Roberta L. Hazard

Rear Admiral Roberta L. Hazard (November 8, 1934 – March 25, 2017) was the third female line officer to be promoted to the rank of rear admiral in the United States Navy, and at the time, the highest-ranking woman in the U.S. military.

On March 25, 2017, Rear Admiral Hazard died in Michigan, where she had been living for many years.

Naval career Hazard attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned an ensign in December 1960. She was assigned as division officer and researcher-writer within the Naval History Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. She served in that capacity until December 1962, receiving a promotion to lieutenant (jg) in June of that year. Hazard next reported as the education, training, and leadership officer at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Florida. Her final tour, as assistant chief of naval personnel, personal readiness and community support, extended from August 1989 through September 1992. In 1990 and 1991 she also chaired the NATO Committee on Women in the Armed Forces. graduated magna cum laude from Boston College with majors in history and education. She also received a master's degree in history from Boston College. She graduated from the National War College in 1978.

Awards and decorations Her decorations include the Legion of Merit (with gold star in lieu of second award), the Meritorious Service Medal (with two gold stars in lieu of a subsequent award), the Navy Commendation Medal (with one gold star in lieu of a second award), the Navy Achievement Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.