Cmdr. Dylan Porter, the commanding officer of Training Squadron 7, lauded Thomas for her leadership while assigned to the squadron. “She stood out not only with her performance during her training here but also as a leader amongst her peers. Lt. Thomas will be a great asset to the fleet and I’m excited to see all that she accomplishes in the future.”

Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt is now the commanding officer of the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln — becoming the first woman to lead a nuclear carrier in U.S. Navy history. “There is no more humbling sense of responsibility than to know you are entrusted with the care of the people who have chosen to protect our nation,” Bauernschmidt said,