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181-709: Commodore Stephen Decatur Jr. ( / d ɪ ˈ k eɪ t ər / ; January 5, 1779 – March 22, 1820) was a United States Navy officer. He was born on the eastern shore of Maryland in Worcester County . His father, Stephen Decatur Sr. , was a commodore in the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War ; he brought the younger Stephen into the world of ships and sailing early on. Shortly after attending college, Decatur followed in his father's footsteps and joined

362-432: A humid subtropical climate ( Köppen climate classification Cfa ) typical of southern New Jersey with warm summers and cold winters. The 2010 United States census counted 10,174 people, 4,088 households, and 2,420 families in the city. The population density was 5,064.0 inhabitants per square mile (1,955.2/km ). There were 4,456 housing units at an average density of 2,217.9 per square mile (856.3/km ). The racial makeup

543-571: A major general . During the huge expansion of the U.S. Navy during World War II , the Department of the Navy was concerned that the appointment of more flag officers would create a glut of admirals whenever peacetime was achieved. However, some Navy and Coast Guard captains, although not yet selected for rear admiral, were holding commands of significantly higher responsibility than they had earlier and this needed to be recognized. The COMINCH of

724-518: A merchant ship on his next voyage to Europe. Sailing across the Atlantic and back proved to be an effective remedy, and Decatur came home completely recovered. In the days following young Stephen's return, he was jubilant about his adventure on the high sea and spoke of wanting to go sailing often. His parents had different aspirations, especially his mother who had hopes that Stephen would one day become an Episcopal clergyman, and tried to discourage

905-408: A rear admiral upper half (two stars), and the eight Assistant National Commodores and each District Commodore wear insignia similar to that of a rear admiral lower half (one star). There also several Deputy Assistant National Commodores but these members wear insignia similar to that of a Coast Guard captain and are not addressed as "Commodore." The Coast Guard Auxiliary also occasionally bestows

1086-527: A sloop bearing 20 guns, USS  Peacock bearing 22 and USS  Tom Bowline bearing 12 guns. In January 1815, Decatur's squadron was assigned a mission in the East Indies . However, the British had established a strict blockade in the squadron's port of New York, therefore restricting any cruises. On January 14, a severe snowstorm developed, forcing the British squadron away from the coast, but by

1267-505: A "commander" (but not to be confused with the USN / USCG rank of commander ). Captains in this latter category are referred to, both orally and in correspondence, as "commodore", but continue to wear the rank insignia of a captain. Captains in command of carrier air wings continue to use the traditional title of " CAG " which dates from when these units were known as carrier air groups. While technically not flag officers , captains holding

1448-515: A 38-gun frigate, along with command of all gunboats at Norfolk. Chesapeake had just returned to Norfolk after repairs to damage incurred during the Chesapeake – Leopard affair. Barron had just been relieved of command following his court martial over the incident. Decatur was a member of that court martial, which had found Barron guilty of "unpreparedness", barring him from command for five years. Consequently, Barron's previous orders to sail for

1629-420: A Challenge, to or from, an Enemy's vessel." The next day Hardy gave answer to Decatur's proposal and agreed to have Statira engage Macedonian "as they are sister ships, carrying the same number of guns, and weight of metal." After further deliberation Decatur wanted assurance that Macedonian would not be recaptured should the ship emerge victorious, as he suspected it would be. After several communications it

1810-793: A Director and a Deputy Director from among its members. As of 2024 , Gloucester County's Commissioners are: Director Frank J. DiMarco ( D , Deptford Township , 2025), Matt Weng (D, Pitman , 2026), Joann Gattinelli (D, Washington Township , 2026), Nicholas DeSilvio ( R , Franklin Township , 2024), Denice DiCarlo (D, West Deptford Township , 2025) Deputy Director Jim Jefferson (D, Woodbury , 2026) and Christopher Konawel Jr. (R, Glassboro, 2024). Gloucester County's constitutional officers are: Clerk James N. Hogan (D, Franklin Township; 2027), Sheriff Jonathan M. Sammons (R, Elk Township ; 2024) and Surrogate Giuseppe "Joe" Chila (D, Woolwich Township ; 2028). As of March 2011, there were

1991-677: A close, America had a renewed appreciation for the value of a navy. By 1801 the American Navy consisted of 42 naval vessels, three of which were USS  President , Constellation and USS  Chesapeake . The first war against the Barbary States was in response to the frequent piracy of American vessels in the Mediterranean Sea and the capture and enslavement of American crews for huge ransoms. President Jefferson , known for his aversion to standing armies and

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2172-404: A commodore billet are authorized a blue and white broad pennant , also known as a "command pennant", which is normally flown from their headquarters facilities ashore and/or from ships on which they are embarked when they are the senior officer present afloat (SOPA). Depending on the type of aircraft, it may also be displayed as a plate or decal when embarked on that aircraft, or painted on one of

2353-520: A commodore billet is equivalent to that of the Commanding Officer of a Marine Regiment, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) or Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in the U.S. Marine Corps, a wing commander in the U.S. Air Force (even when the USN command is designated as a "Group"), a delta commander in the U.S. Space Force, or a brigade commander or O-6 level post commander/installation commander in the U.S. Army. The U.S. Coast Guard presently designates

2534-530: A commodore, however, many jealously held onto the impressive title after their qualifying assignment ended. The Navy Department tried to discourage such continuing usage because it led to confusion and unnecessary rivalries. Eventually the title of commodore was defined more strictly, and was reserved for captains so designated by the Navy Department , although the practice of retaining the title for life added some confusion. In 1857, Congress established

2715-685: A decline of 133 (−1.3%) from the 10,307 in the 2000 census . Woodbury was originally formed as a borough on March 27, 1854, within Deptford Township based on the results of a March 22, 1854, referendum. On January 2, 1871, Woodbury was reincorporated as a city based on the results of a referendum held that day. Inspira Health Network is based in Woodbury. The now-defunct Woodbury Country Club operated in Woodbury from 1897 to 2010, closing due to declining membership and mounting debt that led to its 2013 bankruptcy filing. The city had

2896-444: A female householder with no husband present and 40.8% were non-families. Of all households, 35.3% were made up of individuals and 16.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 3.10. 23.5% of the population were under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 25.9% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age

3077-472: A female householder with no husband present, and 36.1% were non-families. 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.08. In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.8% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 16.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age

3258-443: A fleet or squadron. The first U.S. naval officer to become a commodore was John Barry , a senior officer of the Navy, appointed in 1794 after the former Continental Navy was reorganized into what would become the current U.S. Navy . Because the U.S. Congress was originally unwilling to authorize more than four officer ranks in the navy (captain, master commandant, lieutenant, and midshipman) until 1862, considerable importance

3439-532: A four-year high school in Deptford Township that provides technical and vocational education. As a public school, students do not pay tuition to attend the school. Holy Angels Catholic School is a Catholic school serving students in PreK–8, operated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden and located in the building built originally as St. Patrick's School in 1944. It was established in 2017 by

3620-499: A funeral and military ceremony that was conducted by Preble, Stephen Decatur saw his brother's remains committed to the depths of the Mediterranean. When a good number of days passed without the reinforcements of ships promised by President Jefferson , the attack on Tripoli was renewed by Preble on August 24. As the days passed, Tripoli showed no signs of surrender, which now prompted Preble to devise another plan. Intrepid ,

3801-407: A heavy frigate with 44 guns. This was the same vessel that he supervised the building of while employed at Gurney and Smith, and the same ship, then under the command of John Barry , on which he had commenced his naval career as midshipman in 1798. The frigate had just been commissioned and was outfitted and supplied for service at sea. After taking command of United States , now the rallying point of

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3982-480: A higher command echelon "group" led by a USN Flag Officer. Captains assigned to a commodore billet employ the term "commander" in their organizational command title, this in keeping with the naval tradition of officers commanding a single ship, unit or installation being referred to as a "commanding officer" or "CO", while those captains and flag officers commanding multiple ships, multiple aviation squadrons, multiple air wings, task forces, fleets, etc., being known as

4163-517: A legitimate prize of war , and given a new name, USS  Intrepid . On October 31, 1803, Philadelphia , under the command of Commodore William Bainbridge , ran aground on an uncharted reef (known as Kaliusa reef) near Tripoli's harbor. After desperate and failed attempts to refloat the ship, she was subsequently captured and her crew imprisoned by Tripolitan forces. After coming up with an elaborate plan, Decatur sailed for Tripoli with 80 volunteers (most of them being U.S. Marines) intending to enter

