Press Releases

Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Marcia L. Fudge released the following statement urging the Senate to swiftly approve President Obama’s nomination of Vice Admiral Michelle Howard for Vice Chief of Naval Operations:

“With the nomination of Vice Admiral Michelle Howard for Vice Chief of Naval Operations, President Obama has chosen a supremely qualified leader who has earned the respect of her colleagues while being a trailblazer in our nation’s Armed Forces.  Upon Senate confirmation, Vice Admiral Michelle Howard will become the first woman and the first African American to serve in this position.

"During her three decades of service, Vice Admiral Howard became the first African American woman to command a U.S. Navy warship, the first female graduate of the Naval Academy to achieve rear-admiral rank, and the first African American woman to command an expeditionary strike group, where she led a fight against pirates in the Arabian sea. This expedition ultimately resulted in the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips. Vice Admiral Howard has also received numerous awards for her leadership, including the secretary of the Navy/Navy League Captain Winifred Collins award and the NAACP’s Chairman's Award.

“There is no doubt that in this position, Vice Admiral Howard will continue to serve our country with the highest levels of integrity and commitment which she has shown throughout her naval career. I urge the Senate to swiftly confirm Vice Admiral Howard for Vice Chief of Naval Operations. ###