3-star to be first female fleet commander of ships

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Staff Report

111122-N-YM590-075 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Nov. 22, 2011) Rear Adm. Nora W. Tyson, commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2, left, speaks with Sailors in the central control station during a visit aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68). Anzio is deployed in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian M. Brooks/Released)

The president has nominated Vice Adm. Nora Tyson to lead the San Diego-based 3rd Fleet, one of three flag moves announced Tuesday.

If confirmed by the Senate, Tyson will be the Navy’s first female numbered fleet commander of ships. (The first female numbered fleet commander is Vice Adm. Jan Tighe, who leads U.S. Fleet Cyber Command, also known as 10th Fleet.)

Tyson, a naval flight officer, joined the service after graduating from Vanderbilt University and has commanded the amphibious assault ship Bataan, Logistics Group Western Pacific and led the Bush Carrier Strike Group on its maiden deployment, according to her bio. She has been the No. 2 at Fleet Forces for nearly two years.

The other flag moves, announced by the Navy:

  • Rear Adm. Richard Snyder has been selected for rear admiral and will be assigned as director for plans, policy and strategy at U.S. Northern Command. Snyder is the current director of the 21st Century Sailor office.
  • Rear Adm. Richard Williams will be assigned as the commander of Carrier Strike Group 15 based at North Island, Calif.

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