Career

Born in New York City on 18 May 1829, Braine was appointed Midshipman in 1846. He served on the Mississippi and the John Adams during the Mexican-American War. During the Civil War he commanded the Monticello and took part in an engagement with the rebel battery at Sewell"s Point, in the first naval engagement of the war.

He was promoted to lieutenant commander in July 1862.

Braine was promoted to commander in July 1866. He was assigned insignia number 1338.

Between 1873 and 1875 he commanded the Juniata on its cruise to Greenland in search of the ill-fated Polaris Expedition. During this cruise, he was promoted to the rank of captain in 1874.

Rear Admiral Braine retired from the Navy in May 1891.

In 1895 he became a Veteran Companion of the New York Commandery of the Military Order of Foreign Wars and received insignia number 45. He died in Brooklyn on 30 January 1898. The destroyer United States Ship Braine (Doctor of Divinity-630), (1943–1971) was named in his honor.

Midshipman, 30 May 1846.

Passed Midshipman, 8 June 1852. Master, 15 September 1855.

Lieutenant, 16 September 1855. Lieutenant Commander, 16 July 1862.

Commander, 25 July 1866.

Captain, 11 December 1874. Commodore, 2 March 1885. Rear Admiral, 4 September 1887.

Retired List, 18 May 1891.