Admiral of the Fleet

Personal Flags (Navy)... Fleet Admiral; Admiral; Vice Admiral; Rear Admiral; Commodore

NOTE:  There was only one "Admiral of the Navy" in the history of the United States. That individual, Commodore Dewey (of Spanish American War fame - "You may fire when ready, Gridley"), was granted that title by act of Congress, and was valid only for his lifetime. The rank was in recognition of his exploits in destroying the Spanish Fleet at Manila Bay in the Philippine Islands. Dewey's success allowed the U.S. to gain a foothold in the Far East, and to station peacekeeping forces close to China (essential for relief during the Boxer Rebellion, and in WWII, slowing the Japanese advance).  www.history.navy.mil/faqs/