Michelle Howard is a retired United States Navy four-star admiral who made history as the first woman to achieve this rank in the U.S. Navy. Her illustrious career began when she graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1982, where she was one of only seven Black women in her class. Howard’s early sea tours included significant roles aboard USS Hunley and USS Lexington, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership, earning the Secretary of the Navy/Navy League Captain Winifred Collins Award for outstanding leadership in 1987.

In 1999, Howard became the first African-American woman to command a U.S. Navy ship, USS Rushmore. Her command of Amphibious Squadron 7 from 2004 to 2005 included humanitarian efforts during the Indian Ocean tsunami relief operations. In 2009, she led Expeditionary Strike Group Two, overseeing counter-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean and playing a pivotal role in the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates, an event that garnered international attention.

Howard’s ascent continued as she held various high-ranking positions, including Vice Chief of Naval Operations from 2014 to 2016, where she became the highest-ranking woman in U.S. armed forces history. Her final assignment was as the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, where she led operational forces until her retirement in 2017 after nearly 36 years of service.

Post-retirement, Howard has continued to influence military and public policy, serving as a professor at George Washington University and chairing the Commission on the Naming of Items of the Department of Defense that commemorate the Confederate States of America. Her numerous accolades include the 2008 Women of Color STEM Career Achievement Award and honorary doctorates, reflecting her commitment to service and leadership in the military and beyond.