4344-544: A merchant captain and later an officer in the young American navy during the American Revolution , and his wife Ann (Pine) Decatur. The family of Decatur was of French descent on Stephen's father's side, while his mother's family was of English and Irish ancestry. His parents had arrived from Philadelphia just three months before Stephen was born, fleeing the city during the American Revolutionary War due to its occupation by British forces. They later returned to

4525-498: A midshipman aboard the frigate United States . While United States was undergoing repairs Decatur received orders to remain in Philadelphia to recruit and assemble a crew for the vessel. While there, the chief mate of an Indiaman , using foul language, made several derogatory remarks about Decatur and the U.S. Navy, apparently because he had lost some of his crew to Decatur's recruiting efforts. Decatur remained calm and left

4706-566: A personal confrontation with a British officer which resulted in Decatur returning to the United States. There he took temporary command of the newly built 18-gun brig USS  Argus which he sailed to Gibraltar, relinquishing command of the ship upon arrival to Lieutenant Isaac Hull . In exchange Decatur was given command of Enterprise , a 12-gun schooner . On December 23, 1803, Enterprise and USS  Constitution confronted

4887-491: A plan that would simply use U.S. naval vessels as barriers guarding their entrances, but the unpopular plan never materialized. Three days after the United States declared war against Britain, a squadron under the command of Commodore John Rodgers in President , along with Commodore Stephen Decatur of United States , Argus , Essex and Hornet , departed from the harbor at New York City. As soon as Rodgers received news of

5068-717: A plotting error the pilot boats took up the wrong positions and consequently President was accidentally run aground. Commodore (United States) Today, it is no longer a specific rank within active-duty or reserve forces or in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps or NOAA Corps, but it remains in use as an honorary title within the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard for those senior captains ( pay grade O-6 ) in command of operational organizations composed of multiple independent subordinate naval units (e.g., multiple independent ships or aviation squadrons ). However, "commodore"

5249-469: A powerful British squadron on patrol and under the command of Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy . Hardy's squadron, which emerged from behind Montauk Point , consisted of the ships of the line HMS  Ramillies and HMS  Valiant along with the frigates HMS  Acasta and HMS  Orpheus . Realizing his only chance for escape was to set a course for New London , Decatur was forced to flee and take refuge at that port where they were blockaded until

5430-627: A rising power. During this period he served aboard and commanded many naval vessels and ultimately became a member of the Board of Navy Commissioners . He built, in 1818, a large home in Washington known as Decatur House on Lafayette Square , and was at the center of Washington society in the early 19th century. He became an affluent member of Washington society and counted James Monroe and other Washington dignitaries among his personal friends. In 1820, Decatur's career came to an early end when he

5611-490: A single silver star on top of solid gold background shoulder board insignia, and a single broad gold sleeve stripe insignia for dress blue uniforms (service dress blue, full dress blue and dinner dress blue) of all USN and USCG flag officers in pay grade O-7, and for the service dress white and full dress white uniforms of female USN flag officers in pay grade O-7. The term "commodore" again reverted, and continues to this day, to that of an honorary title versus an actual rank for

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5792-525: A squadron consisting of the frigate Constitution , the brigs Syren , Argus and Scourge , and the schooners Nautilus , Vixen and Enterprise , towing gunboats and ketches. For the coming attack Preble borrowed six gunboats from King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies who was also at war with Tripoli. Light vessels with shallow drafts were needed to make their way about in the shallow and confined waters of Tripoli's harbor. Making their way into

5973-774: A staggered basis, with one seat from each ward coming up for election each year as part of the November general election in a three-year cycle. As of 2022 , the mayor of Woodbury is Democrat Peg Sickel, whose term ends December 31, 2022. Members of the Woodbury City Council are Council President Philip Haggerty (D, 2024; Ward 3), Danielle Carter (D, 2022; Ward 1), William H. Fleming Jr. (D, 2024; Ward 2), Frances Harwell (D, 2023; Ward 2), Reed Merinuk (D, 2022; Ward 3), Donna Miller (D, 2023; Ward 1), Kyle Miller (D, 2023; Ward 3), Karlene O'Connor (D, 2022; Ward 2) and Thomas Pisarcik (D, 2024; Ward 1). In April 2017,

6154-455: A title for U.S. Navy captains in command of more than a single unit (other than captains commanding carrier air wings, who retained their traditional title of "CAG") and all U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard one-star admirals were subsequently referred to as rear admiral. U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard rear admirals (lower half) continued to wear the single star for collar insignia and applicable shoulder insignia (i.e., flight suits, jackets, etc.),

6335-478: A total of 6,368 registered voters in Woodbury, of which 2,255 (35.4%) were registered as Democrats , 1,162 (18.2%) were registered as Republicans and 2,948 (46.3%) were registered as Unaffiliated . There were 3 voters registered as Libertarians or Greens . In the 2012 presidential election , Democrat Barack Obama received 67.7% of the vote (2,972 cast), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 30.9% (1,356 votes), and other candidates with 1.5% (65 votes), among

6516-586: Is a rank that is actively used in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary , the civilian volunteer branch of the Coast Guard, for the ranks of District Commodore , Vice National Commodore , and National Commodore . Use of the term "commodore" dates from 1775 in the then– Continental Navy , the predecessor of the modern U.S. Navy , when it was established (but not used) as a courtesy title reserved for captains in command of

6697-451: Is currently the only commodore billet in the U.S. Coast Guard and this usage mirrors the USN 's use of the title "commodore". In the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary variants of "commodore" are used as position titles for high level leadership positions (e.g. National Commodore, Deputy National Commodore, District Commodore etc.). While Coast Guard Auxiliarists do not hold military ranks per se , it

6878-561: Is not usual to address an auxiliarist by position title. These very senior members of the USCG Auxiliary do use "Commodore" (abbreviated "COMO") as a form of address (e.g. Commodore John Smith; or COMO John Smith). The National Commodore wears insignia similar to that of a Coast Guard vice admiral (three stars), the Vice National Commodore and the four Deputy National Commodores wear insignia similar to that of

7059-661: Is represented by Donald Norcross ( D , Camden ). New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker ( Newark , term ends 2027) and George Helmy ( Mountain Lakes , term ends 2024). For the 2024-2025 session , the 5th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Nilsa Cruz-Perez ( D , Barrington ) and in

7240-400: The 2004 presidential election , Democrat John Kerry received 60.1% of the vote (2,735 ballots cast), outpolling Republican George W. Bush with 38.3% (1,742 votes) and other candidates with 0.7% (43 votes), among the 4,547 ballots cast by the city's 6,521 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 69.7. In the 2013 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 58.6% of

7421-518: The Azores , lookouts on board reported seeing a sail 12 miles to windward. As the ship slowly rose over the horizon, Captain Decatur made out the fine, familiar lines of HMS  Macedonian , a British frigate bearing 38 guns. Macedonian and United States had been berthed next to one another in 1810, in port at Norfolk, Virginia. The British captain John Carden bet a fur beaver hat that if

Stephen Decatur - Misplaced Pages Continue

7602-675: The Barbary pirates . Arriving at Gibraltar , Commodore Dale learned that Tripoli had already declared war upon the United States. At this time there were two Tripolitan warships of sizable consequence berthed in Gibraltar's harbour, but their captains claimed that they had no knowledge of the war. Dale assumed they were about to embark on the Atlantic to prey on American merchant ships. With orders to sail for Algiers , Tunis and Tripoli, Dale ordered that Philadelphia be left behind to guard

7783-880: The Broad Street Historic District encompassing Broad Street (located between Woodbury Creek and Courtland Street) Highland Mills, and Delaware Street (located between Broad and Wood streets) including the Gloucester County Courthouse , which was placed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places (#1429) in 1988. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the city had a total area of 2.10 square miles (5.45 km ), including 2.02 square miles (5.23 km ) of land and 0.08 square miles (0.22 km ) of water (3.95%). The city borders Deptford Township , West Deptford Township , and Woodbury Heights . Woodbury has

7964-525: The General Assembly by Bill Moen (D, Camden ) and William Spearman (D, Camden). Gloucester County is governed by a board of county commissioners , whose seven members are elected at-large to three-year terms of office on a staggered basis in partisan elections, with either two or three seats coming up for election each year. At a reorganization meeting held each January, the Board selects

