Navy Veteran Nanette M. DeRenzi, who served her country for 31 years, is being recognized for her notable contributions to the U.S. Navy and her trailblazing role as the first woman Judge Advocate General (JAG). Her career, spanning from 1984 to 2015, is a testament to her dedication and skill. Born in Philadelphia, and raised in New Jersey, DeRenzi graduated from Villanova University and Temple University School of Law before earning her commission through the JAG Corps Student Program, according to VA News.
Her career began on the East Coast as a litigator in Rhode Island, where she cut her legal teeth as defense counsel, then later as trial counsel. She climbed the ranks, moving on to serve as Fleet Judge Advocate to the U.S. 7th and 3rd fleets, and Staff Judge Advocate to Commander, Carrier Group 7. In a strategic shift, her career took her to the top echelons of Navy leadership, and on July 20, 2012, she broke the glass ceiling as the 42nd JAG of the U.S. Navy, a milestone marked by her being the first woman to hold the position, as per VA News.
DeRenzi's tenure was marked by significant achievements, including the revamp of the Navy’s legal structure and a focus on key issues such as sexual assault prevention, diversity, and ethics. Her leadership extended over a "global law firm" of 2,300 attorneys, delivering legal advice to high-ranking Navy officials on an array of critical matters. Her impressive service earned her an array of accolades, such as the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, four Legion of Merit awards, four Meritorious Service Medals, and two Navy Achievement Medals.
