sentences:  In 2006, she was selected for the rank of rear admiral (lower half), making her the first admiral selected from the United States Naval Academy class of 1982 and the first female graduate of the United States Naval Academy selected for flag rank.On July 1, 2014, Howard was appointed Vice Chief of Naval Operations, the second highest ranking officer in the navy.Upon her swearing in Howard became the highest ranking woman in United States Armed Forces history, and the highest ranking African-American and woman in navy history.