Source: United States Navy
President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring March 8, 1980 as National Women’s History Week. In 1981, the U.S. Congress followed suit and established Women’s History Month as the entire month of March.
Women have served in combatant ships for only 28 of the U.S. Navy’s 247-year history. Today, there are thousands of Junior Enlisted, Chief Petty Officer, and Commissioned Officer women serving, leading, and playing essential roles in the defense of freedom on every type of warship in the fleet.
That includes Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) which is deployed to the U.S. Sixth Fleet, conducting flight operations, underway replenishments, maneuvering drills, bilateral operations with NATO allies, and more. Unlike the ships of three decades ago, the Forrest Sherman’s deck plates are lined with women leaders, both enlisted and officer.
Acknowledging and appreciating the sacrifices that the women who first stepped aboard naval combatant ships in 1994 is vital to understand the history and progress that has been made.
Among them is Quartermaster First Class Brenda Pena, from Orange Cove, California. She is the first woman in her family to serve in the military, is proud to serve, and understands the history of women in the Navy.
“It’s truly an honor to be a woman serving in the military,” said Pena. “It’s an honor to contribute and I don’t take for granted the sacrifices of women before us, so we can be here today. I don’t regret my decision to follow the career path I am on. I encourage every woman who wants to serve, to serve. Do what you love and what makes you happy. Everything else will follow through.”
Lt. Vananh McCormick, from Lake Mary, Florida agrees and believes no matter where you serve, there is always someone to learn from and someone to lead. She says you just have to be open to the opportunities around you.
“It is an amazing opportunity to lead and learn from amazing Sailors, who come from all walks of life,” said McCormick. “Everyone’s unique perspectives mold me to be a better leader and mentor. I have been grateful for the mentoring of senior women naval officers and senior enlisted leaders, who remind me that we are still blazing a path forward for those behind us. To future leaders, I say you are a catalyst for change. No matter where you are in your naval career, you should always strive to be the change that makes a difference. Have the honor to be true to yourself, the courage to stand up against adversity, and the integrity to own and learn from mistakes.”
As a percentage of the force, the number of women aboard ships is still relatively low compared to the U.S. population, which, according to Boatswain’s Mate First Class Tyesha Ervin, from Darlington, South Carolina, makes it that much more important for women leaders to continue to guide and mentor those around them. She also believes appreciating differences and ranges of skill can only make the organization stronger.
“Being an African American woman Boatswain’s Mate means a lot to me, especially in a rate dominated by men,” said Ervin. “I really take pride in my job and I really enjoy it. My advice to women thinking about serving would be to never settle, and don’t sell yourself short. Hard work pays off and never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. If they do, just smile and reply with, ‘I can show you better than I can tell you.’ Then show them!”
Women’s History Month is an opportunity to celebrate and bring to light the many accomplishments of women throughout history, especially in the U.S. Navy and aboard USS Forrest Sherman where the crew believes the women who came before them paved the way for those who serve today to ensure the path is ready for those who raise their right hands and volunteer to serve tomorrow.