Charles Vernon Gridley of Hillsdale, Michigan, was appointed to the USNA in 1860, by Michigan Congressman Henry Waldron. At the academy, which moved to Newport, Rhode Island for safety in the strongly pro-Confederate state of Maryland, he attained no particular distinction and graduated in the bottom half of his class. But, he was well-regarded and somehow picked up the nickname of "Steve."
His first assignment was to the USS Oneida which then took part in the Battle of Mobile Bay where he achieved commendation.
After the war it was difficult for younger officers to rise in the ranks because the Navy had more officers than it had postings. Even so, Charles rose through the ranks fairly fast. (See yesterday's post.) In 1892, he received his first command on the USS Marion and was posted to the Asiatic Squadron.
Finally in 1897, he received promotion to captain and given command of the USS Olympia of the Asiatic Squadron. The Olympic was one of the most modern ships in the Navy at the time, having been commissioned in 1895, and this was a highly desirable posting.
He proved to be a popular commander, somehow managing to run a tight ship without having to be a strict disciplinarian.
--Cooter
No comments:
Post a Comment