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Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic

Female CO Will Command Aircraft Carrier for First Time

by CDR Zach Harrell
23 December 2020

portrait
CAPT Baurenschmidt
portrait
CAPT Baurenschmidt
190103-N-GR718-0001 Capt. Bauernschmidt poses for a roster photo. U.S. Navy Courtesy Photo (Released)
Photo By: US Navy
VIRIN: 190103-N-GR718-0009
The Navy announced Friday that Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt will assume command of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) marking the first time a female commanding officer will lead the crew of one of the Navy’s 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. 

Bauernschmidt will take command of Lincoln this summer, upon completion of the nuclear power, aviation, and leadership training required of aircraft carrier COs. 

portrait
190103-N-GR718-0001 Capt. Bauernschmidt poses for a roster photo. U.S. Navy Courtesy Photo (Released)
portrait
CAPT Baurenschmidt
190103-N-GR718-0001 Capt. Bauernschmidt poses for a roster photo. U.S. Navy Courtesy Photo (Released)
Photo By: US Navy
VIRIN: 190103-N-GR718-0009

"I am incredibly honored and humbled to be selected,” said Bauernschmidt. “I love leading Sailors and I take that responsibility extremely seriously."

Bauernschmidt was also the first female to serve as the executive officer aboard an aircraft carrier, a position she held from September 2016 to January 2019, also on the Lincoln.

Bauernschmidt is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and graduated from the United Stated Naval Academy in May 1994, the first graduating class in which women were allowed to serve aboard combatant ships and aircraft.  She was designated as a Naval Aviator in 1996 and served with several helicopter squadrons throughout her career. She has previously commanded the “Spartans” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70 and amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD-22).


 
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