Frank Virden
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy

Frank Virden was born on 25 January 1905 in Cynthia, MS. His early education was at Millsap's Academy in Jackson, MS, followed by the Marion Institute in Marion, AL. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1927.

After graduation from the USNA, he served on the Battleship USS Arkansas, Destroyer's USS Billingsley and USS J. Fred Talbot, Cruiser USS Chester, USS Picas, USS Canopus and the USS Georgia. He next served as Assistant Professor of Naval Science at Northwestern University and attended the Sound School at Key West, FL. He became the Commanding Officer of the Destroyer USS Frazier on 30 July 1942, and the Destroyer USS Knapp on 16 September 1943.

During World War II, he commanded the USS Knapp during the Marshall Island Operations, the Hollandia Operation, and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. During the last year of the war, he served as Communications Officer on the staff of Commander Amphibious Group Five, and of Commander Amphibious Forces Pacific. In October 1945 he returned to the U.S. and for a year thereafter, served as Communications Officer, Eighth Naval District.

From November 1946 until April 1949, he served in the Operational Readiness Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. In June 1949, he assumed duties as Commander Destroyer Squadron 19, with additional duties as Commander Destroyer Division 181. Between June of 1951 and January 1955, he attended the Naval War College and served in the Amphibious Training Command at Coronado, CA, as well as Commander Transport Division 15, and Amphibious Squadron Seven.

In February 1955, he returned to Washington, DC, and served on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations. On 1 August 1955, Virden was promoted to Rear Admiral. In 1956 he commanded Destroyer Flotilla Six; served on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations for Communications, and in September 1961, he assumed duties as Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. On 12 April 1962, Virden assumed duties as Commander, First Fleet.

Death and Burial

Rear Admiral Frank Virden died on 19 March 1990 in Pensacola, FL. He is buried at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, MD.