Howard became the first woman and African American to be the Vice Chief of Naval Operations.
On July 1, 2014, Howard was appointed as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, marking another historical first as the first woman and the first African American to hold this eminent position. This appointment underscored her exemplary service record and affirmed her abilities in higher-level strategic roles within the Navy. Howard's role as VCNO brought diverse perspectives to the naval command structure, challenging historical norms and offering a beacon of progress within the armed forces.