8145-528: The National Center for Education Statistics ) are Evergreen Avenue Elementary School with 323 students in grades PreK-5, Walnut Street Elementary School with 129 students in grades PreK-5, West End Memorial Elementary School with 394 students in grades K-5 and Woodbury Junior-Senior High School with 829 students in grades 6-12. Students from across Gloucester County are eligible to apply to attend Gloucester County Institute of Technology ,

8326-532: The New Jersey Department of Transportation . Several roadways pass through the city. Route 45 , also known as Mantua Avenue and Broad Street at various points, enters the city at its southernmost point from West Deptford Township and proceeds for 1.8 mi (2.9 km) before heading along the Deptford Township /West Deptford Township border at the north end of the city. County Route 551 (Salem Avenue) enters from West Deptford Township in

8507-545: The Royal Navy , to instruct his son in navigational and nautical sciences. While serving aboard United States Decatur received what was the equivalent to formal naval training not only from Hamilton but through active service aboard a commissioned ship, which is something that distinguished the young midshipman from many of his contemporaries. He also had a talent for drawing ships and designing and building ship models and when time allowed would also pursue this hobby. Once

8688-507: The U.S. state of New Jersey . The city, along with the rest of Gloucester County, is part South Jersey and of the Philadelphia - Wilmington - Camden , PA -NJ- DE - MD combined statistical area , also known as the Delaware Valley or Philadelphia metropolitan area . As of the 2020 United States census , the city's population was 9,963, a decrease of 211 (−2.1%) from the 2010 census count of 10,174, which in turn reflected

8869-731: The USCG captain commanding those U.S. Coast Guard cutters and other afloat and ashore USCG units comprising Patrol Forces Southwest Asia ( PATFORSWA ) as a "commodore". PATFORSWA is headquartered at Naval Support Activity Bahrain in Manama, Bahrain and its primary area of responsibility is the Arabian Gulf / Persian Gulf , as well as other areas coinciding with that of the Commander, United States Naval Forces Central Command (COMUSNAVCENT) / United States Fifth Fleet (COMFIFTHFLT). It

9050-570: The War of 1812 . Intended to avoid war, the Embargo Act only compounded matters that led to war. Finally on June 18, 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain. By 1814 Britain had committed nearly 100 warships along the American coast and other points. Consequently, the war was fought mostly in the naval theater where Decatur and other naval officers played major roles in the success of

9231-537: The "rank and title" of flag officer. On January 3, 1862 Charles H. Bell , William W. McKean , Louis Goldsborough and Samuel Dupont were promoted to Flag Officer, followed by David Farragut on January 17, 1862. The rank of flag officer was short lived because it was replaced by commodore in July 1862. Because of the acute need for officers at the beginning of the American Civil War , naval tradition

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9412-615: The 14th-highest property tax rate in New Jersey with an equalized rate of 4.582% as of 2020 compared to 3.212% in the county as a whole and a statewide average of 2.279%. As recounted by historian William McMahon, the Native Americans called the place where the city of Woodbury is now located "Piscozackasing", or "place of the black burrs". Woodbury was founded in 1683 by Henry Wood, a Quaker from North West England who left Great Britain due to religious persecution. Wood

9593-437: The 2,732 ballots cast by the city's 6,649 registered voters, yielding a 41.1% turnout. Woodbury Public Schools serve students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade . As of the 2022–23 school year, the district, comprised of four schools, had an enrollment of 1,707 students and 140.5 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 12.2:1. Schools in the district (with 2022–23 enrollment data from

9774-413: The 4,430 ballots cast by the city's 6,623 registered voters (37 ballots were spoiled ), for a turnout of 66.9%. In the 2008 presidential election , Democrat Barack Obama received 66.9% of the vote (3,216 cast), ahead of Republican John McCain with 30.9% (1,487 votes) and other candidates with 1.2% (58 votes), among the 4,806 ballots cast by the city's 6,829 registered voters, for a turnout of 70.4%. In

9955-426: The Atlantic to the United States. After undergoing routine repairs at New York, United States was part of a small squadron that included the newly captured USS  Macedonian (formerly HMS Macedonian ) and the sloop of war Hornet . On May 24, 1813, the squadron departed New York. On that same night United States was struck by lightning which shattered its main mast. By June 1, Decatur's squadron encountered

10136-680: The Avandale Park/Ride in Winslow Township ) routes. Beginning in the 1860s and ending in 1971, passenger train service was provided by the Camden and Woodbury Railroad , West Jersey Railroad, West Jersey & Seashore Railroad , and the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines . Woodbury station was built in 1883 and renovated in 2000. Two stops, at Red Bank Avenue and Woodbury station, on

10317-547: The Bishop of Camden as the successor to Holy Trinity Regional School, which was created as part of the 2007 merger of the parish catholic schools of St. Patrick's, St. Matthew's of National Park and Most Holy Redeemer of Westville Grove . As of May 2010 , the city had a total of 36.26 mi (58.35 km) of roadways, of which 29.15 mi (46.91 km) were maintained by the municipality, 5.04 mi (8.11 km) by Gloucester County and 2.07 mi (3.33 km) by

10498-472: The British ship Melampus who had enlisted in the American Navy through Lieutenant Arthur Sinclair , who was recruiting crew members for Chesapeake , which was at this time in Washington being outfitted for its coming voyage to the Mediterranean. Since the recruiting party was not under the command of Decatur, he refused to intervene. Sinclair also declined to take any action, claiming that he did not have

10679-489: The British ships HMS  Bellona and HMS  Triumph were lightening their ballasts to prepare for a blockade at Norfolk. During this segment of his life, Decatur's father, Stephen Decatur Sr., died in November 1808 at the age of 57, with his mother's death following the next year. Both parents were buried at St. Peter's Church in Philadelphia. In May 1810, Decatur was appointed commander of United States ,

10860-603: The Civil Engineering Corps will lead naval construction regiments. With the exception of the naval construction regiments that are commanded by senior captains of the U.S. Navy's Civil Engineer Corps , all other commodores are senior captains who are warfare-qualified unrestricted line (URL) officers in that combat specialty (e.g., naval aviators and naval flight officers commanding "functional" or "type" air wings or air groups, surface warfare officers commanding destroyer squadrons, etc.). In contrast to

11041-484: The Commodore as its mascot. The state of Rhode Island has a group of select individuals, appointed by the governor, known as Rhode Island Commodores . Rhode Island Commodores function as ambassadors for the state and promote its economy and attractions. It is similar to the title Kentucky Colonel but less commonly awarded. Woodbury, New Jersey Woodbury is the county seat of Gloucester County in

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11222-593: The Mediterranean were canceled and Chesapeake was instead assigned to Commodore Decatur, with a squadron of gunboats, to patrol the New England coast enforcing the Embargo Act throughout 1809. Unable to command, Barron left the country for Copenhagen and remained there through the War of 1812. Before Decatur assumed command of Chesapeake he learned from observers, and then informed the Navy Secretary, that

11403-698: The Navy Benjamin Stoddert recommending to President Jefferson that Decatur be promoted to captain. Decatur was promoted to captain with the date of rank February 16, 1804. He was promoted to captain at the age twenty-five, largely for his daring capture and destruction of Philadelphia in Tripoli's harbor , making him the youngest man ever to hold the rank. On September 10, 1804, Barron arrived at Tripoli with two ships, President and Constellation , whereupon Commodore Preble relinquished command of his blockading squadron to him. Before returning to

11584-537: The Navy Robert Smith gave him orders to supervise the building of four gunboats at Newport, Rhode Island, and four others in Connecticut of which he would later take command. Having drawn many illustrations of and designed and built many models of ships, along with having experience as a ship builder and designer from when he was employed at Gurney and Smith in 1797 while overseeing the construction of

11765-581: The Navy by 1950. According to the 1949 edition of the Official Register of Commissioned Officers of the United States Navy, updated to January 1, 1949, the last two commodores on active duty were Tully Shelley (b. 1892) and Antoine O. Rabideau (b. 1884). Shelley retired in July 1949 and was promoted on retirement to rear admiral retroactive to April 3, 1945. Rabideau apparently died July 19, 1970, and his headstone shows him to have held

11946-436: The Navy until March 3, 1899, when "An Act To reorganize and increase the efficiency and the personnel of the Navy and Marine Corps" redefined the list of officers on the active list and did not include the rank of commodore, effectively disestablishing the rank for active line officer, but not on the retirement list. According to Laws Relating to the Navy, 1919 , the step was taken, "…on account of international relationships,

