McGrath, Kathleen (1952–2002)

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McGrath, Kathleen (1952–2002)

American naval captain. Born June 4, 1952, in Columbus, Ohio; died of cancer, Sept 26, 2002, in Bethesda, MD; dau. of a US Air Force pilot; attended California State University at Sacramento; m. Lt-Commander Gregory Brandon; children: (adopted) son and daughter from Russia.

An admiral in the US Navy, became the 1st woman to command a warship when she was named captain of the guided-missile frigate USS Jarrett (1998); while helming the Jarrett, patrolled the Gulf off Iraq.