William L. Calhoun (admiral)

William L. Calhoun
1884-1963

Place of birth	Florida
Service/branch	U.S. Navy
Years of service	1906-1946
Rank	Admiral
Commands held	USS California Pacific Fleet Base Force Service Forces Pacific Fleet South Pacific Area
Battles/wars	World War I World War II
Awards	Navy Distinguished Service Medal

William L. Calhoun (1884-1963) was an Admiral in the United States Navy during World War II.

William Lowndes Calhoun was a native of Palatka, Florida. He joined the U.S. Navy in about 1902, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1906. Calhoun served in various assignments until 1915 when he qualified as a submariner. He then commanded a submarine division, served in the battleships USS Mississippi and USS Maryland, commanded the destroyer USS Young from 1921-1923, and commanded a destroyer division. His shore assignments between 1915 and 1937 included service as Inspector of Ordnance at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, training at the Naval War College, and duties at the San Diego Naval Base. From about 1937 to about 1939 he served as Commanding Officer of the USS California. From December 1939 he served as Commander Base Force, Pacific Fleet. On 27 February 1942 his title changed to Commander Service Force, Pacific Fleet (ComServPac). He served in this capacity until the 13 March 1945 when he was assigned to command the South Pacific Area. He served in this capacity until October 1945.