Albert Parker Niblack

Who was Albert Parker Niblack?

Albert Parker Niblack was a United States admiral who served during the First World War. In 1940, the USS Niblack, sponsored by his widow, was named in his honor.

Niblack was born in Vincennes, Indiana. He was appointed to the United States Naval Academy September 22, 1876; graduated June 10, 1880; and was assigned to Lackawanna.

During the decades that followed, Niblack served on many ships and held several interesting posts ashore including work with the Smithsonian Institution, duty in the Bureau of Navigation, and a tour in the Office of Naval Intelligence. He won his first command, Iroquois, February 10, 1904, and subsequently commanded some of the Navy’s most famous ships including USS Hartford and USS Olympia. He was naval attaché to Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Germany, and the Netherlands, and served as a member of the General Board.

When the United States entered World War I, he took command of Division 1, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, with Alabama as flagship April 5, 1917, and was appointed Rear Admiral August 31. Niblack assumed command of Squadron 2, Patrol Force, October 23, and served in this post through the Armistice.