As the U.S. entered World War II and men were deployed to combat, the U.S. Navy found that it needed more people to fill clerical positions previously held by men. Additionally, more people were needed to manufacture ships, airplanes, and arms. The Navy sought to recruit women to address these demands.

On this day in 1942, President Roosevelt signed a bill authorizing the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES), to serve in the Navy. The WAVES grew from 770 officers and 3,109 enlisted in 1942 to 8,475 officers and 73,816 enlisted in 1945. They served not only in clerical and metalsmithing positions, but also in engineering, photography, storekeeping, meteorology, navigation, and hospital roles.

After the war ended, the WAVES were demobilized. Following the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, the WAVES were officially disbanded, and women were now permitted to serve as permanent members of the Navy.