US Navy - Women of Rubies

In Career Gems January 11, 2021 By Women of Rubies

US Soldier To Be Charged With Sexual Assault Of 19-Year-Old Soldier Asia Graham After She Was Found Dead In Her Barracks On New Years Eve

A soldier stationed at the famed Fort Bliss Barracks in the US, will be charged with the sexual assault of fellow soldier Asia Graham, who was found dead in the barracks on New Years Eve.

US Army officials have announced that a private first class soldier will be arraigned and tried for the sexual assault, but have not released the suspect’s name. Graham, 19, also a private first class, was a human resource specialist from North Carolina.

She reported the assault on June 1, 2020 saying it took place in December 2019 leading the army to begin an investigation that they concluded in December 1, 2020.

After the investigation, a top commander in the army agreed to her allegation that she was raped but in a huge turn of events, on December 31 2020, she was found dead in the barracks.

Army officials say they do not suspect foul play in her death .

The base command said it promptly began an investigation and made sure Graham and the accused soldier were not living in the same building or working in the same areas.

Her mother believes the military failed to protect Graham after she came forward.

‘I was with the military life I spoke very highly about the military. But in her situation, I think the leadership failed her,’ Asia’s mom Nicole Graham said to WBTV.

‘Do I think she was murdered? No. But do I think if it would have handled better from the beginning, I think she would have had the proper help before and she would have been OK.’

Gen. Sean Bernabe, the commander of the 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss, has ordered a military trial for the suspect on the sexual assault case.

‘Maj. Gen. Bernabe is committed to maintaining the integrity and impartiality of the military justice system. As a reminder to the Fort Bliss community, charges are merely accusations, and all Americans are presumed innocent until proven guilty,’ an Army statement said. At the arraignment the judge will schedule a date for a military trial, referred to by the military as a court martial.Her cause of death is unknown at the moment as the Army and her family wait for the results of an autopsy.Graham enlisted in the Army in July 2019 and came to Fort Bliss five months later after completing combat training in Missouri and South Carolina.

Fort Bliss is just the latest Army base to face intense scrutiny in recent months, joinging the likes of Fort Hood, where another young female soldier Vanessa Guillen was murdered, and Fort Bragg, for a series of sexual assault claims and deaths.

In Inspiration July 27, 2020 By Esther Ijewere

Madeline Swegle Is U.S. Navy’s First Black Female Tactical Jet Pilot

Madeline Swegle just made history by becoming the United States Navy’s first Black female tactical jet pilot.

wegle’s best friend, Alissa, shared the news along with celebratory images on Twitter stating, “ just my best friend making history.”

The Chief of Naval Air Training also acknowledged the historic feat with a tweet.

“BZ to Lt. j.g. Madeline Swegle on completing the Tactical Air (Strike) aviator syllabus. Swegle is the @USNavy’s first known Black female TACAIR pilot and will receive her Wings of Gold later this month. HOOYAH!”

The Virginia native completed her Tactical Air Strike Aviator course with VT-21 Redhawks in Kingsville, Texas.

Senator Kamala Harris joined hundreds of others in praising Swegle for her accomplishments and its impact.

“Congratulations Lt. j.g. Madeline Swegle! You’re paving the way for young girls everywhere,” Senator Harris tweeted.

It took 110 years to happen, but Swegle has blazed a permanent trail that will inspire Black girls to continue to break the mold and soar high.

In Interviews&profile February 17, 2020 By Esther Ijewere

MEET THE NIGERIAN FEMALE NAVAL OFFICER SERVING AS HELICOPTER SQUADRON IN THE U.S

Nigerians are breaking boundaries all over the World.

This is the Inspiring story of Adeyemi, a graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University who is making us proud in the U.S Navy. She Immigrated in 2009 from Nigeria, and earned her citizenship in 2013.

Today, Adeyemi who is happily married with one child has been commended for her diligence and commitment to service in the U.S Navy. See her Inspiring story below

According to Navy You Outreach ; 2nd Class Adeyemi Planche, a native of Columbus, Ohio, joined the Navy to do something challenging. Now, six years later, Planche serves with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3, working with one of the Navy’s most advanced helicopters at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego.

Planche is a retail services specialist who is responsible for ordering supplies to meet the needs of sailors.

“I like putting a smile on people’s faces, especially when we work with morale, welfare and recreation,” said Planche.

Planche is a 2001 Dupmos High School graduate.

According to Planche, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Columbus.

“If you work hard, you can achieve anything you want to,” said Planche.

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Pilots and aircrew are trained in the squadron to fly MH-60S “Seahawk” helicopters to ensure they are prepared for peacetime and warfighting missions.

Helicopters are equipped with the ability to conduct replenishments at sea, search and rescue missions and support other operations as needed

There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Planche is most proud of earning personal recognition from the commodore aboard USS Pinckney.

“We earned a 100 percent score in records management,” said Planche. “This had not been done before, so it was a big deal for us to accomplish.”

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Planche, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“Hopefully, I can start a tradition for my children to consider a career in the military,” said Planche. “I like discipline, and the military definitely provides that. I immigrated in 2009 from Nigeria, and earned my citizenship in 2013. I feel really good being able to serve in the military defending this country. It’s a job I can definitely be proud of.”