Franklin J. Drake

Biography

Franklin J. Drake devoted over forty years to the United States Navy, sailing from the war-torn post-Civil War seas into an era of transformation for the fleet. He commanded ships and squadrons in distant waters, improvising solutions to long-range operations while reinforcing the traditions of seamanship that defined the service.

His later assignments helped shape training programs and command practices, and seniors often sought his viewpoint when preparing the fleet for new technological demands, grateful for the steady hand that guided them. Arlington National Cemetery preserves his grave among the admirals and sailors who followed him into service, a place where naval history echoes in the hush of the grounds.