Jackson Free Press

For the first time, the Seabee base in Gulfport and Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi are being led by women.

Capt. Cheryl M. Hansen assumed command of Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport on Thursday. Col. Michele Edmondson took command of Keesler Air Force Base in June.

"It is significant in that it's representative of the opportunities open to women within the Department of Defense. The opportunities are unprecedented at this time," Hansen told The Sun Herald.

Although Hansen and Edmondson are the first to take command of their respective bases, both bases have women in other leadership roles.

At the Seabee Base, women command the Naval Construction Training Center and the 22nd Naval Construction Regiment. Women also serve as the base's chaplain and Judge Advocate General Corps officer.

Hansen succeeded Capt. Paul James Odenthal, who had commanded the base since July 2013 and assumed command of the Naval Construction Group 2, based within the Seabees.

Hansen, a Kentucky native, recently completed a tour as deputy fleet engineer for the Commander Pacific Fleet, where she was responsible for the Pacific Fleet's operational environmental readiness and infrastructure requirements.

She has served in various leadership roles within the Navy for two decades.

Hansen said she most looked forward to being in a leadership position that allowed her to work more closely with the people she serves.

Although there is significance to a woman assuming command of the base, Hansen also stressed her education, credentials and performance and lauded the support she's received from Navy leadership.

"I would recommend a Navy career to any young woman," she said.