Commodore Thomas Truxtun: 1794-1801

The nation’s premier sea fighter in the Quasi War with France; he served in the merchant service for eight years before the American Revolution and was a privateersman during the Revolution, commanding Independence, Mars, and St. James operating in British waters. Appointed Captain in the new U.S. Navy in 1794, he superintended the construction of Constellation, and as Commanding Officer, captured L’Insurgente and defeated La Vengeance in the West Indies. He also was commissioning Commanding Officer of President.