For the first time in our history, the U.S. Navy promoted a woman to become a four-star admiral, and that women happened to also be African American.
Adm. Michelle J. Howard was promoted to her new rank on Tuesday during the Women in Military Service for America Memorial that took place at Arlington National Cemetery. Now, as vice chief of naval operations, Adm. Howard now serves as the number 2 officer in the navy.
There is no question that Adm. Michelle Howard continues to breakdown barriers. Prior to this accomplishment she was the first African American woman to serve as a three-star officer in the United States Military, as well as the first to command a U.S. navy ship.
According to Navy Secretary, Ray Mabus, her promotion is a “representation of how far we have come, and how far she has helped bring us. “
In an extraordinary moment, surrounded by family, friends and her peers, we hope that Howard was able to truly soak in the meaning of this great accomplishment. We congratulate her.
To read more about this story, visit the Washington Post.