Reflections on Leadership: An Early Experience Serving with Women of USNA
The 50th anniversary of women at the Naval Academy brings back memories of my first encounter with female alumni. I thought I might share one of my experiences during this era of change.
From 1981 to 1983 I was an instructor in VT-86 at NAS Pensacola flying the TA-4J Skyhawk, introducing air combat manuevers to future Radar Intercept Officers. In addition to briefing, flying, and debriefing twice a day, I was assigned duties as Line Division Officer. I was responsible for training and supervising about 50 sailors (male and female) who fueled, washed, performed turnaround inspections, launched, and recovered the 12 Skyhawks and 10 T-39 Sabreliners. It was a very busy job.
Fortunately, I was assisted by Ensign Maureen (Mo) Foley, USNA ‘80 as the Assistant Line Division Officer. At this point in my career, I had never served with a female officer and had my reservations. However, Mo showed me how wrong I was to have doubted her ability simply by being a female. She was consistently a high performer, unflappable, and reliable as the sunrise. Keeping up with the high tempo of operations as well as dealing with the needs of a large group of sailors was very demanding and I do not remember a single time when she let me down. In reality, Mo was the real leader of Line Division and I just signed the paperwork. I learned much about leadership from Mo, probably more than I taught her. What I did learn is that women can contribute to the mission as well as any man.
I have not heard from Mo since those days in Pensacola, but I hope she went on to have a successful career and a happy life.
Cdr Herschel Smith III, USN (Ret.)
USNA Class of 1974
As part of the 50 Years of Women at the U.S. Naval Academy celebration, alumni and members of our community have shared reflections on leadership, service, and the early years of integration. The story below highlights one officer’s experience working alongside one of the Academy’s early women graduates. If you have more stories to share, submit them to [email protected].