Pringle, born in Georgetown, South Carolina, was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in 1888, and commissioned ensign in 1894.

For his service during World War I, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious service in a duty of great responsibility as commanding officer, Melville and Chief of Staff, Destroyer Flotillas, European Waters.

Pringle graduated from the Naval War College in 1920 and served as a staff member from 1923 to 1925. Subsequently, he served as the college's president from 1927 to 1930.

Attaining the rank of Vice Admiral in 1932, his commands included the destroyer Perkins; Dixie; Flotilla 2, Destroyer Force, Atlantic Fleet; Melville; the battleship Idaho; President of the Naval War College; Battleship Division 3, Battle Force; and Battleships, Battle Force.

On January 25, 1899 he married Cordelia Phythian, daughter of Commodore Robert L. Phythian, USN.^[1]

He died at San Diego, California, 25 September 1932.

• Distinguished Service Medal
• Spanish Campaign Medal
• Victory Medal
• Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (United Kingdom)
• Officer of the Legion of Honor (France)

• The Fletcher-class destroyer USS Pringle (DD-477) was named for him. The ship was launched by his widow on May 2, 1942 and commissioned on September 15, 1942.
• Pringle Hall at the Naval War College is named in his honor.

• Joel R.P. Pringle bio
• Pringle Hall, Naval War College.

• USS Pringle DD-477
• ClanPringle.org.uk