Hinges of History

Secretary of the Navy, Frank Knox, and Lt. Comdr. Mildred H. McAfee, celebrate the anniversary of the WAVES program with a group of enlisted WAVES on July, 30 1943. With a year under their belts, the WAVES had cause for celebration – but the war was not over yet.

These WAVES are celebrating the second anniversary of the founding on July 30, 1944 with some cool R&R. Two may be company, but three make a boat for this backstroking trio in WAVES Quarters D, Washington D.C.

In honor of National Ice Cream Day, here is a WAVE and Navy sailor checking out what the service store has to offer in WAVES Quarters D. Please enjoy responsibly.

With over ten thousand enlisted women and officers present, the women march over the hill to the Sylvan Theater for their rally on the second anniversary of the WAVES program.

WAVES Director Mildred McAfee and Naval Commander in Chief, Ernest J. King, start of the ceremonies for the second anniversary of the WAVES program. The rally is held at the foot of the Washington Monument in D.C.

WAVES Ava Barton and Marcella Fisher are instructed on efficient and proper packing from Lt. Margaret Kuechle. They are preparing for overseas shipment — now that’s gotta be a packing list.

In honor of the Fourth of July, here’s a photo of some of the brave women who fought for freedom during WWII with the most recognizable symbol of that freedom in the world: The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, New York.

Lt. Rosamond D. Sells, of the U.S. Naval Reserve, swears the first African-American WAVES into the Navy in New York, New York. Miss Frances Willis and Miss Harriet I. Pickens are sworn in as apprentice seamen.

This group of WAVES just arrived to Pearl Harbor. While enjoying their Hawaiian deployment, they are also essential to the function of the U.S.’ largest naval base west of California. Mahalo, WAVES!

Ens. Mary F. Waters, a material officer, examines one of the 20mm guns aboard a ship harbored in Bethleham-Hingham, Massachusetts. Her job is instrumental in the maintenance and upkeep of the Navy’s weaponry and ordnance.