United States Navy aircraft carrier task group. During the ceremony, she stated, "As far as the trailblazing piece, I understand I am the first woman on the job ... but I'm a professional just like my fellow officers are, and my fellow strike group commanders." Carrier Strike Group Two completed its Composite Unit Training Exercise and Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) predeployment underway training cycle and subsequently departed Norfolk Naval Base on its 2011 overseas deployment under the command of Tyson on 11 May 2011. The carrier strike group operated with the United States Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea and the United States Fifth Fleet in the Persian Gulf, with its aircraft flying missions as part of the War in Afghanistan. In an August 1, 2011 ceremony on the George Bush, Tyson was promoted to rear admiral upper half. Former President George H. W. Bush administered the oath of office to Tyson via videolink from Kennebunkport, Maine. Tyson served as Vice Director of the Joint Staff beginning in February 2012. In July 2013 she was promoted to vice admiral and named as Deputy Commander, United States Fleet Forces Command. In 2015, Tyson was installed as commander of the Third Fleet, making her the first woman to lead a United States Navy ship fleet. Tyson implemented the '3rd Fleet Forward' initiative announced by CINCPACFLT Admiral Scott Swift, retaining Third Fleet operational control of forces, including a three-ship SAG and Carrier Strike Group 1, deployed beyond the hitherto Third Fleet/Seventh Fleet boundary at the International Date Line. She retired on September 18, 2017. Awards and decorations See also List of female United States military generals and flag officers Women in the United States Navy References External links Official U.S. Navy Biography Female CSG Commander – YouTube "The woman at the helm in the US Navy" – The Guardian (June 23, 2011) "U.S. signals wider engagement in western Pacific" – Reuters (October 18, 2015) Living people People from Memphis, Tennessee Vanderbilt University alumni Naval War College alumni Female admirals of the United States Navy United States Naval Flight Officers 1950s births United States Navy admirals