Lt. Susan Cowan was part of the first class of women to graduate from the Naval Academy in 1980. In 1985, she became the first woman executive officer of an at-sea unit, the ocean tug USS Quapaw (ATF 110). She was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for her unit’s exceptional performance, as well as the Capt. Winifred Quick Collins Award for superior leadership and performance by a woman officer.

Last Updated: 29 March 2023