She was the first woman to lead an aircraft carrier. Who is next?

Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt made Navy history as the first woman to command a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, leading USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). The journey to the CO post included two pivotal moments: a 2014 realization that she could reach carrier command, and a 2020 confirmation that she would be the first woman to hold the role. Navy officials stress there is currently no other woman in the carrier commanding officer pipeline, with Ensign Bryan Blair noting it would be at least six to eight years before another woman might reach the position given the lengthy career path. The piece highlights past milestones by women in Navy leadership and outlines the path ahead.