U.S. Navy Names First Woman to Commander of Carrier Strike Group

When Nora Tyson joined the Navy in 1979, women had just been permitted to begin serving on certain surface ships. Congress had just permitted the Navy to fill sea billets with women on noncombatant ships in 1978; later the year Tyson reported for duty, the first woman received the Surface Warfare Officer (SFO) qualification. Nora Tyson perhaps didn't picture herself, being assigned to an aircraft carrier, an icon of the United States' military strength, let alone taking the helm of what would be the last Nimitz-class carrier, the USS George H.W. Bush, as Commander of Carrier Strike Group Two.

And yet, here she is, the first woman ever named Commander of a Carrier Strike Group.

At her command are "four guided-missile cruisers; Destroyer Squadron 22, which includes six guided-missile destroyers and two frigates, and Carrier Air Wing 8, with eight squadrons of aircraft," some of the Navy's fiercest and most elegant vessels afloat. When asked about her appointment, Admiral Gary Roughead, chief of Naval operations, said that it is proof that "that there is no limit as to what you can do."

Rear Admiral Tyson may downplay the role she has in women's history, but I certainly am ready to sing her praises as a Navy veteran and former woman sailor. This year has been full of little chips in the barriers to women's equality in the military, especially the Navy, and I can't let her contribution go unnoticed.

Certainly, women in uniform are finding that the Brass Ceiling is bumping a little higher every day, with more women role models achieving greatness and giving them something to which they can aspire. Rear Admiral Nora Tyson's career and accomplishments add to a list of women who are showing us that, certainly, progress in equality is being made. An appointment to a carrier group is a heavy responsibility. Admiral Tyson is confident that her professionalism will help her rise to the task of holding decisions of life and death in her hands. Whether she admits it or not, her duty will also show the world what accomplished military women are capable of.

This appointment to the Bush isn't her first time as skipper. During her career Admiral Tyson has previously commanded the amphibious assault ship, the USS Bataan, during which time she lead the Navy's efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in addition to two tours to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This was after three tours in a Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron. No one can argue the woman's mettle.

Her career is full of great leadership and strong achievements, making her the kind of role model needed to show our junior women in uniform that the crushing rumors that they don't belong in this men's world of military power just aren't true. Junior sailors have a strong leader in Rear Admiral Nora W. Tyson, and women sailors have a role model worthy of their respect.

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