A 1988 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Vice Adm. Mary Jackson became one of the first women to serve in combat logistics force ships in 1989 and then on cruiser-destroyer (CRUDES) ships in 1994, after the repeal of the combat exclusion law. A career surface warfare officer, she commanded USS McFaul (DDG 74). She was the first mother to command a destroyer with two children. Jackson also served as the commander of Navy Installations Command, where she led the Navy’s shore enterprise comprised of more than 53,000 personnel at 10 Navy regions and 71 installations around the world. She retired from the Navy in 2020 after 32 years of service.

Last Updated: 29 March 2023