U.S. Navy names Michelle Howard the first 4-star female Admiral

[spookyturtle 9,466]

The glass ceiling was broken again - a ceiling that's been firmly in place for 236 years. Meet Michelle Howard, the first woman in the U.S. Navy's history to be named a four-star admiral. Along with this honor, she's also been promoted to the Navy's second highest position: the vice chief of naval operations.

President Obama nominated Vice Admiral Howard for that fourth star back in December. At the time, she was the deputy chief of naval operations for operations, plans and strategy.

Military Times says the Senate approved the nomination just a few weeks later. The writer noted this will not only make Howard the first woman in Navy history to become a four-star admiral, but it "will also make her the first African-American woman to attain four-star rank in Pentagon history."

Although many might be wondering why the Navy is just now recognizing a four-star female admiral, Timereports women's participation in the military is still fairly low.

Quoting a Pentagon demographics report, the Time writer noted women only account for 14.5 percent of active duty military personnel. In the Navy, women account for 16.4 percent; in the Army, 13.5 percent; and just 6.8 percent in the Marine Corps.

Now, this isn't the first time a woman in the entire U.S. military has been given that coveted fourth star.

General Ann Dunwoody of the U.S. Army was tapped for a fourth star back in 2008.

And the U.S. Air Force decorated General Janet Wolfenbarger with its highest honor in 2012.

As for Howard, she was already a glass ceiling breaker. Her biography on the U.S. Navy's website notes that back in 1999 she "became the first African American woman to command a ship in the U.S. Navy" after she took over command of the USS Rushmore.

According to the Navy Times, Howard has noted some of the challenges she faced as a woman in the military no longer exist today.

"Now I think about it all these years later, the combat exclusion law was repealed and women can serve on all classes of ships, all types of aircraft. And then the last couple of years, opening up the submarines to women - it's significant."

Howard will be promoted Tuesday at a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. She told the Navy Times in her new position, she plans to focus on culture issues related to cyber and information security.

http://www.aol.com/article/2014/07/01/u-s-navy-names-michelle-howard-the-first-4-star-female-admiral/20923370/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl23%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D496078

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

We're trying to get her to come and speak at our Navy Ball right now.

[Jacque67 7,328]

Great news!

[GandD 5,966]

I'm disappointed by the replies in this thread. I was so ready for some good reading

Edited July 2, 2014 by GandD

[mota bhai 2,675]

We're trying to get her to come and speak at our Navy Ball right now.

I don't think she's gonna go anywhere near your ball, dude.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Well done Obama!!!!

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

**insert valuation of her worth on her appearance here**

[mota bhai 2,675]

Well, not to put too fine a point on it, but she is clearly an affirmative action pick.

All it takes is one glance at her picture to know that.

[JohnR! 5,495]

**insert valuation of her worth on her appearance here**

Obviously. Who would think a woman would rise to such rank on her own merit, valor and intellect? She is either too hot, in which case she slept her way up the ladder or too ugly in which case it is a pity appointment. Alternatively, if she can be framed into any minority, her appointment will be deemed the result of some government program.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

I don't think she's gonna go anywhere near your ball, dude.

You can suck my, I mean, have a nice day AJ.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

I can't really figure this one out. She is not hot at all, so I doubt she slept her way to the top. Surely AA would not have carried her all the way to the top. Maybe she is gay, a lot of women in the military are.

Of course some men, have fetishes so maybe she has a senator boy friend or GF ? Who knows.

clearly here she is in a Lewinsky like encounter with obama. proof positive.

I am sure there is some background story here.

Well, not to put too fine a point on it, but she is clearly an affirmative action pick.

All it takes is one glance at her picture to know that.

and look at those birthing hips. No way she meets weight regulations

[JohnR! 5,495]

Maybe, just maybe, she really deserved it?

In any case, we can all say 'Well done Obama!'...

I can't really figure this one out. She is not hot at all, so I doubt she slept her way to the top. Surely AA would not have carried her all the way to the top. Maybe she is gay, a lot of women in the military are.

Of course some men, have fetishes so maybe she has a senator boy friend or GF ? Who knows.

clearly here she is in a Lewinsky like encounter with obama. proof positive.

I am sure there is some background story here.

and look at those birthing hips. No way she meets weight regulations

[Jacque67 7,328]

What gives with the Navy uniforms? Are the bottom half of the trousers made from see through material??? Very dodgy!

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

What gives with the Navy uniforms? Are the bottom half of the trousers made from see through material??? Very dodgy!

This is why we wear white underneath. Some inspections are funny indeed...

[Jacque67 7,328]

This is why we wear white underneath. Some inspections are funny indeed...

I can imagine!

Why don't they use thicker material?? Is this a recent development ?