Charles Stillman Sperry


Rear Admiral Charles Stillman Sperry was an officer in the United States Navy.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Sperry graduated from the Naval Academy in 1866. In November 1898 he became commanding officer of Yorktown, and later served as senior officer of the Southern Squadron on the Asiatic Station and as President of the Naval War College. As a rear admiral, he served in the United States delegation to the Geneva Convention and the Second Hague Conference, and as Commander in Chief, Battle Fleet, he led the Great White Fleet during the major portion of its historic cruise around the world in 1907 and 1908.
Sperry retired 3 September 1909, but subsequently was recalled to active duty for special service. He died 1 February 1911 in Washington, D.C.
The destroyer was named for him.