Rear Admiral Charles S. Sperry
Admiral Charles Stillman Sperry was born on 3 September 1847 in Brooklyn, New York.
He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1886.
In November 1898 he became commanding officer of the USS Yorktown, and later served as senior officer of the Southern Squadron on the Asiatic Station and as President of the Naval War College.
As a Rear Admiral, he served in the US delegation to the Geneva Convention and the Second Hague Conference.
As Commander in Chief, Battle Fleet, he led the Great White Fleet during the major portion of its historic cruise from San Francisco to the cruise conclusion.
Admiral Sperry retired 3 September 1909, but was recalled to active duty for special service.
He died 1 February 1911 in Washington, D.C.
USS Charles S. Sperry (DD-697) was named in recognition of this great man.
The next instalment will cover the Fleets arrival in the port of Rio de Janeiro.
Regards
Sean
