Four-star admiral – Michelle Howard
By
John C Abercrombie
Born the daughter of a United States master sergeant Nick Howard and Phillipa on April 30, 1960. She graduated from Gateway High School in Aurora, Colorado and attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She also attended the United States Army Command and General Staff College, graduating in 1998 with a Master of Military Art and Science degree.
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Admiral Michelle Howard has a number of firsts to her credit.
- First Black woman to command a United States Navy combat ship, the USS Rushmore1999
- The first woman promoted to the rank of four-star admiral in 2014.
- She became the highest-ranking woman in the United States armed forces history and the highest-ranking Black woman in Navy history.
- Served as VCNO from 2014 to 2016 VCNO is the vice chief of naval operations is the second highest-ranking commissioned United States Navy officer in the Department of the Navy and functions as the principal deputy of the chief of naval operations and by statute, the vice chief is appointed as a four-star admiral.
- Howard also became the first woman four-star admiral to command operational forces when she assumed command of both U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Naval Forces Africa and Allied Joint Forces Command Naples (NATO) from 2016 to 2017.
- Howard retired from the Navy in 2017, after nearly 36 years of service.
A ground-breaking leader during her 35-year career in the U.S. Navy, Michelle Howard was the first woman to achieve the rank of four-star admiral and the first woman to be appointed to the position of vice chief of naval operations (the second highest rank in the Navy). She was also the first Black woman to reach the rank of three-star and four stars in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and the first Black woman to command a ship in the Navy. A veteran of operations that included NATO peacekeeping, Indonesia tsunami relief, Desert Storm, and Iraqi Freedom, she was thrust into the international spotlight in 2009 as leader of the counter-piracy task force that rescued civilian Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates. The rescue was later depicted in the film Captain Phillips.
Focusing on the cyber domain and associated issues in strategy and policy, Admiral Howard is a former visiting professor at the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University. The appointment was a highlight of a distinguished career in national defense within the areas of operations, readiness, and strategic planning.
Admiral Howard led Sailors and Marines multiple times in her career as the commander of a ship, an expeditionary task force and a naval theater. This culminated in her final post as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, and U.S. Naval Forces Africa, in which she simultaneously led NATO’s Allied Joint Force Command Naples with oversight of missions from the Western Balkans to Iraq. Admiral Howard is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. She is the first woman graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy to become an admiral.
Admiral How was appointed to the IBM board. CEO Ginni Rometty is quoted “Admiral Howard is a groundbreaking leader with a distinguished career in military service. Her leadership skills, international perspective and extensive experience with cybersecurity and information technology will make her a great addition to the IBM Board.”
A gifted speaker, Admiral Howard instantly connects with audiences with warmth and humor. Her keynotes address leadership, cybersecurity, diversity, innovation, and team building. To each, she lends experience gained from three decades on the front lines and highest levels of national defense. Bringing the empowering insights of a Black woman who spent her career shattering glass ceilings and breaking new ground, she continues to motivate others with her highly inspirational presence.
The irony of Howard’s initial sea tour started on the USS Hunley, named after a confederate submarine, that is currently being restored in Charleston, South Carolina. The Hunley, often referred to as Hunley, CSS H. L. Hunley, or as CSS Hunley, was a submarine of the Confederate States of America that played a small part in the American Civil War. Hunley demonstrated the advantages and the dangers of undersea warfare. She was the first combat submarine to sink a warship (USS Housatonic), although Hunley was not completely submerged and, following her successful attack, was lost along with her crew before she could return to base. The Confederacy lost 21 crewmen in three sinkings of Hunley during her short career. She wins named for her inventor, Horace Lawson Hunley, shortly after she was taken into government service under the control of the Confederate States Army at Charleston, South Carolina.
Howard’s initial sea tours were aboard USS Hunley and USS Lexington. While serving on board USS Lexington, she received the Secretary of the Navy/Navy League Captain Winifred Collins award in May 1987. This award is given to one woman officer a year for outstanding leadership. She reported to USS Mount Hood as Chief Engineer in 1990 and served in the Gulf War, during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. She assumed duties as First Lieutenant on board USS Flint in July 1992. In January 1996, she became the Executive Officer of USS Tortuga and deployed to the Adriatic in support of Operation Joint Endeavor, a peacekeeping effort in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia. Sixty days after returning from the Mediterranean deployment, Tortuga departed on a West African Training Cruise, where the ship’s sailors, with embarked U.S. Marines and U.S. Coast Guard detachment, operated with the naval services of seven African nations.
