Midshipman makes history as first Black female brigade commander at the Naval Academy

When Midshipman 1st Class Sydney Barber assumes the brigade command, she’ll make Naval Academy history.

Barber will be the academy’s first Black female to command the Brigade of Midshipmen.

Commandant Capt. Thomas Buchanan announced Barber’s position, as well as other midshipmen leadership roles, on Friday, according to a statement released Monday by the academy. Barber will take over as brigade commander in the spring, assuming the position from 1st Class Midshipman Ryan Chapman. Barber currently serves as the 1st regiment executive officer.

Barber is the 16th woman to have the leadership role since 1976 when women were first allowed to attend the academy. The first was Juliane Gallina, who graduated in 1992. The brigade commander is the highest leadership position, that of a midshipman captain, within the brigade, and is the only “six striper,” a reference to collar insignia worn on the midshipman uniform.

“Earning the title of brigade commander speaks volumes, but the title itself is not nearly as significant as the opportunity it brings to lead a team in doing something I believe will be truly special,” Barber said a statement released by the academy. “I am humbled to play a small role in this momentous season of American history.”

https://www.capitalgazette.com/education/naval-academy/ac-cn-naval-academy-sydney-barber-20201109-dc2szigyfzfbbpk6oq4sktnjae-story.html