The United States Navy traces its origins to the
Continental Navy that was established October 13, 1775. From revolutionary
times, no woman, by law, regardless of her abilities, contributions, or
accomplishments could be promoted to flag rank. The rules changed in 1967 and
on June 1, 1976, 201 years after the founding of the Navy, Florence, Alabama
native Fran McKee became the first woman unrestricted line officer, in history,
to become a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy.
Fran was the oldest of three daughters born to
Thomas Walker and Geneva Lumpkins McKee. During her formative years, her father
was a special investigator for the Southern Railroad Company, and because of
his work responsibilities, the family moved often and lived in a number of
locations in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and
Tennessee.
Rear Admiral McKee was a gifted student and
graduated from Phillips High School in Birmingham at the age of 15. In 1950,
she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of
Alabama, and was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy. Later, she earned a Master
of Science degree in International Affairs from George Washington University,
was awarded the doctorate in Public Administration (honoris causa) from the
Massachusetts Maritime Academy/University, and was one of the first two women
to graduate from the Naval War College.
A person of character, charm, and personal
warmth, as well as being a highly respected naval officer and a natural leader,
Rear Admiral McKee was promoted quickly and excelled in every command.
Throughout her career, she assumed increased levels of responsibility, and was
the first woman to serve in many of these assigned areas.
State-side leadership positions held by Rear
Admiral McKee included being the senior female Navy officer on the Committee to
study Equal Rights for Women which resulted in wide-sweeping changes and
opportunities for women in the Navy; the first woman to head a Naval Security
Group Command; the Assistant Chief of Naval Education and Training and Director
of Naval Education; plus serving as the Navy-wide Director of the Human
Resources Management Division.
Tours-of-duty abroad included Morocco, North
Africa and Rota, Spain. Additionally, Rear Admiral McKee was a frequent advisor
to both the executive and legislative branches of the federal government on
military matters, especially on the issues of women in the military
services.
Rear Admiral McKee was a highly decorated officer
and her military awards included the Legion of Merit with Gold Star,
Meritorious Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze
Star. Some of her community honors included the Daughters of the American
Revolution Medal of Honor, induction into the Alabama Academy of Honor, and
having a bridge, on United States Highway 43 in Maury County, named in her
memory by the Governor and General Assembly of the State of
Tennessee. A person of great personal integrity, Rear Admiral McKee
had a great zest for life and lived it to the fullest. She died on March 3,
2002, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.
The life of Fran McKee is a testimony to the positive and enduring differences
that one woman can make. Her example and actions changed the roles and
opportunities afforded women in the United States military forever. |