12127-520: The Navy. It was promptly signed by George Washington that same day. There was much opposition to the bill, and it was amended and allowed to pass with the condition that work on the proposed ships would stop in the event that peace with the Pasha of Algiers was obtained. Construction of the six new American frigates was progressing slowly when, because of a peace accord with Algiers in March 1796, work

12308-496: The Pasha of Tripoli that peace was his only viable alternative. Because Preble's rank was not high enough for this command John Adams also brought the news that he would have to surrender command to Barron. The fighting between the squadrons and the bombarding of Tripoli lasted three hours, with Preble's squadrons emerging victorious. However, success and promotion were overshadowed by an unfortunate turn of events for Decatur. During

12489-760: The Racing Season. The athletic teams of Vanderbilt University of the Southeastern Conference use "Commodore" as their mascot, the nickname of the university's founder and namesake Cornelius Vanderbilt . Gulf Coast State College in Panama City , Florida , also uses the Commodore mascot for its sports teams. Bayside High School (Queens) located in the Bayside neighborhood of the New York City borough of Queens also uses

12670-673: The Surface Warfare community, they lead surface squadrons, destroyer squadrons, littoral combat ship squadrons, amphibious squadrons, mine countermeasures squadrons, and naval beach groups; in the Submarine Warfare community they lead submarine squadrons; in the Special Warfare / Special Operations community they lead special warfare ( SEAL ) groups, riverine squadrons; coastal warfare groups and squadrons and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) groups. Commodores from

12851-559: The Third Ward seat expiring in December 2017 that was vacated by Jessica Floyd when she took office as mayor. The Democratic sweep in November 2012 of the three council seats and mayor gave the party a 6–3 majority on the 2013 council. Woodbury is located in the 1st Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 5th state legislative district. For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 1st congressional district

13032-488: The Tripolitan ketch Mastico sailing under Turkish colors , armed with only two guns and sailing without passports on her way to Constantinople from Tripoli. On board were a small number of Tripolitan soldiers. After a brief engagement Decatur and his crew captured the ship, killing or wounding the few men defending the vessel. After its capture the small ship was taken to Syracuse , condemned by Commodore Preble as

13213-459: The Tripolitan vessels. In September 1802, Decatur transferred to the 36-gun frigate USS  New York as 1st Lieutenant under Commodore James Barron. While en route to Tripoli the five-ship squadron to which New York was attached encountered gale-force winds, lasting more than a week, which forced the squadron to put up in Malta . While there Decatur and another American officer were involved in

13394-641: The U.S. Air Force (USAF), the U.S. Navy does not use USAF's same wing/group/squadron structure where "groups" are subordinate to "wings." Within the USN component of Naval Aviation, a "group" is considered equal to a wing if commanded by an O-6 and senior to a wing if commanded by an O-7 or O-8 (e.g., carrier strike group, patrol & reconnaissance group). This same model applies surface warfare officers commanding destroyer or littoral combat ship squadrons, submarine warfare officers commanding submarine squadrons, SEAL officers commanding special warfare groups, etc.). These O-6 commanded units will typically report to

13575-540: The U.S. Navy and Chief of Naval Operations , Admiral (later Fleet Admiral ) Ernest J. King , proposed bringing back the older rank of "commodore" for these officers. President Franklin D. Roosevelt agreed, making the suggestion that the title be revived. As a result, the one-star officer rank for the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard was re-established in April 1943 with the title of "commodore". In actual practice, some officers on admiral's staffs were also promoted to

13756-416: The U.S. Navy at age 19 as a midshipman . Decatur supervised the construction of several U.S. naval vessels, one of which he later commanded. Promoted at age 25, he is the youngest man to reach the rank of captain in the history of the United States Navy. He served under three presidents and played a major role in the early development of the U.S. Navy. In almost every theater of operation, Decatur's service

13937-579: The United States he sailed to Malta in Constitution on September 14, so it could be caulked and refitted. From there he sailed to Syracuse in Argus , where on September 24 he ordered Decatur to sail this vessel back to Malta to take command of Constitution . From here Decatur sailed Constitution back to Tripoli to join Constellation and Congress , the blockading force stationed there now under

14118-414: The United States won its independence and no longer had the protection of Britain, it was faced with the task of protecting its own ships and interests. There were few American ships capable of defending the American coastline, much less of protecting merchant ships at sea and abroad. The few warships that were available were converted into merchant ships. The French in particular were outraged that America

14299-455: The United States' efforts during this time. Upon the onset of the war President James Madison ordered several naval vessels to be dispatched to patrol the American coastline. The U.S. flagships President , Essex and the Hornet were joined in lower New York harbor by United States commanded by Decatur, Congress , and Argus . Secretary of State James Monroe had originally considered

14480-550: The West Indies to patrol its waters looking for French privateers and men-of-war . During the months that followed 25 armed enemy craft were captured or destroyed. With orders to rendezvous with merchantmen bound for America, Norfolk continued on to Cartagena (Colombia) with orders to escort the ships back to the United States, protecting them from pirates and privateers. Decatur transferred back to United States by June 1800; with extra guns and sails and improved structure,

14661-500: The academy. He then enrolled for one year at the University of Pennsylvania in 1795, where he better applied himself and focused on his studies. At the university, Decatur met and became friends with Charles Stewart and Richard Somers , who would later become naval officers themselves. Decatur found the classic studies prosaic and life at the university disagreeable, and at the age of 17, with his heart and mind set on ships and

14842-407: The aircraft in one of their subordinate squadrons that also displays their name on the fuselage. This swallow-tailed pennant has a white field bounded by two horizontal blue stripes, with the numerical designation or the initials of the command title in blue centered on the white field. In the U.S. Navy, commodore billets are considered to be O-6 "major command" assignments for Captains, on par with

15023-529: The anti-Christian barbarians on the African coast in one night than all the European states had done for a long period of time." Upon his return to Syracuse, Decatur resumed command of Enterprise . With the significant victory achieved with the burning of Philadelphia , Preble now had reason to believe that bringing Tripoli to peaceful terms was in sight. Preble planned another attack on Tripoli and amassed

15204-529: The attacking vessels; Decatur's ship was struck with a 24-pound shot through her hull above the waterline. Before the battle ended USS  John Adams , commanded by Isaac Chauncey , arrived on the scene. On board the vessel were official documents promoting Decatur to the rank of captain . John Adams also brought news that, upon the loss of the frigate Philadelphia , the government was sending four additional frigates, President , Congress , Constellation and Essex , to Tripoli with enough force to convince

15385-526: The authority or any such orders from a superior officer. The matter was then referred to the British minister at Washington, a Mr. Erskine, who in turn referred the matter to the Navy Department through Barron, demanding that the three deserters be surrendered to British authority. It was soon discovered that the deserters were American citizens who had been impressed into the Royal Navy, and since

15566-416: The berthed Philadelphia he encountered a light wind that made his approach tedious. He had to casually position his ship close enough to Philadelphia to allow his men to board while not creating any suspicion. When the two vessels were finally close enough, Catalano obtained permission for Decatur to tie Intrepid to the captured Philadelphia . Decatur surprised the few Tripolitans on board when he shouted

15747-512: The borough was $ 28,845 (+/− $ 2,571). About 7.8% of families and 11.4% of the population were below the poverty line , including 15.7% of those under age 18 and 15.0% of those age 65 or over. As of the 2000 United States census , there were 10,307 people, 4,051 households, and 2,588 families residing in the city. The population density was 4,961.4 inhabitants per square mile (1,915.6/km ). There were 4,310 housing units at an average density of 2,074.7 per square mile (801.0/km ). The racial makeup of

15928-402: The brigadier generals, who could now be outranked by officers who were their juniors in terms of service. This was a point of inter-service controversy for many years, especially after 1916, when the U.S. Army made its brigadier generals equivalent to the rear admirals in the lower half of seniority. This made the rear admirals in the upper half of seniority, the only ones to be equal to that of

16109-421: The burning vessel in Tripoli's harbor and set sail for the open sea, barely escaping in the confusion. With the cover of night helping to obscure the enemy gunfire, Intrepid and Syren made their way back to Syracuse, arriving February 18. After learning of Decatur's detachment's daring capture and destruction of Philadelphia without suffering a single fatality, British Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson , who at

