In honor of Women’s History Month, NAVFAC EXWC is honored to spotlight Fleet Master Chief (Retired) April Beldo-Lilley.
Courtesy U.S. Navy Photo
Women’s History Month Spotlight: FLTCM(Ret.) April Beldo-Lilley
Beldo-Lilley is known in the Navy community as one of the most accomplished master chiefs, responsible for the execution and success of several personnel initiatives. She was also the first African American female command master chief (CMDCM) of an aircraft carrier, and the first African American female CMDCM of a Recruit Training Command. In 2017, she retired after 34 years of exemplary service. Before her retirement, Beldo-Lilley sat down with Naval History and Heritage Command in 2016. She said, “…the opportunities that I have been afforded based on my ability to perform have just…I just can’t even talk about it… there are sailors that don’t even know what their potential is because they allow other people to tell them what their destiny is. So this is what I am hoping for as young women and young men [read] this interview… it is not the person. It’s about the positions we are afforded to serve in.”
During her retirement ceremony, Beldo-Lilley said, “I am a United States Sailor, forever.” Beldo-Lilley has done her fair share of interviews, and if you pay attention, you will notice a pattern: she graciously thanks her shipmates for their comradery and guidance. Without them, her Navy journey would not have been as successful, sustainable or enjoyable. Throughout her Navy career, Beldo-Lilley received four Meritorious Service Medal awards; three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals; three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals; and numerous unit awards.
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NAVFAC EXWC Public Affairs Office virtually spoke with Beldo-Lilley, discussing her time in service, what it meant to be a women—and a women of color—in the Navy during a time when the ratio of men and women serving was dramatically indifferent, and how the power of mentorship shaped her Navy career, and her life today.
