U.S. Navy Appoints First Female Naval War College President

NEWPORT, RI — For the first time in its more than century-long history, the U.S. Naval War College will have a female at its helm. Rear Admiral Shoshana S. Chatfield made history Friday when she was named the college's new president.

Chatfield takes the place of Rear Admiral Jeffery Harley, who was removed from his position earlier this week just days after the Associated Press reported that he was under investigation for mismanagement and abuse of hiring authority.

Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer announced Chatfield's appointment Friday, saying she is the perfect example of a Navy leader.

"Rear Admiral Chatfield is a historic choice for the Naval War College. She is the embodiment of the type of warrior-scholar we need now to lead this storied institution as it educates our next generation of leaders," Spencer said. "[She] will play a pivotal role in leading the War College as it integrates into the new Naval University system we are now establishing to foster a culture of continuous learning in the naval services."

Chatfield holds a doctorate in education from the University of San Diego. She is a naval aviator, piloting helicopters and commanding both squadrons and wings. She served as Provincial Reconstruction Team Commander in Afghanistan before her current post as Commander of the Joint Region Marianas in Guam.

The Naval War College was established in 1884 and is the oldest educational institute of its kind in the world. Since its first class of nine students graduated in 1885, more than 50,000 students, including approximately 300 current active duty admirals, generals and senior executives, have graduated.