By — Talia Mindich Talia Mindich Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/navy-pins-first-female-fourth-star Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Navy pins first female four-star admiral Nation Jul 1, 2014 2:09 PM EDT Vice Adm. Michelle Howard is now the first female four-star admiral in the Navy’s 236-year history. The promotion ceremony took place Tuesday morning at Arlington National Cemetery. Howard will assume duties as vice chief of naval operations, the service’s No. 2 officer. Howard graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1982. In 1999, she became the first African-American female to command a ship—USS Rushmore (LSD 47)—for the Navy. “She is…a great example of how much we as a nation and a Navy lose if we put artificial barriers in,” Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said during the ceremony. “If we don’t judge people based on their ability, based on their capability. I hope I have always been passionate about that, but I know the intensity has increased since I am the father of three daughters, and I refuse to believe that there are any ceilings for them, glass or otherwise.” We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Talia Mindich Talia Mindich
Vice Adm. Michelle Howard is now the first female four-star admiral in the Navy’s 236-year history. The promotion ceremony took place Tuesday morning at Arlington National Cemetery. Howard will assume duties as vice chief of naval operations, the service’s No. 2 officer. Howard graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1982. In 1999, she became the first African-American female to command a ship—USS Rushmore (LSD 47)—for the Navy. “She is…a great example of how much we as a nation and a Navy lose if we put artificial barriers in,” Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said during the ceremony. “If we don’t judge people based on their ability, based on their capability. I hope I have always been passionate about that, but I know the intensity has increased since I am the father of three daughters, and I refuse to believe that there are any ceilings for them, glass or otherwise.” We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now