John Rodgers (8 August 1812 – 5 May 1882), son of Commodore John Rodgers, was born near Havre de Grace, Maryland. He entered the Navy as a midshipman 18 April 1828. Service in the Mediterranean on board Constellation and Concord opened his long career of distinguished service. In the mid-1850s he succeeded Comdr. Ringgold in command of the North Pacific Exploring and Surveying Expedition , which added greatly to our knowledge of far eastern and northern waters.

In the early months of the Civil War, Rodgers organized the Mississippi Flotilla and supervised construction of the first ironclad gunboats on the western rivers. He took command of ironclad Galena in April 1862 and operated with distinction in the James River while supporting General McClellan's Peninsular Campaign. He was promoted to Captain 16 July 1862 and transferred to monitor Weehawken. In her he distinguished himself during the attack on Fort Sumter and in capturing the Confederate ram Atlanta. The latter service won him the thanks of Congress and promotion to Commodore.

After the war, Rodgers commanded the Boston Naval Station until 1869. He was elevated to Rear Admiral in December 1869 and given command of the Asiatic Squadron. In this post he ably handled diplomatic duties in addition to his naval responsibilities. Back in the United States he commanded Mare Island Naval Station and was Superintendent of the United States Naval Observatory. He died in Washington 5 May 1882.

His father was John Rodgers (1772–1838), and he was related to John Rodgers (naval officer, World War I) (1881–1926).

Two ships have been named in their honor.