sentences:  Cooke served aboard "Eagle", the flagship of the North American Station, during the next three years, seeing extensive action along the eastern seaboard.Notable among these actions were the naval operations around the Battle of Rhode Island in 1778, when "Eagle" was closely engaged with American units ashore.He distinguished himself in the assault, causing Admiral Lord Howe to remark "Why, young man, you wish to become a Lieutenant before you are of sufficient age."