Preble, Edward (1761–1807)

US naval officer. He commanded the Tripoli squadron against the Barbary pirates (1803–04) and authorized the burning of the captured USS Philadelphia. He had virtually defeated the Tripolitans when he was replaced in 1804. He had created the first working tactical naval squadron and was a hero to many young officers who later distinguished themselves in the War of 1812. He was born in Falmouth (now Portland), Maine.