In 2021, Howard was appointed to The Naming Commission, a congressional commission created to rename U.S. military assets and locations with names associated with the Confederate States of America (CSA) and was sworn in as its chair in March. It is shameful that many Blacks are assigned to facilities such as the Hunley, and Fort Hood, Texas, named after Confederate States of America General John Bell Hood. A future post will focus on this practice.
The success of Blacks is not a recent phenomenon, it is an age-old position that has been withheld from the general public, both White, Black, Red, Yellow, and Brown. The roots go back to the days of slavery with the intent of making it acceptable by withholding educational and work opportunities from people who only wanted what other people wanted, an equal opportunity to compete and excel. All people suffer when we spend so much effort trying to hold down one or more races for profit as in the case of slaveholders. Without placing blame, it is time to recognize that genius is in all of us, and it is our responsibility to bring out the opportunities that we can all benefit from.
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Howard, Michelle
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2019 VFW Armed Forces Award – Admiral Michelle J. Howard
Retired Navy Admiral Michelle Howard accepts the 2019 VFW Armed Forces Award at the Joint Opening during the 120th VFW National Convention in Orlando, Fla., July 22, 2019.
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Book
The Great Book of Black Heroes: 30 Fearless and Inspirational Black Men and Women that Changed History
The world is full of many great black men and women who changed the course of history. Because of their contributions, they are rightfully considered heroes by not just black people around the world, but people of all backgrounds.
In The Great Book of Black Heroes: 30 Fearless and Inspirational Black Men and Women that Changed History, you’ll learn about thirty of the greatest black heroes and heroines from three different continents over a span of more than 2,500 years of history.
This book is unique because it focuses on the personal struggles and triumphs that made each individual a hero to countless people across the globe. The definition of hero in this book is any person who influenced a great number of people and often continues to long after his or her death. Heroes can be politicians, activists, philosophers, warriors, artists, or musicians, but most of all they are inspiring!
In The Great Book of Black Heroes, you’ll learn the answers to the following questions:
How did Nelson Mandela transform from a bitter fighter to a leader?
How did B.B. King get his start and become the King of the Blues?
Why was Redd Foxx the original “King of Comedy”?
How did Josephine Baker go from entertainer to resistance fighter?
How Jackie Robinson break baseball’s color barrier?
Who was the last emperor of Ethiopia and who was one of the first?
Why did so many of these heroes and heroines have to rise above challenges?
And so much more!
This book is filled with a plethora of facts about some of the most fascinating and impactful black men and women in world history. But keep in mind that this is so much more than a boring history book—it’s meant to keep you engaged and entertained as much as it will educate you. With that said, this book is guaranteed to edify and entertain you!
Whether you have a passing interest in history, are distantly related to one of the heroes or heroines, or just want something fascinating to read, you can’t go wrong with The Great Book of Black Heroes.
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Women’s Health Care
One of your precious gifts. Take care of it using the link below
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ADM Michelle Howard and GEN Norton Schwartz – Remarks from the 123rd DAR Continental Congress
Admiral Michelle Howard, US Navy and General Norton Schwartz, US Air Force (retired) were the keynote speakers at the National Defense Night ceremony of the 123rd DAR Continental Congress
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Book
Ancient Egypt: The Egypt of Ramses II (Ramses the Great)
You’ve probably heard about Ramses the Great, but you don’t know much about him. Have you ever wondered what his life looked like? Why he was named as the Great? Maybe you just want to know more about ancient Egypt?
In all of Egypt’s long and storied history, Ramses the Great stands out as one of the best known and successful of all. His rule was marked by economic prosperity, successful military campaigns, and impressive building projects.
The Egypt of Ramses II is the biography of his own unique story. Born into a royal family with a strong military background, he was destined to become a great leader. This story is based on REAL events. I’ve studied and researched ancient Egypt for years, and deeply understand their history, culture and passion. The biography I present contains correct, engaging and organized information.
Ramses the Great.
