This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Shaun Thomas (Underdog), OSC
to remember
Howard, Thomas Benton, RADM USN(Ret).
If you knew or served with this Sailor and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
Born in Illinois, Howard received an at-large appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1873. During his career he served under George Dewey at the Battle of Manila Bay and successively commanded USS Chesapeake, USS Nevada, USS Olympia, USS Tennessee, and USS Ohio (BB-12). As captain of USS Ohio, he sailed around the world with the Great White Fleet in 1908-1909.
In January 1914, Howard was appointed commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. In 1915, he became the fifth full admiral in the history of the U.S. Navy when the three commanders in chief of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Asiatic Fleets were each advanced to the temporary rank of full admiral. Upon relinquishing command of the Pacific Fleet in September 1915, Howard reverted to his permanent rank of rear admiral.
Arkansas Class Monitor: Displacement 3,225 tons. Dimensions, 255 x 50 x 12.5 feet/77.75 x 15.24 x 3.81 meters. Armament 1 dual 12/40, 4 single 4/50, 3 6-pound. Armor, Harvey: 5-11 inch belt, 9-11 inch barbettes, 9-10 inch turrets, 7.5 inch CT. Machinery, VTE engines, 4 boilers, 2 shafts, 2,400 hp, Speed, 12.5 Knots, Crew 220.
Operational and Building Data: Built by Bath Iron Works, ME. Laid down 17 April 1899, launched as Connecticut on 24 November 1900, renamed Nevada 1, 1901, commissioned 5 March 1903. Renamed Tonopah on 2 March 1909. Operated as a submarine tender, probably starting circa 1913-1914; was based at Bermuda, Azores and Lisbon, Portugal at various times.
Fate: Decommissioned for disposal 1/1919. Designation BM 8 assigned 17 July 1920. Sold for scrapping 26 January 1922.
