Vice President Joe Biden highlights milestone year for women at Naval Academy commissioning

Biden notes big year for women at Naval Academy

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Vice President Joe Biden is highlighting a milestone year for women at the U.S. Naval Academy in Maryland.

Biden spoke Friday at the academy’s commissioning ceremony, where 1,028 students graduated.

This year’s graduating class includes 11 women who will be the first females to have the opportunity to serve on submarines.

It’s also the 30th anniversary of women graduating from the service academy. Women were first admitted in 1976.

Biden says the 11 graduates heading for submarine service will be an inspiration like the 55 women who first graduated from the academy in 1980.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden is scheduled to speak at the commissioning ceremony for the U.S. Naval Academy’s class of 2010 in Maryland.

This year’s graduating class will include 11 women who will be the first females to have the opportunity to serve on submarines.

Friday’s event also marks the 30th anniversary of women graduating from the service academy. Women were first admitted in 1976.

About 1,000 graduates will be commissioned as Navy ensigns or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps.