The Trailblazing Journey of US Navy Captain Melissa Hiller Lauby

Meet US Navy Captain Melissa Hiller Lauby – a trailblazer and a true inspiration for women in the military. Growing up in southwest Iowa, she followed her family’s legacy and became the third generation to serve in the military. Her journey has been nothing short of remarkable, and she has achieved feats that few have ever accomplished.

Captain Hiller Lauby’s impressive resume of military accomplishments includes serving on an aircraft carrier and being deployed twice. She even qualified as a fully independent Officer of the Deck Underway, which means she drove the ship. She has served tours with the SERE Survival School and became the first female psychologist assigned to the Navy Seals, breaking down barriers and paving the way for other women to follow in her footsteps.

After getting her doctorate degree, Captain Hiller Lauby did her post-doctoral fellowship at the Veteran’s Administration National Center for PTSD in Honolulu, Hawaii. She joined the Navy in 2003 because she wanted to be proactive in helping military members, and her military career has been nothing short of impressive.

Captain Hiller Lauby was first stationed in Yuma, Arizona, where she met her husband, Captain Todd Lauby. The two are now stationed in Washington D.C. where Melissa is the Navy Director of Psychological Health and Clinical Psychology Specialty Leader Consultant to the Surgeon General. She continues to make a difference in the lives of military members, and her passion for helping others is truly inspiring.

As a SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) specialist, Captain Hiller Lauby is specifically trained to work with individuals or teams that have been detained in some way or another, whether they’re a hostage, a POW, or unlawfully detained. She has escorted Americans back home to the United States, including WNBA star Brittney Griner.

Captain Hiller Lauby’s journey is a testament to the resilience and strength of women in the military. She has broken down barriers and made a difference in the lives of countless military members. Her passion for helping others and her commitment to serving her country is truly remarkable. We can all learn from her and be inspired by her story.