CDR Denise McCallaCreary, U.S. Navy (1973-2000)

I retired with the rank of Commander, United States Navy. During my career, I garnered medals, friendships beyond my wildest dream, and a master’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School and Navy War College. While these achievements are extremely meaningful to me, what I am most proud of was being elected in 2019 by my peers to the position of National President — making me the first female National President of the National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) in 50 years.

As a 15-year-old teenager arriving from Kingston, Jamaica, landing in the cold, freezing city of Chicago, Illinois, my dreams were small. After being taken out of my high school in Jamaica, when I was set to graduate, I knew I would need my diploma to succeed in a new country. Failure was not an option. I would have to graduate and go to college. As for what college or vocation I should have strived for, I had no clue.

In American high school, for what was a very short stint due to my advanced placement, I noticed many of my peers were going to the Armed Forces. Some would return after a short time and share stories of boot camp. I was enthralled. What most excited me was the fact it was in Orlando, Florida, where there was sunshine year-round. I discovered from research that Orlando was 784 miles as the crow flies to Kingston, Jamaica. While I would not be flying there like the crow, it was much closer to my homeland than Evanston, Illinois.

After much contemplation and with no reservations, in 1973, I ventured into our local Armed Forces Recruiting station and enlisted in the Reserves.  Five years later, with a college degree, I went full-time active duty, serving at the Navy Recruiting District, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as a member of their newly formed Public Relations team focused on recruiting African American high school graduates for the Enlisted ranks. A year later, I was convinced to apply for a commission and was selected to attend Officer Candidate School.  

Thus began my long relationship with NNOA. Till feeling somewhat still fresh off the boat, trying to acclimate to life in America and the military as a Lieutenant Junior grade, I was introduced to this wonderful professional organization whose mission was to help the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, recruit, train, and retain minority officers.  

The National Naval Officers Association had its beginnings in Annapolis, Maryland.  Then, Lt. Kenneth Johnson, USN, serving as an Advisor at the Naval Academy, saw the need for an organization where African American Officers could support each other in career development and be role models for young men and women in communities where they were serving or where they lived and grew up. I am a lifetime member and will always remember my mentors. Retired in 2000 from active duty, proud to have served 27 years.

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