1900: The Brave and Brawny Black Cats of the Brooklyn Navy Yard » Francis T. Bowles
At the age of 42, Francis T. Bowles was the youngest officer to ever hold the title of Rear Admiral, Chief Constructor of the Navy, when he took office in March 1901. Bowles was also the first member of the construction corps to graduate from the Naval Academy, and was responsible for designing the Virginia-class battleships.
Rear Admiral Francis T. Bowles
