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Commodore Karl ROHRER, U.S. Navy
Commandant of Naval Station, Puerto Rico
Karl Rohrer was born in Blumberg, Baden, Germany on January 28, 1848, and came to the United States in 1857. He was appointed Midshipman on July 20, 1865. He participated in a cruise on the Macedonian in 1866, and on Savannah in 1867, and on Macedonian in 1868 before graduating from the Naval Academy in 1869.
He served on Sabine in 1869 and 1870, and was promoted to Ensign on July 12, 1870.
Between 1870 and 1874, he served on the Pawnee, Kansas and Colorado in the North Atlantic Squadron, and did ordnance duty at the Torpedo Station.
He was promoted Master on November 10, 1872. From 1874 to 1876 he served on Juniata in the European Squadron; from 1876 to 1878, he was stationed at the Torpedo station and Washington Navy Yard.
He was promoted to Lieutenant on April 26, 1876. On January 15, 1878, he reported to Constitution, and detached on leave, July 9, 1879, awaiting orders. From 1879 to 1881 he was on ordnance duty at the Washington Navy Yard.
From 1881 to 1885 he served on Essex, South Atlantic, Pacific and China Squadrons. From 1885 to 1889, he was on ordnance duty at the Torpedo Station. Between 1889 and 1892 he served on Chicago, Boston and Vesuvius, the latter with the Squadron of Evolution.
He was promoted to Lieutenant Commander on December 5, 1897. On November 14, 1900, he was placed in command of the gunboat Annapolis, and was promoted to Commander eight days later, Annapolis departed Hampton Roads, Va., in December, and steamed to the Far East, staying there for three years, mostly in the Philippine Islands. Annapolis returned to Mare Island, California in June 1904, and was decommissioned.
On November 22, 1900, he was promoted to Commander.
He retired as a Commodore on June 30, 1906, however, on January 1, 1907, he is listed as Commandant of Naval Station, Puerto Rico.
Commodore Rohrer died May 29, 1913, in Washington, D.C.
MILITARY ORDER OF THE LOYAL LEGION OF THE UNITED STATES also known by its acronym MOLLUS or simply as the Loyal Legion, member, Vermont Commandery.
Other Comments:
20 July 1865, appointed Midshipman from Missouri
1869, graduated US Naval Academy
12 July 1870, promoted to Ensign
10 November 1872, promoted Master (LTjg)
26 April 1876, Lieutenant 5 December 1897, LieutenantCommander [temporary] 7 February 1898, Lieutenant Commander
23 November 1900, Commander [temporary]
29 January 1901, Commander
14 July 1905, Captain [temporary]
8 February 1906, Captain
30 June, 1906, Commodore [Retired]
1 January, 1907, recalled to duty
13 April 1911, Commador [Retired]
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Amphitrite Class Monitor: Displacement 3,990 Tons. Dimensions,262 x 55.5 x 14.5 feet/80.08 x 16.86 x 4.42 meters. Armament 2 dual 10/30, 2 6-pound, 2 3-pound. Armor, Steel & Iron: 9 inch belt, 11.5 inch barbettes, 7.5 inch turrets, 7.5 inch CT. Machinery, HC engines, 4 boilers, 2 shafts, 1,600 hp. Speed, 12 knots.
Operational and Building Data: Built by Harlan & Hollingsworth, Wilmington, DE. Laid down 1874, suspended 1876, resumed 1882, launched 7 June 1883, transferred to Norfolk Navy Yard for completion, commissioned 23 April 1895. Operated mainly in training roles; decommissioned to reserve mid-1897. Recommissioned 2 October 1897 but saw little activity. Operated around Cuba, Puerto Rico and Key West during the Spanish-American War; bombarded San Juan 12 May 1898. Postwar operated as a gunnery training ship. Decommissioned to reserve 30 November 1901 for repairs. Recommissioned 1 December 1902 as a training ship; served as station ship in Cuba 1904-1907. Decommissioned to reserve 3 August 1907. Placed in commission in reserve for reservist training 14 June 1910. Loaned to the Connecticut Naval Militia 1916-1917. Served as a guardship at New York 1917-1919. Decommissioned 31 May 1919, stricken for disposal 24 July 1919, sold 3 January 1920. Used as a floating hotel and gambling casino; then chartered to the government in 1943 for use as a barracks at Elizabeth City, NC. Towed to Maryland for use as a floating restaurant and hotel in 1950, but sold in 1951.
Fate:: Planned refit for use as an oil exploration support ship canceled; sold for scrapping in early 1952.
