Great Lakes in Lake County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Women at Great Lakes
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2010
1. Women at Great Lakes Marker
During the astonishing growth of the Navy during World War I, women were, for the first time, accepted into the Navy. These women enlisted into the yeoman rating and were designated with an (F) for female. They served with the aviation unit and with the Public Works departments at Great Lakes. During World War II, a female auxiliary group called Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Services (WAVES) was established to release men for service in other areas. Their jobs were mostly clerical in nature, although that would change by the end of the war. WAVES were assigned to Great Lakes for the first time on November 10, 1942. As World War II progressed, WAVES assumed an increasingly important role. They handled 80 percent of the Navy’s mail, manned communications networks, assumed hospital duties, and became instructors in chemical warfare techniques, aviation gunnery, instrument flying, and parachute rigging.
Erected by Naval Station Great Lakes.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Patriots & Patriotism • War, World I • War, World II • Women. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1812.
Location. 42° 18.705′ N, 87° 50.409′ W. Marker is in Great Lakes, Illinois, in Lake
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Post War Era (here, next to this marker); World War II (here, next to this marker); Great Lakes Athletics (here, next to this marker); Fighting Tradesmen (here, next to this marker); Base Realignment and Closure (here, next to this marker); Wings over Great Lakes (here, next to this marker); Great Lakes History Trail (here, next to this marker); The Golden Thirteen (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Great Lakes.
Also see . . .
1. WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). Wikipedia entry (Submitted on July 4, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. National Museum of the American Sailor. Museum website homepage (Submitted on November 13, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2010
2. Photo on Women at Great Lakes Marker
[Caption reads] 1945 WAVE Band
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2010
3. Photo on Women at Great Lakes Marker
[Caption reads] 1951 WAVE Drill Team
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 4, 2010
4. Photo on Women at Great Lakes Marker
[Caption reads] WAVE Inspection by LCDR McAfee, Head of Navy Women
via Naval Station Great Lakes, unknown
5. Naval Station Great Lakes
Station website homepage
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 13, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 699 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 13, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 5. submitted on February 23, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
