Lillian E. Fishburne facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lillian Elaine Fishburne
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| Born | March 25, 1949 Patuxent River, Maryland, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1973–2001 |
| Rank |  Rear admiral (lower half) |
| Commands held | Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Pacific |
| Awards | Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit Meritorious Service Medal (2) Navy Commendation Medal (2) Navy Achievement Medal |
Lillian Elaine Fishburne (born March 25, 1949) made history as the first African-American woman to become a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy. This is a very high rank in the Navy! She was given this important role by President of the United States Bill Clinton and officially became a Rear Admiral on February 1, 1998. After serving her country for many years, Fishburne retired from the Navy in February 2001.
Early Life and Education
Lillian Fishburne was born in Patuxent River, Maryland, on March 25, 1949. She grew up in Rockville, Maryland. After finishing her studies, she joined the Navy in February 1973. She became an ensign, which is an officer rank, after completing Women Officers School in Newport, Rhode Island.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Lincoln University in 1971. Later, she continued her education, getting a Master of Arts in Management from Webster College in 1980. She also earned a Master of Science degree in Telecommunications Systems Management from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1982. In 1993, she graduated from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
Lillian Fishburne's Navy career began in Lakehurst, New Jersey, where she worked as a Personnel and Legal Officer. From 1974 to 1977, she helped recruit new officers for the Navy in Miami, Florida.
She then became the Officer in Charge of the Naval Telecommunications Center in Great Lakes, Illinois. This role involved managing communications for the Navy. After more schooling, she worked in the Chief of Naval Operations office, helping with important command and control matters.
Fishburne's career also took her to Japan, where she was an Executive Officer at the Naval Communication Station in Yokosuka. She later commanded the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station in Key West, Florida, from 1990 to 1992. This was a big responsibility, showing her leadership skills.
After more training, she worked for The Joint Staff in Washington, D.C. There, she became the Chief of the Command and Control Systems Support Division. This meant she helped manage the systems that allow military leaders to communicate and make decisions.
Her final major command was the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station, Eastern Pacific, in Hawaii. She led this important station starting in 1995. Before retiring, she served as the Director of the Information Transfer Division for the Chief of Naval Operations. This role focused on how information is shared within the Navy.
Awards and Recognition
Rear Admiral Fishburne received several important awards for her service. These awards show her dedication and excellent performance in the Navy.
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit
Meritorious Service Medal (with an extra award)
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with an extra award)
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
See also
- Women in the United States Navy
