Admiral Michelle Howard – U.S.
Admiral Howard is currently serving as commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe while concurrently serving as U.S. Naval Forces Africa and commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples. She previously served as the 38th Vice Chief of Naval Operations, making her the first African-American woman to do so.
During her illustrious career, Admiral Howard became the first African-American woman to command a U.S. ship – the USS Rushmore. She was the first Black woman to reach the rank of two, three, and four-star Admiral, and Rear Admiral (lower half). Admiral Howard was also the first female graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy selected for flag rank. Admiral Howard is due to retire in 2018.