Lillian Elaine Fishburne
March 25,1949
The first black woman to be promoted to the rank of rear admiral when she was promoted Feb. 1, 1998. She retired in 2001 after her tenure in Washington, D.C., as director of the information transfer division for the space, information warfare, command and control directorate, CNO, Washington, D.C.
Lillian Elaine Fishburne, born on March 25, 1949, in Patuxent River, Maryland, etched her name in history as the first African-American female to attain the rank of Rear Admiral (RDML) in the United States Navy. President Bill Clinton appointed her to this esteemed position, and on February 1, 1998, she officially assumed the rank of Rear Admiral (Lower Half). After an illustrious career, Fishburne retired from the Navy in February 2001.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in Rockville, Maryland, Fishburne embarked on her journey towards a groundbreaking military career. She began this journey by becoming an ensign upon completing the Women Officers School at Newport, Rhode Island, in February 1973. Her educational achievements include a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Lincoln University, Oxford, Pennsylvania, in 1971. She further honed her skills with a Master of Arts in Management from Webster College, St. Louis, Missouri, in 1980. Fishburne’s commitment to learning was evident as she earned a Master of Science degree in Telecommunications Systems Management from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, in 1982. Her pursuit of knowledge continued with graduation from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Fort McNair, Washington, D.C., in 1993.
Career
Fishburne’s career in the Navy was marked by dedication and excellence. Her initial assignment led her to the Naval Air Test Facility in Lakehurst, New Jersey, where she served as the Personnel and Legal Officer. Following this, she assumed the role of Officer Programs recruiter at the Navy Recruiting District in Miami, Florida, from August 1974 to November 1977.
From November 1977 to August 1980, Fishburne’s leadership shone as she became the Officer in Charge of the Naval Telecommunications Center in Great Lakes, Illinois. Subsequently, she embarked on two years of academic enrichment at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. Her return to active service took her to the Command, Control, Communications Directorate within the Chief of Naval Operations (OP-940), where she held the position of Assistant Head, Joint Allied Command and Control Matters Branch until December 1984.
Continuing her ascent through the ranks, Fishburne served as the Executive Officer at the Naval Communication Station in Yokosuka, Japan, starting in February 1987. In February 1987, she took on the role of Commanding Officer at the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station in Key West, Florida, where she demonstrated her leadership prowess until July 1992. Post this assignment, Fishburne dedicated herself to further education, attending the Industrial College of the Armed Forces until 1993. After her graduation, she contributed her expertise to the Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Systems Directorate within The Joint Staff in Washington, D.C., holding the position of Chief, Command and Control Systems Support Division (J6C) from December 1994.
Fishburne’s journey culminated with her command of the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station, Eastern Pacific, in Wahiawa, Hawaii, starting on August 25, 1995. In her final role, she served as the Director, Information Transfer Division for the Space, Information Warfare, Command and Control Directorate within the Chief of Naval Operations in Washington, D.C.
Awards and Decorations
Throughout her remarkable career, RDML Lillian Elaine Fishburne earned numerous accolades for her outstanding service to the nation, including:
- Defense Superior Service Medal
- Legion of Merit
- Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star
- Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Gold Star
- Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Lillian Elaine Fishburne’s pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment to her country have left an indelible mark on the United States Navy, inspiring future generations to strive for excellence and break down barriers. Her legacy stands as a testament to dedication, leadership, and the pursuit of excellence.