William McCarty Little (1845–1915) was born to wealthy New York City parents who often vacationed in Newport, Rhode Island. Little took a liking to the coastal city and, more importantly, the ocean itself. His affinity for the sea and naval matters would lead him to becoming one of the most important naval officers and instructors in American history.
An Officer in the Making
Little began his naval career inside the classroom at the United States Naval Academy, which, due to the Civil War, was moved from Annapolis, Maryland, to his more familiar surroundings of Newport. Little graduated in 1866, shortly after the end of the war (the school had returned to Annapolis by this time). While studying at the Academy, he met an officer who would leave a lasting impact on the U.S. Navy and Little himself—Stephen B. Luce, who eventually rose to the rank of rear admiral.Little served aboard numerous ships over the years, including vessels of the North Atlantic Squadron. A career in the Navy, however, didn’t promise quick promotion. It was considered the “dark ages” of the military branch, but this didn’t keep Little from impressing many of his fellow and superior officers.
