Black Woman to Lead Combat Ship for 1st Time
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SAN DIEGO — Cmdr. Michelle Howard has become the first black woman in Navy history to command a combat vessel.
“The military is the best equal opportunity employer in the United States,” she said after assuming command of the Rushmore and its crew of 19 officers and 250 enlisted men and women. The Rushmore is expected to deploy to the Persian Gulf in June.
The ship, which carries hundreds of Marines, landing craft and amphibious assault vehicles, also becomes the first combat ship with women holding the top two command positions--commanding officer and executive officer.
At a change of command ceremony Friday in San Diego, she succeeded Cmdr. Thomas Williams, skipper for the previous 11 months. Howard acknowledged the significance of the assignment, calling it a historic day for the Navy and black Americans.
Through World War II, the Navy was segregated, with blacks serving as mess attendants. There is now an African American four-star admiral, the Navy’s highest rank.
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