2nd Lt. Sydney Barber was the first black woman to serve as United States Naval Academy brigade commander as a midshipman, a semester-long position she assumed in 2021. Brigade commander is the highest student leadership position. She was the 16th woman to serve as brigade commander in the 44 years since women have been allowed to attend the Naval Academy. She graduated and received a commission in the Marine Corps as a second lieutenant.

Last Updated: 30 March 2023