He served in a cruiser that was wrecked near Vera Cruz, Mexico, 1833 and then on duty at the United States Naval School, NY, 1834-38. He was a Passed Midshipman, June 23, 1838, and a Lieutenant, October 23, 1843. He served on the Coast Survey until 1847, then on various stations until the beginning of Civil War. He then fitted out gunboats at Cincinnati and served in the Mississippi River flotillas. He wasd commander of the river gunboat Lexington in numerous engagements. He commanded the Cincinnati, which was sunk in action with rams at Fort Pillow, where he was seriously wounded.

He was promoted to Captain, July 25, 1866, Commodore, July 13, 1870. He retired on December 27, 1872 and was promoted to Rear Admiral on the Retired List, Jun 5, 1874.

He made his home in Washington, D.C. He died at New York City November 30, 1900. and was buried in Section 1 of Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.
His wife,  Laura McBride Stembel  (November 20, 1833-December 29, 1900) is buried with him.

NOTE: A contemporary relative, David Maynard Stembel, Jr., Captain, United States Navy, who died on 10 July 1995, is also buried near by.

STEMBEL, L MCB W/O R N
DATE OF DEATH: 12/18/1900
BURIED AT:   SITE 533
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
 WIFE OF RN STEMBEL, REAR ADM