Female sailor becomes first woman to undergo naval special warfare training

The Navy announced a historic achievement on Thursday after a female sailor became the first woman to successfully complete the grueling naval special warfare training and receive her pins.

The Navy did not identify the woman, but said she was one of 17 candidates to take the 37-week assessment and become a member of a Special Combat Vessel (SWCC).

“To become the first woman to graduate from a special naval warfare training program is an extraordinary accomplishment, and we are incredibly proud of our teammate,” said Rear Admiral Hugh Howard, commander of US Naval Special Warfare Command. “Like her fellow operators, she has demonstrated the character, cognitive and leadership qualities required to join our force.”

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Upon graduation, SWCCs will provide additional training or report to a special team of boats – which is responsible for transporting Navy SEALs during operations and conducting their own covert missions.

The newly created Women’s SWCC will eventually be assigned to one of the Navy’s three elite boat teams.

“She and her fellow graduates have the opportunity to become experts in covert special operations, as well as manned and unmanned platforms to provide distinctive capabilities to our navy and the nation’s joint defense force,” said Howard.

Only 35 percent of applicants succeed in becoming a SWCC, and only 18 women have even attempted the program.

While 14 women have not successfully completed special operations training in the Navy, three women are still being trained, one for the SWCC program and two are trying to become SEALs.

Last year, a woman made it into the army’s elite special forces and joined one of the once-only men’s Green Beret teams.

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Another woman has completed her special forces training and is awaiting her posting to the team. A second woman will attend military freefall school next month.

Although nine women have attempted the Navy special operations training, one woman has yet to complete the program.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.