United States Navy rear admirals
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| United States Navy rear admirals | |
|---|---|
| Name | Rear admiral |
| Caption | Insignia for a rear admiral (lower half) |
| Country | United States |
| Service branch | United States Navy |
| Abbreviation | RDML, RADM |
| Rank | Two-star rank |
| Pay grade | O-7, O-8 |
| Formation | 1862 |
| Higher rank | Vice admiral |
| Lower rank | Captain |
| Equivalent ranks | Brigadier general (United States Army, United States Marine Corps, United States Air Force, United States Space Force) |
United States Navy rear admirals are Flag officers holding a Two-star rank within the United States Navy. The rank was formally established by an Act of Congress in 1862 during the American Civil War and is subdivided into the upper half (two-star) and lower half (one-star). Rear admirals serve in critical command, operational, and staff roles across the Department of the Navy, often leading Task forces, Carrier strike groups, or major shore establishments.
History and establishment
The rank of rear admiral was created by the United States Congress on July 16, 1862, to provide a clear Flag officer hierarchy for the expanding Union Navy during the American Civil War. Prior to this, the highest ranks were commodore and captain. The first officers appointed to the rank included David Dixon Porter and David Glasgow Farragut, the latter of whom would later become the first Admiral of the Navy. The rank was further codified with the creation of the modern officer rank structure in the early 20th century.
Rank insignia and uniform
A rear admiral (lower half) wears a single silver star on Service uniforms and Service dress uniform, equivalent to a brigadier general in other U.S. services. A rear admiral (upper half) wears two silver stars. On Navy blue service uniforms, sleeve stripes denote the rank: one broad stripe with one narrower stripe above for lower half, and two broad stripes for upper half. The Officer crest and Fouled anchor are featured on Cap badges, and Gold braid is used extensively on Dress uniforms and Peak caps.
Appointment and promotion
Appointment to rear admiral (lower half) is by presidential nomination and requires confirmation by the United States Senate. Promotion is governed by statutes within Title 10 of the United States Code and the Defense Officer Personnel Management Act. Selection boards convened by the Chief of Naval Operations and the Secretary of the Navy review eligible captains, with candidates typically having extensive command experience aboard major vessels like Aircraft carriers or Destroyer squadrons. Service at institutions like the Naval War College or on the Joint Chiefs of Staff is also common.
Duties and assignments
Rear admirals hold high-level command and staff positions. Operational assignments may include commanding a Carrier strike group in the Pacific Fleet or Fleet Forces Command, or serving as a Deputy commander of a Unified combatant command like Central Command. Shore duties encompass leading Systems commands such as Naval Sea Systems Command, serving as Chief of staff at Naval Academy, or holding key roles in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations or the Pentagon.
Notable rear admirals
Numerous rear admirals have achieved historical significance. Grace Hopper was a pioneer in Computer programming and the development of COBOL. Albert Gleaves commanded the Cruiser and Transport Force during World War I. Richard E. Byrd was a famed polar explorer and aviator. In modern times, Margaret A. Rykowski served as the first female commander of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, and Timothy Szymanski was a former commander of Naval Special Warfare Command. Other notable figures include John L. McCrea, naval aide to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Harold G. Bowen Sr., a noted engineering officer.
Gallery of rank insignia
Category:United States Navy officers Category:Military ranks of the United States Navy Category:Rear admirals of the United States Navy