The Name

The USS Caperton was named after Admiral William Banks Caperton, born at Spring Hill, Tennessee, June 30, 1855, he was a descendent of John Caperton. He attended the Spring Hill Academy and graduated from the United States Naval Academy, 1875, the Naval War College, 1906. He was commissioned an Ensign, United States Navy, August 3, 1877, and advanced through the grades to Rear Admiral, February 14, 1913 and was advanced to Admiral on the retired list, June 30, 1919.

He served on various ships and stations, 1875-1896; with Naval Intelligence, Washington, 1896; USS Brooklyn, 1897; Executive Officer, USS Marietta, 1899; Inspector, Naval Gun Factory, 1901; Executive Officer, USS Prairie, 1904; at the Naval War College, 1904; Light House Inspector, 15th Naval District, 1907; commander, USS Denver, 1908; commander, USS Maine, 1909; Naval Secretary, Lighthouse Board, 1910; Naval War College, 1910; member of the Naval Examining and Retirement Board, 1912; Commandant, Naval Station, Newport, Rhode Island and 2nd Naval District, 1913; appointed commander in Atlantic Reserve Fleet, November 25, 1914;

Commander, Carrier Squadron, Atlantic Fleet, 1916; In command of the Naval Forces that intervened at Vera Cruz; 1915 and in Santo Domingo, 1916; designated Commander in Chief, U.S. Fleet, July 28, 1916 with the rank of Admiral. In charge of patrol of the east coast of South America during World War I; represented, with the rank of Ambassador, at the inauguration of President Avales of Brazil and the inauguration of Dr. Brum as President of Paraguay, 1919. He was relieved of command of the fleet on April 29, 1919.

He died on December 21, 1941 and was buried in Section 2 of Arlington National Cemetery. His wife, Georgie Langhorne Blacklocke Caperton, is buried with him. For additional information on the Admiral and the Caperton name, please check out the Caperton Family History website.