Author Archives: jacksondeakins

Maria Ramona Espinosa meets the Shore Patrolman at the gate of Hunter College in the Bronx, N.Y. She is here, eager to begin her WAVE journey! More on her journey in the coming days.

A coordinated flight plan could mean the difference between life and death for both a pilot and his crew. WAVE Emily Jump examines Ens. Charles Harrison’s course and points out his errors – while most students tend to rely on instinct, in combat rigorous training is necessary for survival.

An instructor surveys the work of one of the WAVES at the NATTC in Norman, Oklahoma. The utmost precision is expected of mechanics like the WAVE pictured – Nice work!

At the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida, Mechanics Bernice Sansburg and Violet Falkum make quick work of a damaged engine. Both Sansburg and Falkum are alumni of the NATTC in Norman, Oklahoma.

Air superiority was instrumental to the Allied war effort; without the bombers, fighter planes, and transport aircraft of the war, victory may not have been achievable. WAVES at the Norman, Oklahoma NATTC base assemble such aircraft in the above photograph.

As any sailor knows, R&R is just as important as your daily responsibilities. Here in Stillwater, Oklahoma, seven WAVES enjoy their down time with some hearty singing.

In addition to square dancing, WAVES practiced calisthenics as a method of staying in top shape during wartime. Pictured here are some of the women in training in their official jumpsuits at the Naval Air Technical Training Command (NATTC) in Norman, Oklahoma.

In celebration of WAVES and SPARS day, 418 women take the Oath of Enlistment in front of the New York City Hall on February 8, 1943. Demonstrations like this were essential to growth within both programs — apart from being an excellent way of raising war-time morale!