Retired Naval Station Norfolk commander is new Suffolk econ dev chief

Retired Navy Capt. Janet H. Days, who retired last year as commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval station, will be taking on a new tour of duty in February as director of Suffolk’s economic development department, the city announced Wednesday.

She’ll start her new job Feb. 7, according to the announcement.

Days retired from the Navy in August 2024, a year and a half after taking the world’s largest naval station’s command. A graduate of Old Dominion University and former commander of a guided missile destroyer, Days was the first Black commanding officer of the naval station, where she led 89,000 active-duty military personnel and more than 50,000 civilian employees. She was in the Navy for 37 years.

On her LinkedIn page, Days wrote, “I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity and look forward to embracing the challenges ahead while working to make a meaningful impact on our community. Thank you for your support and encouragement — it means so much!”

Days has earned several military and other honors, including two Legion of Merit medals and the Defense Meritorious Service medal, as well as awards from the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, the Library of Virginia, and the Women in Transportation’s Woman of the Year award. She also earned an MBA from the Monterey Navy Postgraduate School and graduated from the Joint Command and Staff College.

As head of Suffolk Economic Development, her portfolio will include the economic development authority, the city’s tourism division and the Suffolk Executive Airport.

Navy Capt. Matt Schlarmann succeeded Days as commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk in August 2024. With a distinguished career as a flight officer, he previously was executive officer at the station starting in February 2023.