John Howard Hoover (May 15, 1887 – December 2, 1970) was a United States Navy admiral who held several flag commands during World War II most notably those in the Central Pacific under Chester W.

He grew up in Adel, Montana and following the graduation from the high school in summer 1903, he received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

He was then transferred to the armored cruiser USS Tennessee and served with the Atlantic Fleet until August 1915, when was ordered to Washington Navy Yard.

[4] Following the United States entry into World War I, Hoover was promoted to the temporary rank of lieutenant commander on August 31, 1917, and had duty at the Naval Gun Factory at Washington Navy Yard until early 1918.

He commanded that vessel during the antisubmarine patrols off the coast of Brest, France and performed rescue work on the ships that were victims of U-boats.

[9][10][11][4] Following the completion of the flight training, Hoover was designated Naval Aviator in January 1929 and remained at headquarters of Pensacola Air Station until June that year, when he joined aircraft carrier USS Lexington.

[4] Hoover entered the senior course at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island in May 1931 and graduated in June of the following year.

He was subsequently appointed as the commanding officer of the Naval Air Station San Diego, California and was promoted to captain on June 30, 1933.

Hoover remained in that assignment until June 1934, when he was appointed Chief of Staff, Commander Aircraft, Base Force under Rear Admiral Alfred W.

He later assumed additional duty as Commander, Caribbean Sea Frontier and was promoted to temporary rank of Vice Admiral on May 25, 1942.

Hoover organized the area of his command for most effective support of future fleet operations and led his powerful land-based strike group deep into hostile territory, bombing and strafing the enemy's formidable defenses in daring offensive operations which materially softened objectives for the amphibious attack forces advancing under cover of his search and reconnaissance planes.

Hoover was appointed President of the Court of Inquiry that ultimately recommended Halsey face court-martial for sailing Third Fleet into a typhoon.

[20] Hoover continued as Commander, Central Pacific Forward Area for the rest of the War and his forces participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima in February 1945.

[24] Admiral Hoover died on December 1, 1970, aged 83, in Washington, D.C. and was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.