Evelyn Juanita Fields
Personal Information
Born: 1949
Country of Birth: USA
Nationality: USA
Ethnicity: Black
Education
Norfolk State University BS Mathematics 1971; Armed Forces Staff College to study hydrography
Professional Life
Field of Study: Oceanography
Institution/Corporation: NOAA
Degrees & Memberships: Member: Zeta Phi Beta
Awards & Achievements
Awards: 2000, Dept of Commerce Gold Medal in Leadership; 1996 named 1 of the Top 50 Minority Women in Science & Engineering, National Technical Association;1999, Congressional Black Caucus s Ralph M. Metcalfe Health, Education, & Science Award; 1999, Maryland s Federation of Business & Professional Women s Clubs Woman of the Year; 2000, Virginia State Legislature passed Senate Joint Resolution #15 commending Rear Admiral Evelyn J. Fields on her exceptionally distinguished career with the NOAA Corps & as an expression of the General Assembly s admiration for her accomplishments & best wished for continued success
Achievements: 1st female & African-American to lead NOAA Corps; 1st female and African-American to command a NOAA ship; 1st woman to command a ship in the US uniformed services for an extended assignment (18 months); 1st female & African-American to hold the rank of Rear Admiral in NOAA Corps;1973, 1st African-American female to join NOAA Corps as a commissioned ensign; used her hydrographic knowledge & skills to contribute to nautical charts used by the US Navy during 1991 Gulf War; 1997, improved & steamlined nautical chart making process; 1st female & African-American Director of NOAA s National Ocean Service; 2nd US Exchange Hydrographer with the Canadiean Hydrographic Service
none