In 1973 Evelyn Fields set her foot on a path that would lead not only to her becoming the first woman, but also the first African-American to be director of NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.  She also was the first woman and African-American to command a ship in the United States uniformed services for an extended assignment, taking charge of the research vessel McArthur in 1989. She talks about her childhood, what it was like to command a research vessel, and shares advice to those who may want to follow in her footsteps.

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