Can an admiral serve without later sea command?

Are there admirals who did not return to sea after their first tour?

No clear World War II example is offered, though later admirals could hold operational commands from shore without regularly going to sea.

No World War II example is offered of an admiral who never returned to a ship after an initial tour. Some later admirals did hold operational commands from shore. The exchange shows how naval command can become increasingly staff- and shore-based at senior levels, while also explaining why the lack of a fleet command matters when judging a figure such as Henderson.