Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain is proud to highlight the extraordinary women on the installation who serve in many capacities. This year’s Women’s Equality Day theme is “One Piece at a Time” and reflects on the lives and contributions of remarkable individuals who played a pivotal role in women gaining the right to vote.

Two commanding officers, Captain Katie Abdallah of the Naval Computer and Telecommunication Station (NCTS) Bahrain and Captain Evelyn Lee of the Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Bahrain, shared their personal experiences regarding women’s equality in the U.S. Navy.

How has gender equality changed/evolved/improved across the company since you began your career in the Navy?

Abdallah: “When I joined the Navy, there were still some restrictions on women serving there, but the culture continues to adapt over time. For example, women are now allowed to serve on submarines. As a graduate of the Naval Academy (USNA), it is inspiring to go from 55 female graduates in 1980 to over 350 female graduates in 2024. During my time, I had the pleasure of witnessing the first female Blue Angel pilot, the first female commander of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the first female USNA superintendent, and the first female CNO (Chief of Naval Operations). Female leaders continue to make waves in the Navy, and those waves are not going to end anytime soon.”

Lee: “I have been fortunate to witness several improvements and developments for women during my career. As a detailer, I was at the forefront of the integration of ‘Women in Submarines’ when the first group of women, particularly Lt. Cmdr. Supply Corps officers, were assigned to submarines. During my tour as a department head (DH) on a cruiser, I witnessed the first female enlisted person arrive on the ship. Incidentally, I was the first female DH on the ship and we had about half a dozen female division officers. In addition to these integration successes, I have greatly appreciated the improvements in uniform regulations that better reflect the female form, as well as the progress in considering family circumstances for male and female sailors.”

What significance do you attach to your role as commander of the Women’s Relief Organization?

Lee: “Representation is absolutely important when it comes to future generations being able to ‘see’ themselves in different roles that have not historically been filled by people who look like them. The importance that younger generations see in me, who also look like them, and know or can believe, ‘If she can do it, then I can do it too.'”

Abdallah: “I would never have had the chance to become a CO if it weren’t for the men and women who fought for equality years ago. In 1920, women were granted the right to vote and in 1948, the right to serve as permanent members of the Navy and other armed forces. It is a true honor and privilege to have the opportunity to lead a great team in Bahrain. I would not have achieved this position without my brothers and sisters in service who have supported me along the way. Our diversity in the Navy makes us stronger than any other Navy in the world. It is an honor to continue to pave the way for women’s equality in the future. Who knows where we will go next?”

Based on your many years of experience, what advice would you give to young women joining the Navy today or women considering a career in the Navy?

Lee: “I advise everyone to do their best. Aim for the best you can achieve and stay true to yourself. From my own experience, I know that I used to believe that the feminine or cute hobbies I loved had to be suppressed or supplemented by more male-friendly hobbies. Today, I nurture my love of paper crafting and find ways to integrate my hobby into my professional environment.”

Abdallah: “Be yourself – don’t be someone you’re not or you’ll be unhappy. You can still follow Navy regulations without changing. Never give up on your goals and dreams. Use your strengths to your advantage. Be humble. Continue to evaluate yourself, learn from your mistakes and shortcomings and grow from them. No one is perfect. You are not alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We are here to help each other succeed. It takes a team to accomplish the mission.”

NSA Bahrain’s mission is to support U.S. and coalition maritime operations throughout the U.S. 5th Fleet area of ​​operations by ensuring the safety and security of ships, aircraft, and passengers aboard NSA Bahrain and assigned detachments. NSA Bahrain provides efficient and effective shore services to sustain the fleet, enable the warfighter, and support the family with honor, courage, and commitment.