Posted: September 3, 2010

Capt. Mary M. Jackson has been named the commanding officer at Norfolk Naval Station.

Commander,

Naval Station

After going through an almost two-year process, I assumed duties on Aug. 17. I'm responsible for a team of staff members that includes sailors, civil servants, contractors and the community. It can be a complex job, and your responsibilities can vary any day depending on the tasks. The most difficult aspect is the volume. From Navy personnel to aviation squadrons, and dealing with a multitude of other commands, it's definitely important that we support all facets of military life. It's our job to make sure we keep the community engaged and up-to-date on the things we are doing. Prior to coming to the naval station, I was an executive officer on the USS Stout (DDG 56) and commanding officer of the USS McFaul (DDG 74). I spent the majority of my career rotating between ships and shore assignments. Most of my assignments have been in the Hampton Roads area.

United StateS

Naval Academy

I wanted to study oceanography, and I knew the Naval Academy offered a degree in the field. I remember mentioning it to my father, and he responded that he didn't think I could get in. My father, who was in the Army Air Corps in World War II, felt it would be too competitive and out of my league. As an only child with a stubborn streak, I decided that I was going to get in. Well, I did get in, and that's when I realized I didn't know what I'd gotten myself into. I was quite envious of my classmates because some of them had prior military experience and had grown up where there was a strong military presence in their family. My father didn't talk about his military experience. I had to learn a lot very quickly. I graduated with a degree in oceanography. My father was very excited and happy for me. He was very proud and extremely supportive, as was my mother.

On being a leader

I think the ability to communicate is very important. These days, you have so many ways to communicate, whether it's in person, on the phone or electronically. You have to make sure that you are communicating effectively and sharing the information that is needed. No single person can operate in a vacuum. We have to leverage off each other so the team effort is more efficient. The bottom line is making sure the job gets done every day and that I'm accessible. Yes, I'm the first female commander to assume the role of commander at the naval station, but I really don't want to focus on that. The focus should be about the naval station and the fact that we have individuals here working hard every day. I've been entrusted with these duties, and it's my job to make sure things are done properly. As a young officer, I looked up to senior officers, and I don't have a problem being a role model. My first responsibility is being a commander, and that has nothing to do with gender.

Growing up

in Saudi Arabia

My father was a geologist working for the U.S. Geological Survey on international projects. During that time we lived in Jeddah. I lived there between the ages of 1 and 11 and 15 and 20. I had a very happy and adventurous childhood. When we moved back to the States when I was 11, it was a difficult move. We lived in a small town in Texas. Everyone in the family had to adjust to living in the United States, especially with getting around. In Saudi Arabia, women didn't drive. The entertainment in the States was very different from Saudi Arabia. In Texas we had rodeos and street dances. It was a new experience. As a child moving to a new area, I had to make new friends. When you're older, you can look back on the experience and realize you had a very interesting life. As a young child, you don't see it that way.

Legacy and downtime

I spend my downtime with my two children and husband. I make sure that the time we spend together is quality time. I hope at the end of the day I will be known as someone who has positively influenced the naval station and helping people get the job done.