Who was the first enlisted woman assigned to Officer-in-Charge afloat billet?

• A. Dianne Bucci
• B. Krystine Carbajal
• C. Sonia Colon
• D. Grace Parmalee

Answer: (A)

Leading on a ship requires taking on high-responsibility duties, including directing a defined mission or division and ensuring the crew’s safety and readiness. An Officer-in-Charge afloat is a role that typically carries that level of responsibility and authority aboard a ship or other afloat unit. When an enlisted sailor first fills that billet, it marks a breakthrough: leadership at this level is being recognized as attainable for enlisted personnel, not just commissioned officers.

Dianne Bucci earned that historic distinction as the first enlisted woman assigned to an Officer-in-Charge afloat billet. Her assignment demonstrates how demonstrated leadership, training, and experience can open doors to top-level, shipboard leadership roles for enlisted Sailors, reflecting progress in gender integration and opportunities across the Navy.