Women in the Sea Services – Past Challenges, Present Opportunities, Future Aspirations

NOTE: I am a member of the Navy League Sacramento Council. This story is about our May 12th 2018 SeaPower Luncheon and was written by Mike O'Docharty, Secretary -Treasurer Navy League Sacramento Council.

The Sacramento Council celebrated contributions of women in the sea services during its 15thannual SeaPower Luncheon on May 12 in Sacramento.  The luncheon theme carried on the tradition of underscoring maritime leadership – past, present and future.  The event also serves as an opportunity to highlight the Council’s adopted units and supported youth organizations.  A trio of accomplished women shared their perspective to what is possible when barriers are removed, and leaders are unleashed from traditional stereotypes.  

Retired Rear Admiral Bonnie B. Potter, MD, USN spoke on past challenges as a doctor whose career started in the 1970s and spanned three decades.  She entered the male dominated arena of Navy Medicine as operational career opportunities were just opening to women.  Female integration into operational assignments was in its infancy and Bonnie had to push each envelope to forge new paths.  Her examples about her gender making her an unexpected arrival at field medical training demonstrates how far we have come in integrating women leaders into our sea services.  Admiral Potter helped shape policy and further integration as Director of Medical Services, USNS Comfort during Operations Desert Shield/Storm and as the first female physician in the military to be selected for “Flag” rank. Bonnie continues to lead as President of Sacramento’s sister council – The Placer County Council.

Captain Carola J. List, USCG, Commanding Officer, Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento discussed present opportunities and achievements of women in the sea services.  Captain List began her leadership journey as first a helicopter pilot flying the HH-65A Dolphin, followed by the HH-60J Jayhawk. Her time in helicopters was followed by transition to fixed wing aviation flying the HC-130H Hercules. Recently, her command transitioned to the HC-27J Spartan Medium Range Surveillance aircraft responsible for maritime security and search and rescue operations from the Canadian to Mexican boarders and out to 1000 miles.  Captain List shared her perspectives of leadership as a front-line Coast Guard Officer and underscored the universal tenants of leadership.

Cadet Chief Petty Officer Erin Cross-Kaplan, Naval Sea Cadet Corps represented future aspirations of women in the sea services.  Cadet Cross-Kaplan achieved the highest rank in the Sea Cadet program and is the 2017 Pacific Central Region Sea Cadet of the Year.  She was one of eight selected to represent the Sea Cadets on board the USCG Cutter Eagle and served as Cadet Battalion Commander during national level Sea Cadet training exercises.  In 2017, she was selected to represent the Sea Cadets in the United Kingdom as part of an international exchange program.  Erin reflected on the challenges and lessons learned overcoming stereotypes while leading evolutions involving Sea Cadet divisions from around the nation. Cadet Kaplan will continue her leadership journey this Fall in the University of Virginia’s NJROTC Program.  

The 15thAnnual SeaPower Luncheon paid homage to the importance of leadership to the sea services and to the contributions woman have, and are making, under; on; and above the waters of the world.  Attendees left the Luncheon with an appreciation of what is possible when stereotypes are conquered, and leaders are unleashed to transform organizations.