With the Pentagon on the cusp of seeing its first woman appointed to a Service Secretary or a high (if not the second-highest) DOD leadership post, it might be prudent for Navy leaders to break out their history books, do a little research, and get up to speed with the Navy’s efforts (or lack thereof) in breaking the glass ceiling.
To get things started on the right note, the Navy can begin by commemorating December 28, the day then-LCDR Darlene M. Iskra (see photo) assumed command of a Bolster Class salvage ship, the USS Opportune (ARS-41), back in 1990.
Remember, that was only eighteen years ago! For more–including audio and video interviews with this ground-breaking skipper–go visit the “Stories from the Veterans History Project,” over at the Library of Congress.
I’m sure the Navy’s record in integrating women into leadership roles isn’t perfect–nobody’s is–but I strongly suspect the other services are worse and will be a bit hard-pressed to keep up with a Navy intent upon demonstrating its history of promoting women. (What other service has a Grace Murray Hopper of their very own?)
But, since there are ships to fund, people to pay and a woman likely to be signing the checks…as they say, all is fair in a resource-constrained environment!
And, in any case, what good is a legacy if you don’t kick back and celebrate it once and a while?
Photo: Library of Congress. –Springboard!
