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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
805 KIDDER BREESE SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE-TOPICS -- WOMEN & THE U.S. NAVY

World War II era WAVES --
Ship and Aviation Orientation

Though service at sea and in the air was not contemplated for WAVES in the Second World War, or for some three decades afterwards, their work provided vital support for the seagoing and flying Navy. Accordingly, many WAVES were given opportunities to visit ships and aircraft, giving them at least a limited familiarity with the fighting forces that benefited from their efforts. Some WAVES also received first-hand experience with the special pressure and temperature chambers that were used to acclimate aviators to the environment of high-altitude flight.

This page features views of World War II era WAVES' visiting Navy ships, and provides links to coverage of their aviation orientation activities.

For pictures of World War II era WAVES' aviation orientation activities, see:

  • Aircraft Tours & Orientation Flights; and
  • Aviation Environment Indoctrination.

    For additional images of WAVES of the World War II era, see:

  • World War II era WAVES -- Overview and Special Image Selection.


    If you want higher resolution reproductions than the Online Library's digital images, see: How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions.

    Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

    Photo #: 80-G-K-4563 (Color)

    USS Missouri (BB-63)


    WAVES visiting the ship in an east coast port, during her shakedown period, circa August 1944.
    They are standing on the main deck at the bow, with the Navy Jack flying behind them.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

    Online Image: 78KB; 585 x 765 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     
    Photo #: 80-G-K-4520 (Color)

    USS Missouri (BB-63)


    Two WAVES look out through the armored rear door of a 5"/38 twin gun mount, while visiting the ship in an east coast port during her shakedown period, circa August 1944.
    They are Yeoman Second Class Blanche Oswald and Yeoman Third Class Betty Martin.
    Note thickness of armor plating on the door and mount shield.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

    Online Image: 76KB; 580 x 765 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     
    Photo #: 80-G-K-4570 (Color)

    USS Missouri (BB-63)


    Yeoman Third Class Betty Martin exiting the rear door of a 5"/38 twin gun mount, while touring the ship in an east coast port during Missouri's shakedown period, circa August 1944.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

    Online Image: 74KB; 585 x 765 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     
    Photo #: 80-G-364476

    WAVES visit USS Mission Bay (CVE-59), 20 August 1944


    In this view, they are receiving a tour of the ship's pilothouse from two of her crewmen.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

    Online Image: 104KB; 740 x 615 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     
    Photo #: 80-G-364466

    USS Mission Bay (CVE-59)


    Visiting WAVES examine aircraft propellers while they tour the ship, 20 August 1944.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

    Online Image: 100KB; 740 x 610 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     
    Photo #: 80-G-364459

    USS Mission Bay (CVE-59)


    Several WAVES examine a 20mm anti-aircraft machine gun, while visiting the ship on 20 August 1944.

    Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

    Online Image: 95KB; 740 x 615 pixels

    Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

     

    For pictures of World War II era WAVES' aviation orientation activities, see:

  • Aircraft Tours & Orientation Flights; and
  • Aviation Environment Indoctrination.

    For additional images of WAVES of the World War II era, see:

  • World War II era WAVES -- Overview and Special Image Selection.


    If you want higher resolution reproductions than the Online Library's digital images, see: How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions.


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    Page made 18 February 2001