Acknowledging and commemorating the women who served the Navy in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service during World War II.

Legislation Details

Acknowledges the establishment of the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on July 30, 1942.
Notes that despite societal stigma, women applied in large numbers, reaching enrollment ceilings within a few years.
Highlights that women had previously served in the Navy during World War I but were limited to nursing roles until WAVES was created.
States that WAVES were recruited to perform military assignments during World War II, allowing men to focus on combat duties.
Mentions that WAVES peaked at nearly 80,000 personnel in 1945, representing about 2.5% of the Navy’s wartime strength.
Lists various roles held by WAVES, including yeoman, chauffeur, baker, pharmacist, artist, aircraft mechanic, and dental hygienist.
Describes WAVES’ contributions as training instructors for both new WAVES recruits and male naval aviators.
Notes that WAVES taught various aviation-related skills but were not permitted to be pilots.
Indicates that WAVES’ service allowed enough men to be freed for combat to crew significant naval task forces.
Cites Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal’s acknowledgment of WAVES’ performance exceeding that of men in certain roles.
States that over 400,000 women served in military capacities by the end of World War II, with WAVES contributing to the training of combat aviators.
Recognizes that WAVES struggled for equal status and appreciation compared to their male counterparts.
Acknowledges the role of WAVES in catalyzing social and economic changes in the following decades.
Expresses gratitude for the service of the pioneering women in WAVES.

Acknowledging and commemorating the women who served the Navy in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service during World War II.

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