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) is a trailblazer in American history. She was the first African-American woman to become a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy. A rear admiral is a very high-ranking officer, similar to a general in the Army.
This historic promotion was approved by President Bill Clinton. She officially received the rank on February 1, 1998. After a long and successful career, Fishburne retired from the Navy in February 2001.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Lillian Fishburne was born on March 25, 1949, in Patuxent River, Maryland. She grew up in the nearby city of Rockville, Maryland.
She was a dedicated student and earned several degrees.
- In 1971, she graduated from Lincoln University with a degree in Sociology, the study of how people live and work together.
- In 1980, she earned a Master of Arts degree in Management from Webster College. This degree helped her learn how to lead large organizations.
- In 1982, she received a Master of Science degree from the Naval Postgraduate School. Here, she studied telecommunications, which is how we send information over long distances using technology like phones and computers.
After finishing her first degree, Fishburne decided to join the Navy. In February 1973, she completed Women Officers School and became an ensign, which is a junior officer rank.
Fishburne's career in the Navy was filled with important jobs where she showed great leadership. She often worked in communications and technology, which are vital for the Navy to operate around the world.
Early Assignments
Her first job was as a Personnel and Legal Officer in Lakehurst, New Jersey. In 1974, she moved to Florida to work as a recruiter, helping other talented people join the Navy.
From 1977 to 1980, she was in charge of the Naval Telecommunications Center at Great Lakes, Illinois. This center handled important communications for the Navy. After this, she spent two years as a student at the Naval Postgraduate School, where she became an expert in technology.
Rising Through the Ranks
After her studies, Fishburne worked at the Pentagon for the Chief of Naval Operations, the highest-ranking officer in the Navy. She helped manage communications systems that the Navy uses with its allies.
In the late 1980s, she served as the Executive Officer (second-in-command) of a Naval Communication Station in Yokosuka, Japan. She later returned to Washington, D.C., for another important role in communications.
Becoming a Commander
From 1990 to 1992, Fishburne was the Commanding Officer of the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station in Key West, Florida. This meant she was the leader responsible for the entire station and its crew.
In 1995, she took command of a major communications hub in Hawaii. This station was responsible for all of the Navy's computer and telecommunications systems across the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
Her final job in the Navy was as the Director of the Information Transfer Division in Washington, D.C. In this role, she helped manage how information was shared using satellites and other advanced technology.
Awards and Decorations
For her excellent service, Rear Admiral Fishburne received many awards. These medals show how much the country valued her leadership and hard work.
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit
Meritorious Service Medal (awarded twice)
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (awarded twice)
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
See also
- Women in the United States Navy
