Woman Takes Command of Navy Strike Group

With the current controversy over allowing gays to serve openly in the U.S. military, it is important to remember that not so many years ago similar naysayers were pontificating that women in combat roles would destroy the military, lead to all kinds of fraternization and - the horrors - sexual misconduct. Joining in the nay saying were senior military brass and male chauvinists like Jim Webb, now U.S. Senator from Virginia. Not surprisingly, all the dire predictions failed to come to pass and the bigots and chauvinists were proven wrong. The same thing will happen if and when our "fierce advocate" in the White House grows some balls and exercises leadership - something that we've learned is not his strong suit. But getting back to the post headline. For the first time EVER in U.S. military history, a woman is taking command of a Navy Strike Group (formerly called a Battle Group). To understand what a big deal this is, one needs to understand what makes up a Strike Group: a nuclear powered super carrier, an air wing, a destroyer squadron, guided missile cruisers, guided missile destroyers, sometimes one or two submarines, and assorted support ships, including oilers and supply ships. The number of service members in a Strike Groups numbers in the many thousands (the carrier and air wing involve about 5,800 men/women alone). And now a woman, Rear Admiral Nora Tyson (pictured above), will command such a Strike Group. A Strike Group which includes 12 ships plus the super carrier Bush and an air wing. I wish Admiral Tyson the best and hope she makes Jim Webb, other anti-woman elements and nutcases like Phyllis Schlafly who opposes women in the military look like jackass. Here are highlights from the Virginian Pilot:
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Rear Adm. Nora Tyson will become the first woman to take command of a carrier strike group in a ceremony Thursday aboard the carrier George H.W. Bush at Norfolk Naval Station. Tyson will assume command of Carrier Strike Group 2 from Capt. Jeffrey Hesterman, the acting commander.
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She has served most recently as executive assistant to Adm. Gary Roughead, the chief of naval operations. Roughead will be on hand for the 3:30 p.m. ceremony.
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The Norfolk-based Bush is America’s newest aircraft carrier. The 10th and final Nimitz-class carrier, it was commissioned Jan. 10, 2009. It is preparing for its maiden deployment in 2011.
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Tyson will lead a complement of ships and aircraft that includes the cruisers Philippine Sea, Gettysburg, Monterey, and Vella Gulf; the destroyers Bainbridge, James E. Williams, Mahan, Nitze, Mitscher, and Truxtun ; the frigates Carr and Hawes; and Carrier Air Wing 8.