Q&A · 1:41:39-1:43:46

Alene Duerk, Grace Hopper, and women at flag rank

Alene Duerk's nursing leadership and Grace Hopper's computing work provide early examples of women reaching U.S. Navy flag rank.

Alene Duerk Computing History Grace Hopper Naval Leadership Naval Nursing US Navy Women In The Navy

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Question

Who was the first woman admiral in the U.S. Navy?

Short answer

Alene Duerk, director of the Navy Nurse Corps.

Notes

Alene Duerk was the first woman admiral in the U.S. Navy and directed its Nurse Corps. Grace Hopper reached flag rank through her work in naval data automation. Nursing and computing supplied different professional routes to senior rank. Recollections of subsequent vice-admiral appointments remain tentative, particularly over names and the highest rank attained.