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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 --
Recruiting and training

Even before the law authorizing the WAVES was in place, efforts were underway to recruit an initial cadre of prominent women educators and other professionals serve as the organization's first officers. About thirty went right to work in August 1942, generally in civilian clothing as uniforms were not yet ready. They set up the program within the Navy Department and began recruiting around the Nation. Another 120 came on board in late August to receive a month's initial training as Ensigns and Lieutenants (Junior Grade). By October, many of these were at work teaching newer arrivals, both officer and enlisted, while the others were engaged in administrative tasks and starting to serve in their professional fields.

This page features views related to the recruiting of the Navy's World War II era WAVES, and provides links to views of their training.

For pictures of the training of World War II era WAVES, see:

  • WAVES' Training.

    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-40692

    "WAVES and SPARS Day", New York City


    New WAVES and SPARS take the oath of enlistment in a ceremony held in front of New York City Hall, 8 February 1943.

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

    Online Image: 122KB; 740 x 615 pixels

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

     
    Photo #: 80-G-47025

    Frances Wills
    (left)
    and
    Harriet Ida Pickens

    Are sworn in as Apprentice Seamen by Lieutenant Rosamond D. Selle, USNR, at New York City.
    In December 1944, they became the Navy's first African-American "WAVES" officers.
    Photograph released 16 November 1944.

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

    Online Image: 89KB; 590 x 765 pixels

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

     
    Photo #: 80-G-47027

    Harriet Ida Pickens


    Is sworn in as an Apprentice Seaman by Lieutenant Rosamond D. Selle, USNR, at New York City.
    In December 1944, she became one of the Navy's first two African-American "WAVES" officers.
    Photograph released 16 November 1944.

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

    Online Image: 73KB; 590 x 765 pixels

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

     
    Photo #: 80-G-40624

    WAVES recruiting activities


    Ensign May Herrmann talks to two young women concerning enlistment in the Navy Women's Reserve, at the Officer Procurement office, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 30 October 1942.

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

    Online Image: 107KB; 740 x 615 pixels

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

     
    Photo #: 80-G-360797

    U.S. Naval Training School, Women's Reserve, The Bronx, New York


    Twin sisters Ann Louise Budnick and Jule Louise Budnick talk with a WAVE, while en route to commissioning ceremonies for the school, located at Hunter College, 8 February 1943.
    Note WAVES poster in the background.

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

    Online Image: 108KB; 610 x 765 pixels

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

     

    For pictures of the training of World War II era WAVES, see:

  • WAVES' Training.

    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.


    Return to Naval Historical Center home page.

    Page made 11 February 2001