarWar in Afghanistan (2001–2021)

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Dates of rank are taken, where available, from the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, or from the U.S. Navy register of active and retired commissioned officers, or from the World Almanac and Book of Facts. The date listed is that of the officer's first promotion to admiral, and may differ from the officer's entry in the U.S. Navy register, which lists admirals who reverted to their permanent ranks of rear admiral as ranking from the date of the legislation that ultimately restored them to the rank of admiral, not from the dates of their original appointments.
  2. ^ a b Positions listed are those held by the officer when promoted to admiral. Dates listed are for the officer's full tenure, which may predate promotion to four-star rank or postdate retirement from active duty.
  3. ^ a b The number of years of active-duty service at four-star rank is approximated by subtracting the year in the "Date of rank" column from the last year in the "Position" column. Time spent between active-duty four-star assignments is not counted, nor is time spent on special duty as an unassigned fleet admiral.
  4. ^ a b c The year commissioned is taken to be the year the officer graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, or equivalent, which may precede the officer's actual date of commission by up to two years. Prior to 1912, graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy were required by law to serve two years at sea as passed midshipmen before receiving their commission as ensign. Sources of commission are listed in parentheses after the year of commission and include: the United States Naval Academy (USNA), Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC), Officer Candidate School (OCS), warrant; the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA), and the United States Military Academy (USMA).
  5. ^ a b The number of years in commission before being promoted to four-star rank is approximated by subtracting the year in the "Commission" column from the year in the "Date of rank" column.
  6. ^ a b Notes include years of birth and death; 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 other four-star officers or significant government officials such as U.S. Presidents, cabinet secretaries, U.S. Senators, or state governors; and unusual career events such as premature relief or death in office.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw Reverted to permanent rank of rear admiral upon vacating an office bearing the temporary rank of admiral.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Advanced to admiral on the retired list with date of rank 21 Jun 1930, as highest grade held during World War I.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs bt bu Commissioned as ensign after two years of sea duty.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Advanced to admiral on the retired list with date of rank 16 Jun 1942, as highest rank held on the active list.
  11. ^ a b Advanced to admiral on the retired list with date of rank 14 Aug 1938, as highest rank held while Chief of Naval Operations.
  12. ^ Retired as rear admiral, 1 Jan 1937; advanced to admiral on the retired list, 14 Aug 1938; recalled as admiral, 13 Feb 1941; retired, 11 Feb 1942; recalled as admiral, 12 Apr 1944; retired, 31 Aug 1945.
  13. ^ Retired as rear admiral, Dec 1936; recalled as rear admiral, 13 May 1940; advanced to vice admiral on the retired list, 23 Feb 1942; advanced to admiral on the retired list, 16 Jun 1942; retired, Dec 1946.
  14. ^ Retired as admiral, Aug 1939; recalled as admiral, 6 Jul 1942; promoted to fleet admiral, 15 Dec 1944; rank made permanent, 13 May 1946 (Act of 23 Mar 1946).
  15. ^ Retired as rear admiral, 1939; recalled as rear admiral, 1941; advanced to vice admiral on the retired list, 23 Feb 1942; advanced to admiral on the retired list, 16 Jun 1942; retired, 15 Jan 1943; recalled as admiral, 23 Jun 1943; retired, 15 Jan 1945.
  16. ^ a b c Retired as admiral, as highest rank held on active list.
  17. ^ Retired as admiral, Jul 1942, by Act of Congress; recalled as admiral, Jul 1942; retired, Feb 1945.
  18. ^ Promoted to admiral, 1947, with date of rank Jan 1946.
  19. ^ a b Reverted to vice admiral for final tour; retired as admiral.
  20. ^ Reverted to vice admiral for final tour; died in office.
  21. ^ Retired as vice admiral, 1964; retained on active duty until 1982; advanced to admiral on the retired list, 3 Dec 1973, with date of rank 16 Nov 1973.
  22. ^ Nomination as U.S. Secretary of Defense withdrawn, 1994.
  23. ^ a b In 1994, special legislation authorized Charles R. Larson to resume the superintendency of the U.S. Naval Academy, then a two-star billet, as a full admiral.
  24. ^ Nomination as commander in chief, U.S. Pacific Command (USCINCPAC) withdrawn, 1994.
  25. ^ Transferred from U.S. Merchant Marine, 1967.
  26. ^ Nomination as U.S. Ambassador to Australia withdrawn, 2018.
  27. ^ Nomination as Chief of Naval Operations confirmed, May 2019; retired prior to assumption of post.
  28. ^ First nomination as commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (CDRUSINDOPACOM) returned to the President, 2021.
  29. ^ Retired as vice admiral, Dec 1946; advanced to admiral on the retired list by reason of combat citation, Jan 1954.
  30. ^ "US People--Struble, Arthur D". Archived from the original on 24 December 2010. Retrieved 16 November 2008. Struble entered the U.S. Naval Academy in 1911 and received his commission in 1915.
  31. ^ Transferred from U.S. Naval Reserve, 1921.
  32. ^ Act of Congress of 16 July 1942.

Bibliography

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