Thomas Benton Howard (August 10, 1854 – November 10, 1920) was a United States Navy officer who served as commander in chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet prior to United States' entry into World War I. Howard was born in Galena, Illinois, in 1854 and was educated in the public schools.

[1] As a cadet in the academy, Howard was often, by special invitation, a guest at the White House, and was usually appointed Grant's aide whenever the President visited Annapolis.

During his career he served under George Dewey at the Battle of Manila Bay and successively commanded Chesapeake, Nevada, Olympia, Tennessee, and Ohio.

The same year, during the Mexican Revolution, Howard commanded a squadron of American vessels in the Gulf of California.

Upon relinquishing command of the Pacific Fleet in September 1915, Howard reverted to his permanent rank of rear admiral.