Thomas Tingey

Commodore Thomas Tingey
Commodore Tingey in uniform
Born	(1750-09-11)September 11, 1750 London, England
Died	February 23, 1829(1829-02-23) (aged 78) Washington, D.C.
Resting place	Congressional Cemetery
Nationality	American

Thomas Tingey (11 September 1750 – 23 February 1829) was a Commodore of the United States Navy. Originally serving in the British Navy, Tingey later served in the Continental Navy. Tingey served with distinction during the Quasi-War and would serve as the commandant of the navy yard until his death.

Tingey was born in London on 11 September 1750. As a youth, he served in the British Navy as a Midshipman aboard the HMS Panther and later in July 1771 commanded a blockhouse at Chateaux Bay on the Labrador coast. He later commanded merchant vessels in the West Indies before coming to the colonies and investing in the East India trade. According to unverified tradition, Tingey served in the Continental Navy during the American War for Independence.

In September 1798 Tingey was commissioned a captain in the United States Navy and distinguished himself in the Quasi-War with France, as commander of the man-of-war Ganges. During that time, Tingey commanded a squadron which cruised the waters of the Windward Passage between Hispaniola and Cuba to protect American shipping from French privateers. Tingey commanded Ganges as she took four prizes and is known for his bloodless encounter with the British frigate HMS Surprise.