John Rodgers (1772-1838)

He served as an officer in the U.S. Navy under six presidents and for nearly four decades (1790s to 1830s), taking part in numerous military engagements during the Quasi-War, both Barbary Wars, and the War of 1812. He was noted for commanding the largest American squadron in his day to sail the Mediterranean Sea; he was the Commander of the USS John Adams, the flagship of the fleet that defeated the Barbary states of North Africa; and, Commander of the USS President, flagship of the fleet that fired the first shot of the War of 1812. Later in his career he headed the Board of Navy Commissioners, and he briefly served as U.S. Secretary of the Navy. During his long career, he played a major role in the development of the standards, customs and traditions of the U.S. Navy that emerged during his time.