If you want to see the future of the Navy just look at the United States Border Patrol. A once feared and effective organization turned into an utter joke which is now really nothing more than a very expensive welfare program.
The exceptions always pave the way for the rules.
There are apparently a lot of people who think that because she has the right color/ethnicity/gender/sexuality, then it is just fine to promote that person.
If anyone is foolish enough to think that this is nothing more than a political and affirmative action appointment, read her bio, then read the bio of other active admirals who have reached the rank of full Admiral (O-9).
It isn’t hard to do this, because there are not that many full Admirals..
Problem is, is isn’t just the Navy. They are neck and neck with the Air Force in this respect, followed by the Army and the USMC.
This is endemic. And we will pay the price eventually. And those who scream the loudest in protest will be those responsible.