16290-407: The chief mate instead accepted Decatur's challenge and secured a location for the duel. Decatur, being an expert shot with a pistol, told his friend Lieutenant Charles Stewart that he believed his opponent not to be as able and he would thus endeavor to only wound his opponent in the hip, which is exactly how the duel turned out. The honor and courage of both duelists having been satisfied, the matter

16471-605: The city council selected Karlene O'Connor from a list of three candidates nominated by the Democratic municipal committee to fill the Second Ward seat expiring in December 2019 that had been held by David Trovato until he resigned from office earlier in the month. At the January 2017 reorganization meeting, the city council chose Kenneth McIlvaine from three candidates nominated by the Democratic municipal committee to fill

16652-403: The city was 72.45% White , 22.83% African American , 0.22% Native American , 0.99% Asian , 0.14% Pacific Islander , 1.28% from other races , and 2.10% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.94% of the population. There were 4,051 households, out of which 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.4% were married couples living together, 18.5% had

16833-490: The clubs that are more than a century old, such as the Los Angeles Yacht Club have formal ceremonies, where Commodores from more than 100 surrounding yacht clubs and flag officers of the U.S. Navy and U.S Coast Guard attend a ceremony at the beginning of the year. The ceremony includes a bagpipe entrance, a presentation of the country flag by commissioned officers of the country's navy, and a cannon shot upon

17014-437: The coasts of the United States, detaining smugglers, lifesaving, and search and rescue operations. After World War II, and with the rapid drawdown in size of both the Navy and the Coast Guard, very few of the wartime commodores were ever promoted to rear admiral. All promotions to commodore ceased in 1947, and nearly all of the commodores who had held the one-star rank had either been promoted to rear admiral or had retired from

17195-428: The command of Barron. On November 6, he relinquished command of Constitution to Commodore John Rodgers , his senior, in exchange for the smaller vessel Congress . In need of new sails and other repairs Rodgers sailed Constitution to Lisbon on November 27, where it remained for approximately six weeks. On March 8, 1806, Decatur married Susan Wheeler, the daughter of Luke Wheeler, the mayor of Norfolk, Virginia . She

17376-647: The command of Captain John Hayes , along with the frigates HMS  Endymion , bearing 40 guns, commanded by Captain Henry Hope , HMS  Pomone , bearing 38 guns, commanded by Captain John Richard Lumley , and HMS  Tenedos , bearing 38 guns, commanded by Captain Hyde Parker . Decatur had made arrangements for "pilot boats" to mark the way for clear passage out to sea, but due to

17557-400: The commanding officers of major combatant vessels (e.g., aircraft carrier, battleship, guided missile cruiser, amphibious assault ship), commanders of carrier air wings, and commanding officers of major shore installations (e.g., naval air station, naval station, naval base, naval support activity, etc.). In the other U.S. armed services, the level and scope of responsibility of a USN Captain in

17738-406: The consideration of which caused the Navy Department to regard the complications confronting it as inimical to the honor and dignity of this nation, because of the adverse effect upon its high ranking representatives in their association with foreign officers". In short, U.S. Navy commodores were not being treated as flag officers by other navies, or given the respect that the Navy Department thought

17919-454: The corsair captain, the man responsible for James' mortal wound, and immediately engaged the man. He was a large and formidable man in Muslim garb, and armed with a boarding pike he thrust his weapon at Decatur's chest. Armed with a cutlass Decatur deflected the lunge, breaking his own weapon at the hilt. During the fight Decatur was almost killed by another Tripolitan crew member, but his life

18100-735: The declaration of war, fearing that the order to confine naval ships to port would be reconsidered by Congress, he and his squadron departed New York bay within the hour. The squadron patrolled the waters off the American Upper East Coast until the end of August, their first objective being a British fleet reported to have recently departed from the West Indies. Rodgers' squadron again sailed on October 8, 1812, this time from Boston, Massachusetts. Three days later, after capturing Mandarin , Decatur separated from Rodgers and his squadron and with United States continued to cruise eastward. At dawn on October 25, five hundred miles south of

18281-436: The early twentieth century along with "vice commodore" in the same manner as "vice president,"and "rear-commodore" and "port captain' or "international bridge member" in the same manner as board members. Commodores, Vice-Commodores and Rear-Commodores are also known as civilian Flag officers because they have an Epaulettes , Regalia and Maritime flags with designated symbols and number of stars for their ranks. Many of

18462-575: The eight-year-old from such jaunty ambitions, fearing such would distract Stephen from his studies. Decatur attended Woodbury Academy in Woodbury, New Jersey . At the direction of his father, Decatur attended the Episcopal Academy , at the time an all-boys school that specialized in Latin, mathematics, and religion; however, Decatur had not applied himself adequately, and barely graduated from

18643-535: The end of the war. Decatur attempted to sneak out of New London harbor at night in an effort to elude the British blockading squadron. On the evening of December 18, while attempting to leave the Thames River , Decatur saw blue lights burning near the mouth of the river in sight of the British blockaders. Decatur was furious, believing that various residents had set the signals to betray his plans. He abandoned

18824-401: The existing American treaty with Britain only pertained to criminal fugitives of justice, not deserters in the military, Barron accordingly also refused to turn them over. Soon thereafter Chesapeake left Norfolk, and after stopping briefly at Washington for further preparations, set sail for the Mediterranean on June 22. In little time she was pursued by HMS  Leopard , which at the time

19005-448: The fighting Decatur's younger brother, James Decatur , in command of a gunboat, was mortally wounded by a Tripolitan captain during the boarding of a vessel feigning surrender. Midshipman Brown, who was next in command after James, managed to break away from the ambushing vessel and immediately approached Decatur's gunboat bringing the news of his brother's fatal injury. Decatur had just captured his first Tripolitan vessel and upon receiving

19186-472: The first Secretary of the Navy. Stoddert immediately ordered his senior commanders to "subdue, seize and take any armed vessel or vessels sailing under the authority or pretense of authority, from the French Republic." At this time, America was not even ranked with European naval forces. On May 22, 1799, Decatur was promoted to lieutenant by President John Adams after serving for more than a year as

19367-477: The fleet of English West-Indiamen. On August 31, Decatur sailed United States to Boston. On October 8, he sailed a second cruise with Rodgers' squadron. The desire for expansion into the Northwest Territory , the capture and impressment of American citizens into the Royal Navy along with British alliance with, and recruitment of, American Indian tribes against America, were all events that led into

19548-462: The frigate United States , Decatur was a natural choice for this new position. Decatur and his wife Susan lived together all through this period. After overseeing the completion of gunboats, Decatur returned to Norfolk in March 1807 and was given command of the Naval Yard at Gosport . While commissioned there he received a letter from the residing British consul to turn over three deserters from

19729-472: The grade of flag officer . This generic title was intended "to promote the efficiency of the Navy", but differed little from the previous practice. The first flag officer appointed was Charles Stewart , who was appointed as "Senior Flag Officer" in 1857. The Act to Further Promote the Efficiency of the Navy, passed on December 21, 1861, gave the president the authority to appoint squadron commanders with

19910-461: The greater range of the guns aboard United States , Decatur and his crew got off seventy broadsides, with Macedonian only getting off thirty, and consequently emerged from the battle relatively unscathed. Macedonian had no option but surrender, and thus was taken as a prize by Decatur. Eager to present the nation with a prize, Decatur and his crew spent two weeks repairing and refitting the captured British frigate to prepare it for its journey across

20091-504: The harbor personnel in Arabic that their ship had lost its anchors during a recent storm and was seeking refuge at Tripoli for repairs. By 9:30 p.m. Decatur's ship was within 200 yards of Philadelphia , whose lower yards were now resting on the deck with her foremast missing, as Bainbridge had ordered it cut away and had also jettisoned some of her guns in a futile effort to refloat the ship by lightening her load. As Decatur approached

20272-432: The harbor with Intrepid without suspicion to board and set ablaze the frigate Philadelphia , denying its use to the corsairs. USS  Syren , commanded by Lieutenant Charles Stewart , accompanied Intrepid to provide supporting fire during and after the assault. Before entering the harbor eight sailors from Syren boarded Intrepid , including Thomas Macdonough , who had recently served aboard Philadelphia and knew

20453-512: The harbor, Decatur decided to write a letter to Captain Thomas Hardy offering to negotiate a resolution of the situation at a prearranged meeting. He proposed that matched ships from either side meet and, in effect, have a duel, to settle their otherwise idle situation. The letter was sent under a flag of truce but was in violation of orders, as after the loss of Chesapeake , Navy Secretary Jones forbade commanders from "giving or receiving

