Shoshana Chatfield
Retired American admiral (born 1965)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Shoshana Simone Chatfield[4] (born October 5, 1965)[2][5] is a retired United States Navy vice admiral. She served as the president of the Naval War College from 2019 to 2023 and was the first woman to hold that position.[6] Chatfield then served as United States Military Representative to the NATO Military Committee from December 2023 to April 2025.
Shoshana S. Chatfield[1] | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2024 | |
| 57th President of the Naval War College | |
| In office August 1, 2019 – June 23, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Jeffrey A. Harley |
| Succeeded by | Peter A. Garvin |
| 31st USMILREP | |
| In office 13 December 2023 – 6 April 2025 | |
| Preceded by | E. John Deedrick |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 5, 1965 |
| Spouse | David Scovel[3] |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
Branch |  United States Navy |
Service years | 1988–2025 |
Rank |  Vice Admiral |
| Awards | Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal |
| Academic background | |
| Alma mater |
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| Thesis | Restoring confidence: A qualitative study of the experience of interim commanding officers in U.S. Navy operational units (2009) |
| Mary Woods Scherr | |
| Academic work | |
| Discipline |
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| Institutions | |
Early life and education
Shoshana Chatfield grew up in Garden Grove, California, and graduated from Pacifica High School in 1983.[7] She then received her bachelor's degree in International Relations and French from Boston University in 1987. After she received a commission in the Navy, she attended the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and received a Master of Public Administration. Chatfield later received a Doctor of Education degree from the University of San Diego.[1] Chatfield is Jewish.[8][9][10]
Military career
| Rank | Date |
|---|---|
 Rear Admiral | April 1, 2020[11][12] |
 Rear Admiral (Lower Half) | Selected May 2015[13][14] |
 Captain | February 1, 2009[15] |
 Commander | August 1, 2002[16] |
 Lieutenant Commander | Selected September 1996[17] |
Chatfield commissioned through Boston University's Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program, and in 1989 qualified as a naval helicopter pilot. She piloted the Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight, Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King, and the Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk while attached to Helicopter Combat Support and Helicopter Sea Combat squadrons.
From 2001 to 2004, she was an assistant professor of political science at the United States Air Force Academy.[1]
She was a senior military assistant to SACEUR, and served as the deputy United States military representative to the NATO Military Committee (USMILREP).[18]
She commanded several military units, including Joint Region Marianas and the Naval War College, from 2019 to 2023.
In February 2023, Chatfield was nominated for promotion to vice admiral and assignment as the 31st USMILREP.[19] She was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on December 13, 2023.[20]
On April 7, 2025, it was reported that Chatfield had been removed from her NATO post by the Trump administration.[21][22] The following day, a Pentagon spokesperson said that Secretary of Defense Hegseth had removed Chatfield due to "a loss of confidence in her ability to lead".[23][18] Democrat House Representative Jasmine Crockett later claimed, without evidence, that the loss of confidence stemmed from Chatfield's refusal to display portraits of President Trump and Hegseth.[24] This statement is disputed. Official sources indicate Chatfield was released because the Pentagon is going in a different direction.[25] The Defense Department press release stated that it is grateful for Vice Admiral Chatfield's many years of Service.[26]
Honors and awards
In addition to her military honors, Admiral Chatfield has received recognition from the government of Guam for her leadership and contributions to the island.[27] In 2009, she was named as one of Boston University's distinguished alumni.[28] Chatfield also received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.[29]
