WASHINGTON — Women in the military have a new star to look up to. Make that four stars.
On Tuesday, Michelle Howard became the Navy’s first African American woman to attain four stars in the Navy. Howard was also promoted to vice chief of Naval Operations, making her the first woman in that capacity. As VCNO, Howard will assist chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Jonathan Greenert.
Howard chose the Women in Military Service for American Memorial in Arlington, Va. to host her promotion ceremony. The memorial’s president, Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught, said Admiral Howard is a “classic role model” for women in the military. Howard played key roles in a number of military operations, including leading Task Force 151 in 2009 which saved Captain Richard Phillips when he was captured by Somali pirates.