For many reasons, Ramses the Great has remained at the forefront of our idea of ancient Egypt. In many ways, he seems to epitomize what it means to be a mighty pharaoh. His rule was marked by impressive conquests of both lands and ladies. He was a grandiose personality that wanted to ensure that his memory (how he wanted to be seen) lived on. He achieved this through his many different construction projects and artistic depictions of events during his rule. His 66-year rule was marked by stability, success, and a desire to be remembered. In this, his certainly achieved his aims.
What will you learn about the Egypt of Ramses II?
In-depth family history with illustrations.
Background information of his childhood.
His military campaigns as a conqueror and the battles he fought.
His romances and passion for women.
The numerous famous constructions under his name, such as the temple complex Abu Simbel and the Ramesseum.
The biblical story of Ramses the Great in the Old Testament.
The legacy he left behind as one of the greatest rulers of Egypt.
Questions that are being explained in great detail.
Who was Ramses II?
How did he become king?
What has Ramses II accomplished?
How did he grow up?
What was his role in society?
What happened to Egypt after he died?
Why is he named as “the great”?
Get your copy NOW!
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Learn the true story of Ramses II by scrolling up and clicking the BUY NOW button at the top of this page!
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Black Beauty Skin Care
You were blessed with it. Keep it going.
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ADM Michelle Howard discusses Women’s Equality Day
WASHINGTON (Aug. 26, 2015) Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) Adm. Michelle Howard delivers remarks at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency – U.S. Strategic Command Center for Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction (DTRA/SCC-WMD) Women’s Equality Day observance. DTRA/SCC-WMD provides the Department of Defense’s core intellectual, technical, and operational support expertise for countering threats posed by weapons of mass destruction and high-yield explosives. (DTRA/SCC video/Released)
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Book
Michelle Howard: Four-star Admiral (Women Leading the Way: Blastoff! Readers, Level 2)
Faced with constant career challenges, Michelle Howard has defied the historically male-dominated military to become the first female four-star admiral in the U.S. Navy! With a strong belief in the strength of diverse voices, her leadership has lead to heroic feats. Inspiring quotations and photos, a map, a timeline, and more highlight the life of this leading lady!
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Black Hair Care
You were blessed with it. Maintain it
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CSF 2015 | Adm. Michelle Howard: All Domain Access and Future Challenges
NEWPORT, R.I. – Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm.
Michelle J. Howard discusses the Navy’s future challenges at the 66th annual Current Strategy Forum hosted by U.S. Naval War College, June 16-17, 2015.
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Book
Greatness Under Fire: Black Women in WWII
In Dante Brizill’s final installment of his “Greatness Under Fire” series, this is a story about an extraordinary group of women who helped our country win World War II. Known as the “Black Rosies”, these African-American women overcame barriers to be allowed to participate in serving their country. They worked in our factories, shipyards, and served overseas in various capacities. Largely hidden from our history, this book sheds some light on their forgotten role.
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Women’s Walking Shoes
One of the best ways to maintain health. Look at the amazing selection using the link below
ABH – Walking Shoes for Women
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Gateway High School graduate Michelle Howard is the Navy’s first female
For the first time in the Navy’s 236-year history, a woman will be pinned with a fourth star — and she’s from Colorado.
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Book
One Woman’s Army: A Black Officer Remembers the WAC (Texas A & M University Military History Series, #12) (Volume 12)
When America entered World War II, the surge of patriotism was not confined to men. Congress authorized the organization of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (later renamed Women’s Army Corps) in 1942, and hundreds of women were able to join in the war effort. Charity Edna Adams became the first black woman commissioned as an officer.
Black members of the WAC had to fight the prejudices not only of males who did not want women in their “man’s army,” but also of those who could not accept blacks in positions of authority or responsibility, even in the segregated military.
With unblinking candor, Charity Adams Earley tells of her struggles and successes as the WAC’s first black officer and as commanding officer of the only organization of black women to serve overseas during World War II. The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion broke all records for redirecting military mail as she commanded the group through its moves from England to France and stood up to the racist slurs of the general under whose command the battalion operated. The Six Triple Eight stood up for its commanding officer, supporting her boycott of segregated living quarters and recreational facilities.
This book is a tribute to those courageous women who paved the way for patriots, regardless of color or gender, to serve their country.
