She’s an active U.S. military member, newly crowned Miss USA, and now godmother of Carnival Vista

Deshauna Barber has been making history lately. As a U.S. Army Reserve officer, she was the first active military member to be crowned Miss USA last June.

Now she’ll make history for Carnival Cruise Line too.

Barber, 26, has been named godmother of the cruise line’s biggest ship, the Carnival Vista, according to a news release Wednesday.

“My godmother wears Army boots,” the cruise line’s website says.

This is the first time Carnival has named an active U.S. service member as a ship’s godmother. Barber will appear at the ship’s naming ceremony Nov. 4 in New York City. The event also will include a gala fundraiser for Operation Homefront featuring singer Carrie Underwood and a sleepover on board for hundreds of military families.

Carnival Vista made its maiden voyage May 1 in Europe, where it has been sailing all summer. The ship, which holds 3,954 passengers, will sail to New York City for two cruises and then proceed to Miami for cruises to the Caribbean.

This isn’t the first time a female member of the military has been selected as a ship’s godmother. Army veteran Jessica Lynch, whose rescue during the Iraq War made news in 2003, was named Carnival Miracle’s godmother in 2004.

Barber entered the Miss USA competition as Miss District of Columbia. She currently serves as logistics commander for an Army Reserve unit in Rockville, Md.

Barber will appear at the ship’s naming ceremony Nov. 4 in New York City. The event also will include a fund-raising gala for Operation Homefront featuring singer Carrie Underwood and a sleepover on board the ship for hundreds of military families.

Carnival Vista made its maiden voyage May 1 in Europe, where it has been sailing all summer. The ship, which holds 3,954 passengers, will sail to New York City for two cruises and then proceed to Miami for cruises to the Caribbean.

This isn’t the first time a female member of the military has been selected as a ship’s godmother. Army veteran Jessica Lynch, whose rescue during the Iraq War made news in 2003 was named Carnival Miracle’s godmother in 2004.

Barber entered the competition as Miss District of Columbia. She currently serves as logistics commander for an Army Reserve unit in Rockville, Md.

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