Navy captain who broke two glass ceilings at once retires

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — In February of last year with hundreds of well-wishers in attendance at Naval Station Norfolk, Captain Janet Days exclaimed, “This is the day that the Lord has made.”

It was an emotional scene when Days made history and national headlines when she became the first Black person, and the first Black woman to command the world’s largest Naval base , which opened in 1918 and was built by former slaves and the descendants of slaves.

Eighteen months later, Days issued a refrain, “This is the day that the Lord has made, ” before NJROTC cadets, top brass, a 101-year-old World War II veteran, and those who traveled for miles to witness a chapter in Naval, Black and American history, as Days retired from the Navy.

Dave Larson, Days’ former commanding officer on USS Simon Lake, has attended all of her promotion ceremonies. Larson and his wife who live in Texas, were on hand Friday for the final fair winds and following seas message for the Old Dominion University graduate.

“I think of the satisfaction that I see in how a person took a chance in life and decided to make purpose out of it,” Larson said.

Joyace Cook was on hand when her sister was sworn in as a commanding officer — she returned to Norfolk for the change of command, which took place a day after the first Black woman was officially named as the Democratic nominee for president.

“The emotions are hard to explain,” Cook said. “There are no words for it. I just know that things are changing and that’s what we’re looking for.”

The surface warfare officer turned over command to Naval Aviator Capt. Matt “Squeeze” Schlarmann, who promised to follow Days’ lead in putting people first.

“The people always come first,” Schlarmann said. “Like I said in my speech, this base is not operated without the professionals that I’m able to lead today. And they make it the lifeblood of this community and this base.”

In an emotional ceremony that followed the change of command, Days retired after 37 years of service to the nation.

Asked why it was important for Days to have the NJROTC girls at the ceremony Friday, Days said that, “It was important for me because those young ladies are our generation. They need to be able to see leaders that look like them and know that there is possibilities and potential for them.”

In her farewell speech, Days listed achievements that included a mental health counseling conduit with Old Dominion University, an education summit for 500 sailors, a grant to improve drainage on Hampton Boulevard, STEM Day, the return of the popular Fleet Fest community event, and improved Wi-Fi connections for barracks and base housing.

What’s next for Janet Days?

She told 10 On Your Side she will remain in Hampton Roads where she will continue to serve the community.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.