20634-410: The heart, but while wrestling the arm of his adversary, Decatur managed to take hold of his pistol and fired a shot point-blank , immediately killing his formidable foe. When the fighting was over, 21 Tripolitans were dead with only three taken alive. Later James Decatur was taken aboard Constitution where he was joined by his brother Stephen, who stayed with him until he had died. The next day, after

20815-604: The limited number of captains in command of multiple units. The U.S. Navy no longer maintains a rank of commodore, but the term has survived as an honorary title . Modern-day commodores are senior captains in the U.S. Navy. In Naval Aviation , they hold major operational command of functional or "type" air wings or air groups (exclusive of carrier air wings ) such as strike fighter wings, electronic attack wings, patrol and reconnaissance wings, airborne early warning wings, strategic communications wings, various helicopter wings, training air wings, or tactical air control groups; in

20996-480: The navy, acted contrary to such sentiment and began his presidency by sending U.S. naval forces to fight the Barbary states rather than continue paying huge annual tributes to the petty North African kingdoms. On May 13, 1801, at the beginning of the war, Decatur was assigned duty aboard the frigate USS  Essex to serve as the first lieutenant. Essex , bearing 32 guns, was commanded by William Bainbridge and

21177-503: The news turned command of his captured prize over to Lieutenant Jonathan Thorn and immediately set out to avenge his brother's treacherous injury. After catching up with and pulling alongside the Tripolitan ship, Decatur was the first to board the enemy vessel with Midshipman Macdonough at his heels along with nine volunteer crew members. Decatur and his crew were outnumbered 5 to 1 but were organized and kept their form, fighting furiously side by side. Decatur had little trouble singling out

21358-536: The next day the storm had subsided, allowing the British fleet to take up positions to the northwest in anticipation of the American fleet trying to escape. The next day President emerged from the west, and Decatur attempted to break through the blockade alone in President and make for the appointed rendezvous at Tristan da Cunha , but encountered the British West Indies Squadron composed of razee HMS  Majestic bearing 56 guns, under

21539-756: The objections of senior officers in the naval services. This was because the U.S. Navy had long assigned the title (although not the rank) of commodore to selected captains holding major operational sea-going commands. Since at least the late 1940s, "commodore" had been used as a "position title" for senior navy captains who commanded air groups and air wings (other than those officers commanding carrier air groups/carrier air wings, who were historically known and referred to as "CAGs"), destroyer squadrons, submarine squadrons, amphibious squadrons, patrol boat flotillas, patrol hydrofoil missile ship squadrons, special warfare groups, construction regiments, and other large seagoing commands. The U.S. Coast Guard had never previously used

21720-514: The one-star rank of an O-7 and carried the relative seniority of a one-star officer, but who, due to the elimination of the rank of commodore at the end of World War II, wore the same two-star rank insignia as a full, or "upper half," rear admiral, an O-8. In 1982, the rank of commodore was finally and officially reintroduced in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard as the O-7 rank. The one-star officer's rank and insignia for Navy and Coast Guard officers

21901-449: The order "board!", signaling to the hidden crew below to emerge and storm the captured ship. Without losing a single man, Decatur and 60 of his men, dressed as Maltese sailors or Arab seamen and armed with swords and boarding pikes , boarded and reclaimed Philadelphia in less than 10 minutes, killing at least 20 of the Tripolitan crew, capturing one wounded crewman, and forcing the rest to flee by jumping overboard. Only one of Decatur's men

22082-434: The pilot Salvatore Catalano , who spoke Arabic . The boarding party remained hidden below in position, prepared to board the captured Philadelphia . The men were divided into several groups, each assigned to secure given areas of the ship, with the additional explicit instruction of refraining from the use of firearms unless it proved absolutely necessary. As Decatur's ship came closer to Philadelphia , Catalano called out to

22263-510: The plan went awry, exploding prior to arriving at its target, killing all aboard. The siege of the harbor and Tripoli, with the momentous capture of the fortress of Derna by US Marines ("the shores of Tripoli") proved successful and ultimately caused the Bashaw of Tripoli to consider surrender and the return of American prisoners held captive, including Commodore Bainbridge of Philadelphia , who had been held prisoner since October 1803 when that ship

22444-538: The poverty line, including 17.7% of those under age 18 and 15.4% of those age 65 or over. Woodbury is governed under the City form of New Jersey municipal government, which is used in 15 municipalities (of the 564) statewide. The governing body is comprised of the mayor and the city council. A mayor is elected at-large directly by the voters for a two-year term of office. The city council has nine members, three from each of three wards, elected to serve three-year terms on

22625-461: The project and returned to New London. In a letter to the Navy Secretary, dated December 20, Decatur charged that traitors in the New London area were in collusion with the British to capture United States , Hornet and Macedonian . The allegations of treason soon became public, causing controversy and debate among New London residents and others over the matter. A congressional investigation

22806-419: The raising of each individual officer's flags on a flag staff (also known as Flagpoles ) for each flag officer (Commodore, Vice Commodore, Rear Commodore) as their term of office officially begins. Sometimes a trumpet fanfare is also include for special occasions like ribbon cutting in 2019 for the 50th Transpacific Yacht Race . Salutes are given to Commodores for special ceremonies, including Opening Days of

22987-692: The rank of commodore. By the end of the War in the Pacific in August 1945, there were over 100 commodores in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. With respect to the U.S. Coast Guard, it should be understood that during World War II, the much-expanded Coast Guard was transferred from the Department of the Treasury to the Department of the Navy and was involved in combat operations in both anti-submarine warfare and amphibious warfare , thousands of miles away from home, and not just in its usual role of defending

23168-495: The rank of rear admiral. However, as the Cold War evolved, the Navy began to rebound from its immediate post-World War II reductions. This expanding Navy saw growth in several mission areas, and the reintroduction and designation of senior captains in command of units comprising multiple ships (e.g., "flotillas"), multiple aviation squadrons or other similar organizations became increasingly commonplace, leading to increased use of

23349-548: The refurbished ship made her way down the Delaware River. Aboard the ship at this time were Decatur's former classmates Lieutenant Charles Stewart and Midshipman Richard Somers , along with Lieutenant James Barron. Following the Quasi-War, the U.S. Navy underwent a significant reduction of active ships and officers; Decatur was one of the few selected to remain commissioned. By the time hostilities with France came to

23530-517: The residents and visitors. In 1787, a fossil bone recovered in Woodbury from local Cretaceous strata was discussed by the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia. The remains were only retrospectively identified as dinosaurian, as dinosaurs would not be scientifically recognized as a distinct group of reptiles until August 1841. Woodbury was the first city in the United States to mandate recycling . This effort

23711-506: The same residence they had once left in Philadelphia and Decatur grew up there, eventually graduating from the Episcopal Academy. Decatur came to love the sea and sailing in a roundabout manner. When Stephen was eight years old, he developed a severe case of whooping cough . In those days, a supposed tonic for this condition was exposure to the salt air of the sea. It was decided that Stephen Jr. would accompany his father aboard

23892-427: The same ship that captured Philadelphia , was loaded with barrels of gunpowder and other ordnance and sent sailing into a group of Tripolitan vessels defending the harbor, commanded by Lieutenant Richard Somers, with Midshipman Henry Wadsworth and eleven volunteers. The plan was to place the ketch amidst the Tripolitan ships, light the fuzes, and evacuate to ships awaiting their return at the harbor entrance, but somehow

24073-413: The scene without further incident. When he related the matter to his father, however, Captain Decatur stressed that the honor of the family and of the Navy had been insulted and that his son should return and challenge the chief mate to a duel. Stephen's friend and shipmate, Lieutenant Somers, was sent ahead with a letter from Decatur asking if an apology could be obtained from the man. Refusing to apologize,

24254-415: The sea, discontinued his studies there. Though his parents were not pleased with his decision, they continued to be supportive of him. Through his father's influence, Stephen gained employment at the shipbuilding firm of Gurney and Smith, business associates of his father, acting as supervisor to the early construction of the frigate United States . He was serving on board this vessel as a midshipman when it

24435-537: The ship was berthed there, Commodore Barry received orders to prepare for a voyage to transport two U.S. envoys to Spain and on December 3 sailed on United States for Lisbon via England. During the crossing the ship encountered gale force winds, and at their insistence, the two envoys were dropped off at the nearest port in England. Upon returning home and arriving on the Delaware River on April 3, 1800, it

24616-483: The ship's layout intimately. Decatur established a close friendship with Macdonough and became his mentor during the course of their careers. On February 16, 1804, at seven o'clock in the evening under the dim light of a waxing crescent moon, Intrepid slowly sailed into Tripoli harbor. Decatur's vessel was made to look like a common merchant ship from Malta and was outfitted with British colours . To further avoid suspicion, on board were five Sicilian volunteers including

24797-410: The southwest and proceeds for 0.5 mi (0.80 km) before beginning a concurrency with Route 45. NJ Transit bus service between the city and Philadelphia is available on the 401 (from Salem ), 402 (from Pennsville Township ), 410 (from Bridgeton ), and 412 (from Sewell ) routes, and local service is offered on the 455 ( Cherry Hill to Paulsboro ) and 463 (between Woodbury and

24978-744: The time was blockading the French port at Toulon , is said to have stated it was "the most bold and daring act of the Age." Decatur's exploit made him an immediate national hero in the US. Appreciation for the efforts of Preble and Decatur was not limited to their peers and countrymen. At Naples , Decatur was praised and dubbed "Terror of the Foe" by the local media. Upon hearing the news of their victory in Tripoli, Pope Pius VII publicly declared that "the United States, though in their infancy, had done more to humble and humiliate

25159-505: The title of "Honorary Commodore" as a mark of high esteem. Recipients of this honor include actor and Coast Guard veteran Lloyd Bridges (who was an active member of the Auxiliary and served as its national celebrity spokesman in the 1970s) and television personality Al Roker (who produced the documentary series Coast Guard Alaska ). The United States Maritime Service uses the rank of commodore for their one-star flag officers, with

25340-468: The title of commodore for those senior captains occupying these highly responsible positions. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, following years of objections and complaints by the U.S. Army , U.S. Air Force , and U.S. Marine Corps , efforts were begun to reinstate commodore as an official rank in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard with a pay grade of O-7, replacing "rear admiral (lower half)", which were Navy and Coast Guard flag officers who were paid at

25521-490: The title. In 1983, the one-star U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard admiral rank was changed back to its original O-7 pay grade title of "rear admiral" with the discriminator in seniority and protocol purposes of "Rear Admiral (lower half)," and a rank title abbreviation of RDML versus the O-8 rank title abbreviation of RADM. The rank of commodore / commodore admiral was officially abolished in 1985. From then on, commodore has remained

25702-459: The town and shore batteries, while the ropes securing the ship burned off, allowing the vessel to drift into the rocks at the western entrance of the harbor. While Intrepid was under fire from the Tripolitans who were now gathering along the shore and in small boats, the larger Syren was nearby providing covering fire at the Tripolitan shore batteries and gunboats. Decatur and his men left

25883-432: The two ever met in battle, Macedonian would emerge victorious. However, the engagement in a heavy swell proved otherwise as United States pounded Macedonian into a dismasted wreck from long range. During the engagement Decatur was standing on a box of shot when he was knocked down almost unconscious when a flying splinter struck him in the chest. Wounded, he soon recovered and was on his feet in command again. Because of

26064-435: The two-star rank being simply designated as "rear admiral". The rank is usually given to the president of one of the seven federal and state maritime academies who had not attained flag rank during his/her active duty naval career. Civilian yacht clubs , yachting associations and fellowships with formal hierarchical structures, began to use the title "commodore" in countries around the world for their presidents in

26245-513: The vote (1,499 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 39.4% (1,007 votes), and other candidates with 2.0% (51 votes), among the 2,608 ballots cast by the city's 6,370 registered voters (51 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 40.9%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election , Democrat Jon Corzine received 51.8% of the vote (1,416 ballots cast), ahead of Republican Chris Christie with 36.4% (995 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 8.5% (232 votes) and other candidates with 1.2% (34 votes), among

26426-404: The west end of Tripoli harbor, they began bombarding Tripoli on August 3, 1804. Preble divided his gunboats into two divisions, putting Decatur in command of the second division. At 1:30 Preble raised his signal flag to begin the attack on Tripoli. It was elaborate and well planned with brigs, schooners and bomb ketches coming into the attack at various stages. The Tripolitan pasha , Murad Reis ,

26607-649: The young American Navy, Decatur sailed to most of the naval ports on the eastern seaboard and was well received at each stop. On May 21, 1811, he sailed United States from Norfolk along with USS  Hornet on assignment to patrol the coast, returning to Norfolk on November 23 of that year. In 1812 he sailed with Argus and Congress but were soon recalled upon receiving news about the outbreak of war with Britain. There Decatur joined Captain John Rodgers , commander of President and his squadron. On this cruise Rodgers failed to accomplish his mission of intercepting

26788-407: Was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.7 males. The median income for a household in the city was $ 41,827 and the median income for a family was $ 53,630. Males had a median income of $ 40,429 versus $ 30,570 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 21,592. About 11.2% of families and 13.5% of the population were below

26969-495: Was 37.0 years. For every 100 females, the population had 93.1 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 90.3 males. The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $ 58,629 (with a margin of error of +/− $ 4,598) and the median family income was $ 74,276 (+/− $ 7,880). Males had a median income of $ 57,019 (+/− $ 3,425) versus $ 37,363 (+/− $ 6,910) for females. The per capita income for

27150-419: Was 66.01% (6,716) White , 24.91% (2,534) Black or African American , 0.23% (23) Native American , 1.28% (130) Asian , 0.28% (28) Pacific Islander , 3.19% (325) from other races , and 4.11% (418) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.66% (1,085) of the population. Of the 4,088 households, 27.9% had children under the age of 18; 36.6% were married couples living together; 17.4% had

27331-467: Was a veteran and hero of the Revolutionary War and was Decatur's good friend and mentor. Decatur accepted the appointment on May 1. During his early naval career Decatur learned the arts of naval war under Barry, and also James Barron , both of whom took a liking to Decatur. To ensure his son's success in his naval career, the senior Decatur hired a tutor, Talbot Hamilton, a former officer of

27512-522: Was ascertained that neither side could trust the other and so the proposal floundered, never coming to fruition. In May 1814, Decatur transferred his commodore's pennant to President , a frigate with 44 guns. By December 1, 1814, Secretary of the Navy William Jones , a staunch proponent of coastal defense, appointed Decatur to lead a four-ship squadron comprising President , which would be the flagship of his new squadron, along with Hornet ,

27693-401: Was attached to Commodore Richard Dale 's squadron which also included USS  Philadelphia , President and USS  Enterprise . Departing for the Mediterranean on June 1, this squadron was the first American naval squadron to cross the Atlantic. On July 1, after encountering and being forestalled by adverse winds, the squadron sailed into the Mediterranean with the mission to confront

27874-459: Was attached to the title of commodore. Captain Isaac Hull , chafing at not being able to progress further in rank, wrote in 1814 that, if no admirals were to be authorized, something should be done to prevent, "...every midshipman that has command of a gunboat on a separate station taking upon himself the name of Commodore". Like its Royal Navy counterpart at the time, the U.S. Navy commodore

28055-494: Was called while Decatur made efforts to discover who was responsible but was unsuccessful. Whether the signals were given by a British spy or an American citizen remains uncertain. Democratic-Republicans (the then-future Democratic Party ) immediately blamed the Federalists who were adamantly against the war from the beginning, and so here earned themselves the name "Blue-light Federalists" . Unable to get his squadron out of

28236-429: Was captured after running aground near Tripoli harbor. On June 4, 1805, the Bashaw of Tripoli finally surrendered and signed a peace treaty with the United States. Shortly after his recapture and destruction of Philadelphia , Decatur was given command of the frigate Constitution , a post he held from October 28 to November 9, 1804. Upon the day of Decatur's return with Intrepid , Commodore Preble wrote to Secretary of

28417-537: Was characterized by acts of heroism and exceptional performance. His service in the U.S. Navy took him through both Barbary Wars in North Africa, the Quasi-War with France, and the War of 1812 with Britain. He was renowned for his natural ability to lead and for his genuine concern for the seamen under his command. Decatur's naval victories in all three conflicts helped to establish the United States Navy as

28598-516: Was discovered that United States had incurred damage from the storms she had weathered at sea. Consequently, the vessel was taken up the Delaware to Chester, Pennsylvania , for repairs. Not wanting to remain with United States during the months of repairs and outfitting, Decatur obtained a transfer to the brig USS  Norfolk under the command of Thomas Calvert. In May the Norfolk sailed to

