Adm. Howard: We 'need to be' in Iraq

Adm. Michelle Howard, who became the Navy's first female four-star admiral last week, says "discouraging" is not the word she'd use to describe the current crisis in Iraq and that the Navy is prepared to act in the region if necessary.

Howard, the vice chief of naval operations, said in an interview Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union" that many nations have "moved back and then moved forward again as they work their way toward democracy." She said "we need to be" in Iraq, providing help through intelligence gathering and assessment teams.

Howard also reacted to recent comments made by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) about sexual assault in the military.

"Just last night a woman came to me and said that her daughter wanted to join the military and could I give my unqualified support for her doing so," McCain said during a committee hearing. "I could not. I cannot overstate my disgust and disappointment at the continued reports of sexual misconduct in our military."

In response, Howard said that she's asked her sailors who are parents if they would allow their daughters to join — and almost always the answer is "absolutely."

"We have to get after this sexual assault issue," Howard said. "Sen. McCain is correct. But the Navy is the place to join."