This article features Petty Officer Sharon Walker United States Navy (Retired)
Petty Officer Sharon Walker was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At 17, she enlisted in the United States Navy Delayed Entry Program and entered active duty at 18, attending boot camp in Orlando, Florida. She retired from the Navy in 1997.
During her military career, Sharon served as a Yeoman, Drug and Alcohol Program counselor, Navy Rights and Responsibilities facilitator, and Military Master-at-Arms. She was one of the first African American women assigned to the fast frigate USS *Joseph Hewes* (FF-1078), spending her final two years aboard in the engineering department.
Her assignments included Naval Reserve Center Philadelphia, Surface Warfare Development Center Little Creek, VRF-31 Norfolk, VF-101 Oceana, and AIMD Andrews Air Force Base.
Sharon received numerous awards and commendations and played a pivotal role in mobilizing troops from Naval Reserve Center Philadelphia during Operation Desert Storm.
After retiring from the Navy, Sharon moved to Delaware and began a 23-year career at the Port of Wilmington, retiring as Procurement Manager. She also volunteered with the USO in Dover and later with inpatient services at the Wilmington VA Medical Center.
For approximately 20 years, Sharon has been a member of First State Military Women Warriors, serving as President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. During her presidency, the unit supported women veterans and their families through numerous initiatives and fundraisers. Membership increased by more than 50 percent during her tenure.
Sharon is also a member of NephCure International and serves as a volunteer patient advocate for those affected by rare kidney disease.
Each July, she travels to Washington, D.C., to meet with lawmakers and advocate for legislation supported by the organization. Her first rare kidney disease walk-a-thon exceeded its fundraising goal, and she plans to host another in October 2026.
Sharon is a member of New Direction Bible Fellowship and Community Center in Middletown, Delaware, under the leadership of Rev. Tony H. Benson. She has taught in the children’s ministry for more than 19 years and also serves on the bereavement committee.
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