28779-450: Was expecting the attack and had his own gunboats lined up and waiting at various locations within the harbor. Throughout the month of August 1804 Preble used these gunboats to launch a series of furious attacks on Tripoli, forcing the residents to flee into the countryside. During this time, Decatur in command of the gunboats captured three Tripolitan gunboats and sank three others. The Tripolitans also inflicted considerable damage on some of

28960-475: Was first confronted with the matter. The incident soon came to be referred to as the Chesapeake – Leopard affair , an event whose controversy would lead to a duel between Barron and Decatur some years later, as Decatur served on Barron's court-martial and later was one of the most outspoken critics of the questionable handling of Chesapeake . On June 26, 1807, Decatur was appointed to command Chesapeake ,

29141-634: Was given command of a squadron of gunboats stationed in the Chesapeake Bay at Norfolk, Virginia, the home of his future wife, Susan Wheeler. He had long requested such an assignment; however, one of his colleagues believed that his request was also motivated by a desire to be close to Wheeler. While stationed here Decatur took the opportunity to court Miss Wheeler, whom he would soon marry that year. After their marriage in March, Decatur lived with his wife's family in Norfolk until June when Secretary of

29322-444: Was halted. After some debate and at the insistence of President Washington, Congress passed an act on April 20, 1796, allowing the construction and funding to continue, but only on the three ships nearest to completion at the time: USS  United States , USS  Constellation and USS  Constitution . In 1798, John Barry obtained Decatur's appointment as a midshipman aboard United States , under Barry's command. Barry

29503-417: Was ignored and commodore became for the first time a permanent commissioned rank in the U.S. Navy. Eighteen commodores were authorized on July 16, 1862. The rank title also lost its "line command" status when, in 1863, the chiefs of the bureaus of Medicine and Surgery, Provisions and Clothing, Steam Engineering, and Construction and Repair were all given the rank of commodore. The rank of commodore continued in

29684-546: Was incarcerated in Lancaster for practicing as a Quaker and left his home in Tottington near Bury , Lancashire in a boat to set up a community in the new world where he and his family could practice his religion freely. His surname and hometown inspired naming the city that he founded Woodbury. In 2000, Bury, England, and Woodbury were twinned as part of millennium celebrations in both countries. The twinning ceremony

29865-531: Was killed in a duel with Commodore James Barron after he refused to retract remarks he had made about Barron's conduct in the Chesapeake – Leopard affair in 1807. Decatur had emerged as a national hero in his own lifetime, becoming the first post– Revolutionary War hero. His name and legacy, like that of John Paul Jones , became identified with the United States Navy. Decatur was born on January 5, 1779, in Sinepuxent, Maryland , to Stephen Decatur Sr. ,

30046-411: Was launched on May 10, 1797, under the command of Commodore John Barry . In the years leading up to the Quasi-War , an undeclared naval war with the revolutionary French Republic ( France ) involving disputes over U.S. trading and shipping with Britain, the U.S. Congress passed the ' Act to provide for a Naval Armament ' on March 27, 1794. The act provided for the commissioning of six frigates for

30227-455: Was led by then-councilman and later mayor Donald P. Sanderson in the 1970s, and an ordinance was finally passed in December 1980. The idea of towing a recycling trailer behind a trash collection vehicle to enable the collection of trash and recyclable material at the same time emerged. Sanderson was asked to speak in municipalities throughout the country and other towns and cities soon followed suit. There are numerous contributing properties to

30408-429: Was not a higher rank, but a temporary assignment for navy officers, as Herman Melville wrote in his 1850 novel, White-Jacket . An American commodore in the early period, like an English commodore or a French chef d'escadre , was an officer (generally, but not exclusively, a captain) assigned temporary command of more than one ship. He continued his permanent or regular rank during the assignment. Once employed as

30589-466: Was not prepared to do battle and was unable to return fire. Inside twenty minutes, three of her crew were killed and eighteen wounded. Barron struck the ship's colors and surrendered his ship, whereupon she was boarded and the alleged deserters were taken into British custody. News of the incident soon reached President Jefferson, the Department of the Navy and Decatur, who was outraged, was the one who

30770-418: Was once pursued by Vice President Aaron Burr and Jérôme Bonaparte , brother to Napoleon , both of whom she turned down. For several months after their marriage the couple resided with Susan's parents in Norfolk, after which Stephen received orders sending him to Newport to supervise the building of gunboats. The couple never had children during their fourteen years of marriage. In the spring of 1806, Decatur

30951-460: Was part of a British squadron in Lynnhaven Bay . Upon closing with Chesapeake , Barron was hailed by the captain of Leopard and informed of a demand from Vice-Admiral Humphreys that Chesapeake be searched for deserters. Barron found the demand extraordinarily bold. When he refused to surrender any of his crew, Leopard soon opened fire on Chesapeake . Having just put to sea, Chesapeake

31132-487: Was resolved without a fatality. By July 1, 1799, United States had been refitted and repaired and commenced its mission to patrol the South Atlantic coast and West Indies in search of French ships which were preying on American merchant vessels. After completing this mission the ship was taken to Norfolk, Virginia , for minor repairs, and then set sail for Newport, Rhode Island , arriving on September 12. While

31313-402: Was slightly wounded by a sabre blade. There was hope that the small boarding crew could launch the captured ship, but the vessel was in no condition to set sail for the open sea. Decatur soon realized that the small Intrepid could not tow the larger and heavier warship out of the harbor. Commodore Preble's order to Decatur was to destroy Philadelphia where she berthed as a last resort, if she

31494-415: Was spared by the already wounded Daniel Frazier , a crewman who threw himself over Decatur just in time, receiving a blow intended for Decatur to his own head; Frazier's act of heroism later got wrongly attributed to Reuben James . The struggle continued, with the Tripolitan captain, being larger and stronger than Decatur, gaining the upper hand. Armed with a dagger the Tripolitan attempted to stab Decatur in

31675-467: Was still involved in trading with Britain, a country with whom they were at war, and because of American refusal to pay a debt that was owed to the French crown, which had just been overthrown by the newly established French Republic. As a result, France began intercepting American ships that were involved in trading with Britain. This provocation prompted President Adams to appoint Benjamin Stoddert as

31856-581: Was the culmination of a week where more than 300 school children and college students, local dignitaries, and local residents from Bury took part in sporting and cultural events held in and around Woodbury. During the week, there was a symbolic meeting and reconciliation of the Vicar of Henry Wood's former church in Tottington and the Quaker meeting house in Woodbury and an ecumenical service attended by many of

32037-423: Was their due. As it would have been expensive to increase the pay of all the former commodores to the level of rear admirals, the U.S. Congress at the time specified that the junior rear admirals which were referred to as rear admirals in the "lower half" of seniority, would have pay equal to brigadier generals of the U.S. Army . If there were an odd number of total rear admirals, the lower half of rear admirals

32218-511: Was thence re-established with the initial title of commodore admiral . Later in 1982, following numerous objections by USN officers to the Chief of Naval Operations and USCG officers to the Commandant of the Coast Guard that this new title was unwieldy and confusing, the rank of "commodore admiral" was simplified to "commodore". However, this action still failed to stem the confusion and

32399-428: Was to be the larger. All rear admirals, regardless whether they are in the lower half or the upper half of seniority, were considered equal to major generals , and flew a blue flag with two-stars, and were entitled to a 13-gun salute. The U.S. Supreme Court later held that the rank of commodore had been removed from the U.S. Navy, leaving it without an actual rank equivalent to brigadier general. This act disgruntled all

32580-417: Was unseaworthy. With the ship secure, Decatur's crew began placing combustibles about Philadelphia with orders to set her ablaze. After making sure the fire was large enough to sustain itself, Decatur ordered his men to abandon the ship and was the last man to leave. As the flames intensified, the guns aboard Philadelphia , all loaded and ready for battle, became heated and began discharging, some firing into

32761-510: Was well known for her beauty and intelligence among Norfolk and Washington society. They had met at a dinner and ball held by the mayor for a Tunisian ambassador who was in the United States negotiating peace terms for his country's recent defeat at Tunis under the silent guns of John Rodgers and Decatur. Before marrying Susan, Decatur had already vowed to serve in the U.S. Navy and maintained that to abandon his service to his country for personal reasons would make him unworthy of her hand. Susan

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