International Women's Day celebrates women's achievements and a call to action for gender equality. Black women leaders have played a crucial role in shaping history, breaking barriers, and making a difference. Today, we want to highlight Captain Janet Days. She is an incredible woman who has made an indelible mark on history.
Captain Janet Days are now the first Black woman commanding officer in Naval Station Norfolk's (NAVSTA) 106-year history. The Chicago native graduated Summa Cum Laude from Old Dominion University and was commissioned through Naval ROTC's Enlisted Commissioning Program. Within her 24-year career, she's taken numerous tours aboard: USS Simon Lake, homeported at La Maddalena, Italy, USS Mahan, and USS Forrest Sherman. She's also been deployed twice!
Her leadership hasn't gone unnoticed; Days was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (7), Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
On February 3, 2023, she was sworn in as NAVSTA's 51st Commanding Officer. This role is typically reserved for white men, making history as the first Black commanding officer of the world's most extensive naval base, which is located in Norfolk, VA. This wasn't the first time Days made history; in 2021, she was named the first Black woman Executive Officer at Naval Station Norfolk.
She'll oversee 6,200 acres in her new role, including 13 piers, an 8,000-foot airfield, 63 ships, two 188 aircraft, and 18 squadrons. A true trailblazer and an inspiration to all, this is an excellent start to Black History Month.
Congratulations, Captain Days! Keep making power moves!
The women in the armed forces, and countless others, have profoundly changed the world. Their leadership, courage, and determination have inspired generations of women and girls to pursue their dreams, break down barriers, and fight for a better future. As we celebrate International Women's Day, let us remember the contributions of these incredible women and commit ourselves to continue their work for a more just and equitable world.