US Naval Station Norfolk to have first Black female commanding officer

Captain Janet Days will become the 51st commanding officer of the US Naval Station Norfolk, making her the first Black female to hold the position in the installation’s 106-year history, Report informs referring to Stars and Stripes.

A change of command ceremony will be held Friday morning. Days will relieve Capt. David Dees, who will assume duties as the Chief of Staff for Commander of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic.

A 1999 Old Dominion University graduate, Days holds a Bachelor of Science in business. She went on to earn a master’s degree in business administration from the Naval Postgraduate School and the Naval War College command and staff diploma. She is also a graduate of Joint and Combined Warfighting School at Joint Forces Staff College and is a qualified joint specialty officer.

Days has been awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (seven awards), Army Commendation Medal (two awards), Army Achievement Medal, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.