On July 21, 1942, the United States Congress passed legislation establishing the U.S. Navy Women's Reserve, better known as WAVES which stands for "Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service." The legislation marked a major step forward in expanding the role of women in the U.S. Navy during World War II. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the bill into law nine days later, officially creating the organization.
As the United States continued to mobilize for war, the Navy faced an increasing demand for personnel. The WAVES program allowed women to serve in a wide range of non-combat roles, such as aministration, communications and medicine which helped solve the increasing demand for personnel. By filling these essential shore based positions, they enabled more sailors to serve in combat and at sea.
The first members of the WAVES entered service later that year and quickly became an important part of the Navy's wartime operations. By the end of World War II, more than 86,000 women had served in the organization. Their contributions helped pave the way for future generations of women to serve in the U.S. military.
As we recognize this milestone, we honor the women who answered the nation's call to serve. Their contributions strengthened the U.S. Navy during one of the most challenging periods in its history and continue to inspire service members today.
On July 21, 1942, the United States Congress passed legislation establishing the U.S. Navy Women's Reserve, better known as WAVES which stands for "Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service." The legislation marked a major step forward in expanding the role of women in the U.S. Navy during World War II. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the bill into law nine days later, officially creating the organization.
As the United States continued to mobilize for war, the Navy faced an increasing demand for personnel. The WAVES program allowed women to serve in a wide range of non-combat roles, such as aministration, communications and medicine which helped solve the increasing demand for personnel. By filling these essential shore based positions, they enabled more sailors to serve in combat and at sea.
The first members of the WAVES entered service later that year and quickly became an important part of the Navy's wartime operations. By the end of World War II, more than 86,000 women had served in the organization. Their contributions helped pave the way for future generations of women to serve in the U.S. military.
As we recognize this milestone, we honor the women who answered the nation's call to serve. Their contributions strengthened the U.S. Navy during one of the most challenging periods in its history and continue to inspire service members today.