Charles Alan Pownall (4 October 1887–19 July 1975) was a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy and Governor of Guam (May 30, 1946 – September 27, 1949). He was the third military Governor and first naval Governor of Guam following the United States recapture of the island from the Japanese. After conflict with the Guam Congress in 1948, Pownall replaced many Congressmen with his own appointments, whom the Guamanians refused to recognize. The ensuing protest persuaded Truman to transfer control of the island away from the Navy. As a consequence, Charles Pownall was the last military governor of Guam.

During World War I, then-Lieutenant Commander Pownall commanded the patrol vessel USS Vedette (SP-163) on convoy escort and antisubmarine operations in the Atlantic Ocean and European waters and was awarded the Navy Cross; citation as follows:

"For distinguished service in the line of his profession as commanding officer of the USS Vedette, engaged in the important exacting and hazardous duty of transporting and escorting troops and supplies through waters infested with enemy submarines and mines".