Francis Warren Rockwell (July 2, 1886 – January 2, 1979) was a vice admiral in the United States Navy who served from 1908 to 1948.

Early life and career

Rockwell was born in South Woodstock, Connecticut. He entered the Naval Academy in 1904, graduated in 1908, and was commissioned as an ensign on June 6, 1910. After various assignments before and after his commissioning, he directed the fitting out of the destroyer USS Jarvis (DD-38) in 1912-1914. In 1914 he joined the faculty of the Naval Academy as an instructor in electrical engineering and physics, serving there until 1917 when the United States entered World War I.

World War I and interwar years

Rockwell served aboard the battleship USS New Jersey (BB-16) and aboard various destroyers in Queenstown, Ireland, during the war. He commanded USS Winslow (DD-53) in 1918 and then the new destroyer USS Thatcher (DD-162) in 1919. In 1920 he returned as an instructor at the Naval Academy, serving there until 1923. He was gunnery officer on USS Tennessee (BB-43) from 1923-1926. He returned as an instructor at the Naval Academy from 1926-1929 before commanding USS Robert Smith (DD-324), USS Dorsey (DD-117) and USS Medina before becoming executive officer on USS Mississippi (BB-41). After a stint in the Department of the Navy in Washington, D.C., he commanded USS Nevada (BB-36) from 1939 to 1941.

World War II

On November 5, 1941, Rockwell assumed command of the 16th Naval District, consisting of the Philippine Islands. He was present in Cavite Navy Yard when it was bombed on December 10, 1941. Most of Cavite's facilities were destroyed and the submarine USS Sealion (SS-195) was sunk. Rockwell estimated that 500 men were killed. The next day, with fires still burning, he recommended Cavite be stripped of usable fuel and equipment and abandoned. He organized the withdrawal of remaining Allied naval forces and civilian ships from the Philippines and left in March 1942 via PT boat. Then, he planned the naval transport of the invasion force for the Battle of Attu of May 1943. He returned to the Navy Department in 1943 and commanded the Atlantic Fleet's Amphibious Training Command until the end of the war.

Retirement

Rockwell retired as vice admiral in August 1948. He lived in Georgia until his death in 1979. Rockwell's wife Mary Allison (Wilmer) Rockwell (April 12, 1887 – July 30, 1971) predeceased him and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. He was interred beside her on January 5, 1979.

Awards and merits

Silver Star, Awarded for actions during World War II Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Awarded for actions during World War II Navy Cross, Awarded for actions during World War I