USS John Rodgers (DD-574)

John Rodgers, born near present Havre de Grace, Md., 11 July 1772, entered the Navy as Second Lieutenant 8 March 1798 and was assigned to Constellation. He helped capture French frigate L'Insurgente 9 February 1799 and took command of her as prize master. He was promoted to Captain 5 March 1799 and 3 months later took command of Maryland. In March 1801 he transported the ratified French-American Peace Treaty to France.

Placed in command of John Adams the following year, he sailed for the Mediterranean to attack Barbary forts and gunboats at Tripoli. His brilliant record fighting the corsairs won him appointment as Commodore of the Mediterranean Squadron in May 1805.

A year later he returned to the United States to take command of the New York Flotilla. After the Embargo Act was passed at the close of 1807, Rodgers commanded operations along the Atlantic coast enforcing its provisions.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (John Rodgers II (DD-574)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.