In 2009, Howard led a U.S. command warship against Somali pirates in the Arabian Sea. Task Force 151 became a rescue mission for Richard Phillips, the captain of the Maersk Alabama, who was taken hostage on the ship’s lifeboat. It was up to Vice Admiral Michele Howard to save the captain before the boat hit shore. She, along with the assistance of Navy SEALS, captured the ship, killing all but one of the pirates and bringing the captain out safely. Her voice is depicted in the film “Captain Phillips,” starring Tom Hanks, which relives the task force mission.
Vice Admiral Michelle Howard will report directly to Chief Naval Officer Admiral Jonathan Greenert.
Little Known Black History Fact: Vice Admiral Michelle Howard was originally published on blackamericaweb.com
