ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The U.S. Naval Academy on Monday announced its first Black female brigade commander.
Midshipman 1st Class Sydney Barber will be the commander for the spring semester, the academy’s commandant said.
Brigade commander is the highest leadership position within the student body. The semester-long position is selected through an application and interview process by senior leadership and the commandant’s staff.
Barber, of Lake Forest, Illinois, will be the 16th woman selected for brigade commander in the 44 years women have been attending the academy. The first female brigade commander was then-Midshipman Julianna Galiana, who served in the position in 1991.
