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Overview
(1926-2002) Mary Frances McKee, the first female Line Officer to hold the rank of Admiral, was born to Thomas and Mildred McKee of Maury County, Tennessee on September 13, 1926. In 1950, after a commission as ensign, McKee would work in the Office of Naval Research, then as the women procurement officer in Boston Massachusetts. After attending the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, McKee served in Morocco, California, Rhode Island and Spain in various positions. In 1969, McKee was one of two women selected to attend the Naval War College, graduating in 1970. From 1973-76, McKee commanded the Naval Security Group Activity as captain in Maryland, the first woman to ever do so. In 1976, McKee became the first woman line officer to be selected for flag rank, and retired from the Navy in 1981 as a rear admiral. Fran McKee passed away in 2002 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Information provided by Tom Price, Director of The Maury County Archives
