Henry Kent Hewitt (1887-1972) graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. Hewitt then served on USS Missouri in the Great White Fleet's circumnavigation of the globe from 1907-1909. He later taught mathematics at the Naval Academy before commanding the yacht Eagle. During World War I, Hewitt commanded the destroyer USS Cummings and subsequently USS Indianapolis.

Beginning in 1941, he commanded Atlantic Fleet Task Groups in neutrality patrols and convoys until becoming Commander Amphibious Force Atlantic in April 1942. He remained in this post until 1945, when he chaired a Pearl Harbor investigation.

Following World War II, he commanded U.S. Naval Forces Europe, advised the Naval War College, and served as a Navy representative to the United Nations. Hewitt retired from active duty in 1949.

USS Hewitt was named in his honor.