Many leaders in the Navy or other military forces may become famous due to their leadership skills and having their name published in the newspapers and on television due to their skills and actions during military conflicts.
In John Paul Jones’s case, he became famous because he became the commander of the Navy during the American Revolutionary War. He was able to conquer the British during several battles during the war. His skills proved significant to the war.
As a matter of fact, at the end of the war during the Battle of Yorkshire, the U.S. Navy and the French Navy was able to isolate the British troops to win the war. His name is easily associated with the navy.