Join us Tuesday, November 11th at 2PM
Women Navy Diver Veteran’s Roundtable Discussion
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Women in Navy Diving
Join us for an amazing opportunity to hear from a roundtable of trailblazing veteran women Navy divers as they share their personal journeys beneath the surface. From the challenges they faced breaking barriers, to the triumphs of service and exploration, you’ll get a candid look at both the good and the bad of life in one of the most demanding professions in the world. Their stories will inspire, educate, and honor the legacy of women who paved the way in military diving.
Hosted by Stephanie Miele
Featuring Special Guests
Bobbie Scholley
Bobbie served in the U.S. Navy as a Diving and Salvage Officer for 24 years, holding leadership roles in many navy diving operations including the 1996 recovery of TWA Flight 800, the 2000 bombing recovery of the USS COLE in Aden, Yemen, and USS MONITOR Expeditions 2001 and 2002. She was the fourth women to command a US Navy ship and the first women to command a US Navy Mobile and Diving Salvage Unit.
After completing her naval service, Bobbie turned to non-profit opportunities, concentrating on veteran groups and education. She was inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame in 2000. Bobbie is a seasoned speaker and frequent interviewee.
Caren Gallaudet
Caren Ritter Gallaudet graduated with honors as the only woman accepted into the Navy’s Diving and Salvage career path called Special Operations (now Explosive Ordnance Disposal) from USNA in 1991. After graduating from Diving and Salvage training in 1992, she reported to the USS HOIST in Little Creek, VA. She served onboard the ship from 1992-1994 in positions including Supply Officer, Operations Officer, and Board, Search, and Seizure Team Officer. She went on to serve as Operations Officer aboard USS Grasp in 1994 for its deployment. Caren transferred to the Naval Reserve and served with the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) in San Diego, CA. She earned her master’s degree in Oceanography from Scripps in 2001. She continues to pursue opportunities as a small business owner, adjunct professor, and volunteer.
Elisia Correa, CMC (SCW/FMF/DV), USN (ret.)
Lisa joined the U.S. Navy in 1992, becoming a Construction Mechanic with the Seabees. She became the first African-American woman to qualify as a Seabee Diver in 1998. At Underwater Construction Team TWO, she supported operations in the Pacific, contributing to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom – Pacific. Named Sailor of the Year in 2008 and 2009, she served as Assistant Dive Locker Operations Officer at NAVFAC ESC. She earned associate degrees in Electrical Mechanical and Oceanography Technology in 2008. Currently, she works as an Ocean Engineering Technician at the NAVFAC Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center in Port Hueneme, California.
Captain Sara Olsen, US Navy
Sara became a Navy Diving Officer in 2000. Her life of service began aboard USS Grapple and Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit TWO before becoming an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer trained in underwater mine disposal. She was hand-picked as one of two Mediterranean-based force protection diving officers post-9/11, was project leader involving underwater test preparation of an experimental hull, and mission leader for underwater searches in Louisiana intercoastal waterways. Sara transitioned to the Reserves where she commanded three units and served in multiple staffs. She co-founded a non-profit to bring inclusionary sport and fitness, including diving, to people with disabilities.
