Who was the first admiral in the U.S. Navy?

David Farragut was the first admiral in the U.S. Navy, a significant milestone in naval history. His promotion to the rank of rear admiral in 1862 during the Civil War was a groundbreaking moment, as it marked the first time an officer held the title of admiral in the United States Navy. Farragut is best known for his command in the Battle of Mobile Bay, where he famously ordered his ships to "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" This decisive action and his leadership were pivotal in securing a Union victory and demonstrated his strategic naval capabilities.

Farragut's legacy is not only tied to his rank but also to his contributions to naval warfare and the evolution of the U.S. Navy during a critical period in American history. This context helps to understand why he is remembered as the first admiral, as it was more than just a title—it represented a shift in naval command structure during a time of transformation within the U.S. Navy.

The other options represent significant admirals in their own right, but they came after Farragut’s historic promotion, thus lacking the distinction of being the first admiral in the U.S. Navy.