30 years of Women at the Service Academies

September 25th, 2006, 10:06 pm · Post a Comment · posted by tanyamihailov

As a 1990 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), allow me to say "Congratulations!" on 30 years of Women at the Service Academies and in particular, the Naval Academy. In July 1976, 81 women reported to Annapolis, MD as members of the class of 1980. Thirty years later, 273 women were sworn into Naval Service totally nearly 2700 women during that time. A "30 years of Women at USNA" celebration was held in Annapolis September 7-9th, where the keynote speaker was Rear Admiral (sel) Michelle Howard, the first female Admiral from the Naval Academy and first African-American woman to command a U.S. Navy ship. The debate continues in certain circles on the value of women in the military and our training at the Service Academies. The combat exclusion law was finally lifted in 1992 and opened most military careers doors to women. Although the military has always led the way in integration, there are still doubters as to our contribution despite years of service providing evidence to the contrary.Allow me to quote a recent article from Proceedings (a military magazine) written by Sharon Disher, USNA ‘80, entitled "Women Can Fight" (a fitting title countering James Webb’s 1979 piece, "Women Can’t Fight"):"Cdr. Kirk Lippold, was the Commanding Officer of the USS COLE when it was attacked by terrorists. Debbie Courtney was his engineer and Ann Chamberlain was his navigator. Both are Naval Academy graduates. In his view, they are heroes. "Despite a 40 by 40 foot hole in the side of our ship and inoperable generators, LT. Courtney, in just four hours, stabilized the ship and prevented it from sinking. The USS COLE was kept afloat as a direct result of her extensive engineering knowledge, indomitable leadership abilities, and calm demeanor…"Yeah… I would say that we women are holding our own in and out of the military! While there remains some lack of respect of women on the whole worldwide, we still keep plugging forward often as leaders no matter what the task at hand. Although I am not an official "Blue & Gold Officer" (USNA recruiter), if anyone has any questions about the Naval Academy or being a Naval Officer, please feel free to email me. If I don’t know, then "I’ll find out, sir!" This year also marks the 20 year anniversary of my ‘plebe summer’. (I wonder if the tourists still yell, "Look! There’s a girl one!’) Remember, "BEAT ARMY!" and "SINK AIR FORCE!"

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