Hazard, Roberta L.

A native of Boston, Roberta Hazard graduated magna cum laude from Boston College with majors in history and education. She also received a master's degree in history from Boston College. Hazard attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned an Ensign in December 1960. In January 1965, she joined the Woman Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island as an instructor and academic department head. Promoted to Lieutenant that July, Hazard remained in Newport until November 1967, when she departed for a two-year tour as Protocol Officer in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. From 1971 to 1974, she again served in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, first as Special Assistant and Secretary. She became Special Project/Action Officer within the Middle East, African Section, Politico-Military Affairs Division (OP-61) in August 1973 and Assistant Secretary for Joint Chiefs of Staff Matters (OP-004) as of November 1973. Hazard became the Director for Manpower and Personnel, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in August 1987. She was selected for promotion to Rear Admiral (upper half) on 18 May 1988, the first woman to be board selected for that grade. Her final tour, as Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel, Personal readiness and Community Support, extended from August 1989 through September 1992. In 1990 and 1991 she also chaired the NATO Committee on Women in the Armed Forces.