Master Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Cecilia Daley joined the Navy in 1976 through the delayed entry program as an aviation ordnanceman (AO). After graduating AO ‘A’ School and years of mastering her trade, she was the first woman to become a master chief aviation ordnanceman in the Navy. She was among the first group of women assigned to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in 1994, when combat ships first became open to women. She spent 23 years on active duty service with the Navy, and after retiring, she continued her service as the Navy Reserve force safety director.

Last Updated: 29 March 2023