U.S. Navy career
Osterhaus was appointed
Midshipman on 22 September 1865 and received his commission as an Ensign on 13 July 1871. He was commissioned Master, 12 February 1874; Lieutenant 13 March 1880; Lieutenant Commander 3 March 1899; Commander 2 July 1901; Captain 19 February 1906;
Rear Admiral 4 December 1909 and was placed on the retired list 15 June 1913. He was captain of the battleship as part of the
Great White Fleet which was a United States Navy force that completed a
circumnavigation of the world from December 16, 1907, to February 22, 1909 by order of
U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt sought to demonstrate growing American military power and
blue-water navy capability. Osterhaus was recalled to active duty during
World War I serving from 11 April 1917 until 1 November 1920 when he was relieved of active duty and returned home. His flag commands included the Second Division,
Atlantic Fleet; the
Mare Island Navy Yard; the
12th Naval District; and the Atlantic Fleet. ;Awarded the Navy Cross During World War I he received the
Navy Cross for services in the
Office of Naval Districts. ==Death==