As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor the courageous and trailblazing women who have shaped the U.S. Navy. From the first female enlistees to today’s top-ranking admirals, women have demonstrated resilience, leadership, and dedication to their country.

Women’s official involvement in the Navy began on May 13, 1908, with the establishment of the Navy Nurse Corps. These women provided critical medical care, setting a precedent for future generations. During World War I, the Navy faced a clerical shortage and turned to women to fill vital roles ashore.

Recognizing the need for women in service, Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels discovered a loophole in the U.S. Naval Reserve Act of 1916, which allowed the enlistment of qualified “persons” without specifying gender. On March 21, 1917, Loretta Perfectus Walsh made history as the first enlisted woman in the Navy, sworn in as a Chief Yeoman (F).

The latter half of the 20th century saw groundbreaking advancements for women in the Navy. In 1978, women were permitted to serve on non-combat ships, and in 1994, the restriction on female sailors serving aboard combat vessels was lifted. A pivotal milestone came in 2010 when women were granted the opportunity to serve on submarines, an area previously limited to men.

Women have also ascended to the highest ranks of naval leadership. Admiral Michelle Howard made history in 2014 as the first woman to achieve the rank of four-star admiral. Her remarkable career continued as she became the first woman to lead Naval Forces in Europe and Africa and served as commander of Allied Joint Force Command in Naples.

Today, women serve in every facet of the Navy. Their dedication and sacrifice continue to shape the Navy’s future, ensuring that it remains a force of excellence and inclusion. As we commemorate this month, we celebrate the legacy of women in the U.S. Navy—past, present, and future.