Kaptur, Latta Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Rename US Navy Vessel in Honor of Rear Admiral Alene B. Duerk

Rear Admiral Duerk, born in Defiance, Ohio, and raised in Holgate, Ohio charted a path of extraordinary service and groundbreaking leadership over her 32-year naval career. After graduating from the Toledo Hospital School of Nursing in 1941, she entered the Navy Nurse Corps during World War II, caring for wounded service members at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and later treating newly-liberated American prisoners of war aboard the USS Benevolence in the Pacific.

Her service continued during the Korean War as a nursing instructor, and in 1970, she was appointed Director of the Navy Nurse Corps. In 1972, she shattered a historic barrier, becoming the first woman in Navy history to attain Flag Rank.

“Rear Admiral Alene Duerk embodied the highest ideals of service, sacrifice, and patriotism,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “Her courage when treating servicemembers, steadfast advocacy for improved medical care and fair treatment for those in uniform, and her pioneering leadership opened doors for generations of women who followed. It is long past time that the United States Navy honor her trailblazing legacy by naming a naval vessel in her memory.”

Congressman Latta, who represents the region where Admiral Duerk was raised, expressed his strong support: "Rear Admiral Alene Bertha Duerk, the first woman to achieve the rank of Rear Admiral in the US Navy, deserves to be honored for breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of men and women in uniform," said Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05). "More than a hometown hero, she continues to inspire us through her service and sacrifice, and naming a vessel in her honor will ensure her legacy is remembered for years to come. I am proud to co-lead this bill with Congresswoman Kaptur and work together to honor Admiral Duerk's groundbreaking legacy."

Throughout her career, Admiral Duerk championed better medical care for service members, advocated for equitable pay, and pushed for expanded opportunities for women across the armed forces. Even in retirement, she continued her life of service, teaching English to Vietnamese immigrants and volunteering with organizations such as Meals on Wheels.

In August Congresswoman Kaptur joined Representative Tim Kennedy (NY-26) in sending a letter to the Secretary of the Navy asking to rename a vessel in her honor, and in September, sponsored an amendment to this year’s National Defense Authorization Act alongside Congressman Latta, Congressman Kennedy, and Congressman Dave Taylor (OH-02). This new bipartisan legislation continues this effort to honor Rear Admiral Duerk, and directs the Navy to rename a naval vessel in her honor, ensuring that her contributions are permanently recognized in the service branch she helped shape.

A full copy of the bill text can be found by clicking here. A link to Congresswoman Kaptur’s floor remarks about Admiral Duerk from June can be found here.