Going directly from a civilian to a rear admiral in the United States Navy (or Coast Guard) is not possible.

A rear admiral must have completed the Naval Officer Academy, and have completed a minimum of twenty years in the United States Navy.

As of October 2, 2007 the Surgeon General is Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson,

M.D.

Since 3 November 2009, the Surgeon General of the United States has been Vice-Admiral

Regina Benjamin

George Collier Remey was a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy and author of multiple books on naval history, including "United States Ship Franklin (1867-1875)" and "In Peace and War: Interpretations of American Naval History, 1775-1984."

S. R. Franklin has written:

'Memories of a rear-admiral who has served for more than half a century in the Navy of the United States' -- subject(s): United States, Naval operations, United States. Navy, History

Admiral David Farragut was an admiral with the United States Navy.