| William Henry Hudson Southerland | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 10, 1852 New York City |
| Died | January 30, 1933 (aged 80) Washington, D.C. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1865, 1867–1914 |
| Rank | Rear Admiral |
| Commands held | Eagle Yankee Cleveland (C-19) New Jersey (BB-16) Pacific Fleet |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Spanish–American War Occupation of Nicaragua |
William Henry Hudson Southerland (10 July 1852–30 January 1933) was a rear admiral in the United States Navy. He commanded several ships in Cuban waters during the Spanish-American War, and later served as Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet.
Born in New York City, Southerland first joined the Union Navy as a volunteer towards the end of the Civil War, serving for only a brief time. He re-enlisted in early 1867 as a naval apprentice, finally entering the United States Naval Academy in June 1868. After graduating in June 1872 he served aboard the sloop Tuscarora.[1] After a year at sea, he was commissioned as an ensign.[2]
Over the next 37 years, he served in varied positions at sea and ashore, including duty with the Hydrographic Office, the Bureau of Equipment, and the Board of Inspection and Survey. During the Spanish–American War, he commanded the gunboat Eagle in the blockade of Cuban ports; and, in 1905, he returned to the Caribbean to command Yankee and to act as Senior Officer, Naval Forces in Santo Domingo.[2] Promoted to captain in 1906,[1] he commanded the battleship New Jersey (BB-16) of the Great White Fleet in 1907-09.[3]
Appointed rear admiral on 4 May 1910, he served as President of the Board of Inspection and Survey for Shore Stations until becoming Commander, 2d Division, Pacific Fleet in March 1911,[2] and commanded naval forces in the Nicaragua Expedition.[1] A year later, he became Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet; and, in March 1913, he left the fleet to take up duties on the General Board.[2]
On his retirement on 10 July 1914 Southerland was the last Civil War naval veteran still in active service, and one of very few to rise from enlisted man to admiral in the course of his career.[1]
Rear Admiral Southerland died in Washington, D.C., on 30 January 1933.[2]
The destroyer USS Southerland (DD-743) (1944–1981) was named in his honor.