John Irwin

Rear Admiral John Irwin (15 April 1832 – 28 July 1901) was an officer in the United States Navy. He participated in the African Slave Trade Patrol, fought in the American Civil War, and served as commander of the Asiatic and Pacific Squadrons.

Naval career Irwin was born in Pittsburgh or Lancaster (sources vary), Pennsylvania, on 15 April 1832.

Assigned to the sidewheel steamer in the Home Squadron from 1854 to 1856, Irwin was promoted to master on 16 September 1855 and then to lieutenant on the same day. His next assignment was with the United States Coast Survey from 1857 to 1858. He then served aboard the frigate in the Home Squadron from 1859 to 1860.

Departing the board in June 1891, Irwin finally returned to sea when he assumed command of the Asiatic Squadron on 7 June 1891. He arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii, suddenly and unexpectedly on 6 November 1893 to replace Commodore Joseph S. Skerrett there as commander-in-chief of the Pacific Squadron; Skerrett traded places with Irwin, taking command of the Asiatic Squadron. Irwin soon became involved in the "Black Week" crisis of December 1893 – January 1894, during which war nearly broke out between the United States and the Provisional Government of Hawaii.

Irwin was placed on the retired list on 15 April 1894 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 62. Irwin was interred at Arlington National Cemetery with full naval honors on 31 July 1901.

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