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Feminine Hygiene
Find what you need with the link below
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Keynote Remarks: Admiral Michelle J. Howard (2015 AVC Conference)
38th and current Vice Chief of Naval Operations; first woman to hold the rank of
four-star Admiral in US Naval history.
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Book
10 COMMANDMENTS OF BLACK ECONOMIC POWER
This book is written under specific conditions of which you should be aware. First, it’s not a “how to get rich” book for individuals looking to maximize their 401(k) or invest in the stock market. I have other material for these purposes. Secondly, it’s not a book for all people of all backgrounds.
Truth be told, I wrote this book for BLACK PEOPLE because we have a job to do. Our job is to reverse hundreds of years of discrimination and exploitation and the expropriation of trillions in black wealth that continues to evade our community.
This book is also designed to lay out a framework to understand how trillions in black wealth are lost every single year due to poor cultural habits and family structure.
The black family is, inherently, a multi-million-dollar institution.
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Televisions by Screen Size
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ABH – Televisions by Screen Size
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Admiral Michelle Howard: Leading The Navy Into A New Era |
Forbes
The first female 4-star admiral in Navy history talks about saving Captain Phillips, defining the mission and the isolation that comes with being in charge. Interview originally from Forbes’ Women’s Summit in May 2014.
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Ancestry Test Kits
Discover the deep rich heritage that is you using these options
ABH – Ancestry Test Kits
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The following book is a great addition to the above and can be used to answer and further your search for ancestors that can bring pride to you. We come from strong roots, discover and take pride!
Black Roots: A Beginners Guide To Tracing The African American Family Tree
Trace, document, record, and write your family’s history with this easy-to-read, step-by-step authoritative guide.
Finally, here is the fun, easy-to-use guide that African Americans have been waiting for since Alex Haley published Roots more than twenty-five years ago. Written by the leading African American professional genealogist in the United States who teaches and lectures widely, Black Roots highlights some of the special problems, solutions, and sources unique to African Americans. Based on solid genealogical principles and designed for those who have little or no experience researching their family’s past, but valuable to any genealogist, this book explains everything you need to get started, including: where to search close to home, where to write for records, how to make the best use of libraries and the Internet, and how to organize research, analyze historical documents, and write the family history.
This guide also includes:
-real case histories that illustrate the unique challenges posed to African Americans and how they were solved
-more than 100 illustrations and photographs of actual documents and records you’re likely to encounter when tracing your family tree
-samples of all the worksheets and forms you’ll need to keep your research in order
-a list of the traps even experienced researchers often fall into that hamper their research
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Other posts and mini-series that may be of interest to you.
To see the full listing of post (over 300 and counting), click on our Blog list
Current Mini-series on voting
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Voting Tutorial – Click this important link
Voting – Voter Suppression – Click this important link
Voting – Gerrymandering Explained, This post
For Black History Month 2020, we posted daily. These posts focus on the reality of Black life in America after the Civil War culminating in the landmark Brown v Board of Education that changed so many of the earlier practices. To see the posts, click here
For Black History Month 2021, we focused on Black Medical Achievements, Inventors and Scientists. To see those posts, click here.
For Black History Month 2022 we focused on “Health and Wellness”. To see the entire series, click this link.
For Black History Month 2023 we focused on “Race Massacres and Riots.
For Women’s History Month 2022 we introduced you to 31 amazing Black women we should all know. To see the entire series, click this link.
For Women’s History Month 2023 we introduced you to an additional 31 amazing Black women we should all know.
We also posted a 5 part mini-series on the 100th anniversary of one of the most horrific massacres in the history of America. Hundreds of Blacks were slaughtered and 10,000 left homeless in this largely unknown event. To see the posts, click here.
We also did a mini-series on the Schomburg Center for Research a most amazing collection of Black history and culture. To see this mini-series, click here
The Schomburg Center
A world class collection of Black History inspired by a 5th grade teacher who told Arturo Schomburg that there was NO African history. Nothing of value. Schomburg dedicated his life to proving that teacher wrong and Schomburg did an amazing job with his collection.
Schomburg – The man who built a library
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Amazing people come in all races, genders and religious backgrounds. While we may disagree on these matters, the adult thing to do is to recognize that we can all do our part to avoid denial of the elephant in the room and the benefits we are denying by not encouraging all people to do their best, providing the best training and opportunities for all. Stop playing the blame game or pass this unnecessary problem on to our children.