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| -Short Attention Span Theater- |
| First Woman Takes Helm of Carrier Group |
| 2010-08-04 |
| When Nora W. Tyson entered the Navy in 1979, women were not allowed to go to sea on aircraft carriers. The idea of a woman commanding a mighty carrier strike group? That was certainly for another day. That day arrived Thursday for Rear Adm. Tyson, who made history in assuming command of Carrier Strike Group Two in a ceremony on board the USS George H.W. Bush. The strike group consists of the Bush, America's newest carrier, four guided-missile cruisers; Destroyer Squadron 22, which includes six guided-missile destroyers and two frigates, and Carrier Air Wing 8, with eight squadrons of aircraft. In accepting her new assignment, Tyson spoke of the challenges that the Navy faces and said she was humbled to be selected. Talking later with reporters, she downplayed her history-making step. "As far as the trailblazing piece, I understand I am the first woman on the job," she said. "But I'm a professional just like my fellow officers are, and my fellow strike group commanders." Tyson said she's thought about whether she'll face more scrutiny. She said it all comes down to professionalism. But while women have made progress in the Navy over the years, Tyson's appointment marks a dramatic step forward, said James V. Koch, president emeritus of Old Dominion University who also teaches World War II history. "This is an exceedingly responsible position in terms of the pressure and the kinds of life-and-death decisions that have to be made," he said. "I think there is more pressure and more responsibility than a staff position in the Pentagon, even though the rank of that person might be higher." Because carriers are a symbol of America's military might, "one is constantly on the front lines when you are a commander of a task force. And the tradition of the Navy is that whoever is in charge is responsible," he said. Tyson acknowledged as much during her speech. "This," she said, "is not an easy position to be in." |
| Posted by:Sherry |