Profiles in Courage is a series honoring the extraordinary women and men who have transformed American institutions through principled public service. At a time when trust in government is fragile, these stories offer a powerful reminder of what ethical leadership looks like—from those who litigate for civil rights and resign on principle, to those who break military barriers and defend democracy on the front lines.
Throughout the month of May, we’ve spotlighted women in the Department of Justice, federal agencies and the military whose careers have been defined by integrity, resilience and reform. Their quiet heroism—often at personal cost—reaffirms the enduring role of public servants who choose justice over self-interest. Through their stories, Ms. pays tribute to a tradition of service that safeguards democracy and inspires the next generation to lead with courage.
Vice Admiral Shoshana “Sho” Chatfield built a career on firsts: the first woman to pilot three Navy rotary-wing platforms in combat theaters; the first woman to command Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25; the first woman to lead a Joint Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan, earning the Bronze Star; and, in 2019, the first woman to preside over the U.S. Naval War College.
In 2024, she shattered one more glass ceiling—becoming the sole female flag officer on NATO’s Military Committee and the senior American naval voice in allied strategy sessions.
Yet, on a quiet spring weekend in 2025, that historic ascent collided with partisan headwinds. Without warning, Chatfield received a call from Admiral Christopher Grady, acting chairman of the Joint Chiefs: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth—champion of the administration’s campaign to eradicate “woke” policies—had ordered her relief. No official reason was offered, but three U.S. officials confirmed it stemmed from Chatfield’s unflinching advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion—a stance she first articulated during a 2015 Women’s Equality Day presentation, asserting that “investing in gender equality and women’s empowerment can unlock human potential on a transformational scale.”
The dismissal made headlines for its symbolism and severity. Chatfield was the third senior female flag officer removed in as many months, following the firings of Adm. Linda Fagan, Coast Guard commandant, and Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. It marked the administration’s ninth dismissal of a flag officer and sent a clear message: Stay in sync with the new orthodoxy—or else.
Forged in Flight and Combat
Born in Garden Grove, Calif., Chatfield graduated from Boston University with a degree in international relations and French, earning her commission in 1987. She later obtained a master of public administration from Harvard’s Kennedy School and a doctorate from the University of San Diego. She logged thousands of flight hours in the SH-3, CH-46D and MH-60S, deploying across the Pacific and the Persian Gulf before commanding two helicopter squadrons: Helicopter Combat Support Squadron HC-5 and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron HSC-25.
In 2008, she led the Joint Provincial Reconstruction Team in Farah Province, Afghanistan, unifying U.S., coalition, and Afghan assets to rebuild infrastructure despite insurgent fire. Her Bronze Star citation praised “extraordinary leadership in the face of persistent threat.” Successive tours as senior military assistant to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe and multiple Pentagon billets refined her diplomatic skill set.
Her ribbon rack now features the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, two Legions of Merit, three Navy Commendations, and commendations from the Army, the Air Force, and the Joint Staff.
Investing in gender equality and women’s empowerment can unlock human potential on a transformational scale.
Shoshana “Sho” Chatfield
A Stand for Principle at NATO
By the time she arrived in Brussels, Chatfield was one of only a few female three-star officers in the Navy and the only woman at NATO’s top military table. There, she guided U.S. policy on deterrence, Arctic security and alliance modernization—responsibilities that became complicated in March 2025, when Vice President JD Vance toured Greenland and publicly condemned Denmark’s stewardship of the territory while reviving President Donald Trump’s call to annex Greenland.
Within days of Vance’s remarks, Chatfield spoke to her international team:
“Our strength derives from unity. The partnership among the United States, Denmark and Greenland remains the foundation of our mission, and for as long as I am privileged to serve, every allied flag will fly here in equal honor.”
Sources indicate that those words prompted the decision to remove her, branding her actions as “undermining” the administration’s agenda.
An Enduring Legacy
Vice Admiral Chatfield’s sudden dismissal cannot erase the legacy she forged in cockpits, classrooms and coalition command posts. It cannot diminish her record of operational valor, her trailblazing leadership at the Naval War College, or her steadfast belief that an inclusive force is stronger.
At a time when Arctic Sea lanes, missile-warning radars and NATO cohesion are more crucial than ever, Chatfield’s career provides a timeless lesson: “True” command is measured not only by the rank held but also by the courage to defend allies, uphold values and maintain the dignity of every sailor and guardian in her charge.
For her lifelong commitment to service, fearless advocacy for principled leadership, and willingness to prioritize integrity over position, Vice Admiral Shoshana S. Chatfield stands as a beacon of courage, worthy of the nation’s highest acclaim.
