Many Notable Naval Officers Assigned to the USCSS Robert J. Walker-- Part 1: It's the Experience

From the NOAA  National Marine Sanctuaries "Rediscovering the Robert J. Walker: Some notable officers assigned to the  Robert J. Walker."

In a mutually  beneficial arrangement, naval officers were assigned  to the Coast Survey before the Civil War.  This afforded early  command opportunities  for these officers  as well as training them in aspects of navigation, carting, inshore piloting and other naval skills.

With the addition of steam vessels, the Coast Survey became even more desirable as a training ground.

For many naval officers attached to the Coast Survey at this time, this was  their first experience on steam vessels, preparing them for the upcoming conflict.

The commanding officers of these vessels (and the Walker as well)  reads like a "Who's Who" of Civil War fame.

--Old B-R'er