 He also commanded the naval forces at the siege of Machias in September 1814 and took the surrender of the frigate USS "President" in January 1815 during the War of 1812.He became First Naval Lord in February 1852 and in that capacity he ensured that all new warships being procured were propelled by steam and he also increased the size of the active fleet.The second of three sons of Admiral Sir Hyde Parker and Anne Parker (née Boteler), Parker joined the Royal Navy in February 1796.