William P. Potter

William Parker Potter (May 10, 1850 – June 21, 1917) was a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy. He served as chief of the Bureau of Navigation from July to December 1909. Potter previously commanded battleship USS Vermont and then Fourth Division, Atlantic Fleet during the voyage of Great White Fleet. Early career William P. Potter was born on May 10, 1850, in Whitehall, New York, the son of Joseph and Catharine Potter. He entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, as cadet-midshipman on September 26, 1865, and graduated on June 4, 1869. He was subsequently attached to the frigate USS Sabine which conducted midshipman training cruises to European and Mediterranean ports. Potter was promoted to ensign on July 12, 1870, and transferred to the frigate USS Franklin, the Flagship of Rear Admiral Charles S. Boggs, commander of the European Squadron. While aboard Franklin, he was promoted to the rank of master (equivalent to the present rank of lieutenant (junior grade) on July 12, 1871, and was transferred to the steamer USS Hartford, which was a part of Asiatic Squadron at the time.