The role of women within the U. S. Military has changed drastically over time. One of the most remarkable women from Alabama to initiate this transformation during the twentieth century is Fran McKee. She stands as an embodiment for women in the modern day US military.
McKee was born in Florence, Alabama, on June 1, 1926. From a very young age, she had the determination to stand out from the women of her time and set a positive example. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Alabama in 1950 and a Master of Science in International Affairs from George Washington University. Additionally, she earned her doctorate in Public Administration. Alongside these educational accomplishments, she joined the Navy and was one of two women who graduated from the Naval War College in 1970.
McKee advanced rapidly to become the first woman ever to be promoted to Rear Admiral from line officer on June 1, 1976. In 1978, she earned a second star. In addition to her formal Naval achievements, she became a senior female officer who worked hard for equal rights of all women. Her contributions and example paved the way for other women to advance in the military, and she proved to be a voice of equality for all women in all branches of the military.
She served in many capacities to advance her goals. She was the chair for the Legislative and Employment Committee of the VA Women’s Advisory for Veterans Affairs. She also served as a member of the National Advisory Committee for Women in Military Service for America Memorial. Admiral McKee’s many accolades included Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Awards, and the National Defense Service Medal (Bronze Star.) Further she won the Expert Pistol Medal and also a Sharpshooter Rifle Ribbon.
Rear Admiral McKee’s story reminds us of the perseverance and courage of one Alabamian woman, who paved the path for all women in the military. She retired from the military in1981 and passed away in 2002. She is buried in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. The name of Rear Admiral Fran McKee should remain a beacon of hope for all women in our society.
Additional resources
- Alabama Heritage. (2014, October 25). Fall 1864: Alabama’s White Women Adjust to Meet the Hardships of War. Retrieved from https://www.alabamaheritage.com/civil-war-era/fall-1864-alabamas-white-women-adjust-to-meet-the-hardships-of-war
- Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame. (n.d.). Fran McKee. Retrieved from http://www.awhf.org/mckee.htm
- U.S. Naval Institute. (n.d.). Admiral Fran McKee. Retrieved from https://photos.usni.org/content/admiral-fran-mckee
- United States Navy. (n.d.). Rear Adm. Fran McKee. Retrieved from https://www.navy.mil/Women-In-the-Navy/Past/Display-Past-Woman-Bio/Article/2959028/rear-adm-fran-mckee/
About the author
Parmis Hekhamenesh is a senior attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham majoring in computer science with a minor in business administration. She was born in San Diego, California, and enjoys walks on the beach and long hikes. In her free time, she spends traveling and spending time with family and friends.
