Fields, Evelyn J.

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Fields, Evelyn J.

African-American rear admiral. Norfolk State College (now Norfolk State University), degree in mathematics, 1971.

Began work with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps (NOAA) as cartographer in Norfolk, VA (1972); was the 1st woman and 1st African-American to be appointed director of the NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations and director of the NOAA Corps (1999); promoted to rear admiral, upper half; served as 1st woman commanding officer of a NOAA ship and a US government oceangoing vessel; retired (2003).