Captain Janet H. Days (1969 - )

Chicago native Captain Janet H. Days graduated from Old Dominion University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business and received her commission through Naval ROTC via the Enlisted Commissioning Program. She completed her command tour aboard the USS McFaul, deploying independently to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility (AOR) in the Atlantic Ocean and the Middle East. Days has served on five Navy combatants (warships) and multiple shore assignments, including a deployment to Kabul, Afghanistan, as the Joint Staff, J7 liaison officer to the Internal Security Assistance Force headquarters. Her personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (seven awards), Army Commendation Medal (two awards), Army Achievement Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

In February 2023, Captain Days became the 51st commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval complex and home to dozens of ships and tens of thousands of military personnel. The first African American to hold this post, she had also made history in 2021 when she was the first African American appointed as the station’s executive officer. With her father’s years of service in the United States Army as an example, Days emphasizes hard work, professional curiosity, and attention to detail, while embracing her historic command as inspiration for not just African-American women, but all women, to make their own opportunities as they seek careers in any field.

2024 Strong Men and Women in Virginia History honoree, Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy.