Not only are there more women in the Navy than ever (27.3%), but there are also more women than ever in charge of Naval ships and shore units, with four women in charge of ships and three in charge of shore units.
All of these figures represent important anniversaries for the Chief of the Navy, Rear Admiral David Proctor.
In his words, “International Women’s Day is a chance to honor the diversity of our workforce and acknowledge the importance women provide to our organization.
“But, we also need to walk the talk and show that women have equal opportunities for success as males. Achieving that aim is made possible by the fact that women are in charge of more than 60% of our ships as well as significant shore units and other positions.
In comparison to the early years of Navy history, this is a significant shift.
Despite the War Cabinet’s first approval of women joining the Navy in 1942, it took 44 years for a pilot program to permit women to sail in non-combatant ships. Because of the effectiveness of this initiative, all women joining the Navy were forced to service at sea beginning in 1989. Starting in 1993, they were allowed to serve on frigates.
Since that time, more women have joined the Navy on a consistent basis. They do it for the very same reasons as their counterparts: to learn trade, to change the world, to travel, to experience things that others will never have, and to make lifelong friends.
Maxine Lawes, a captain who entered the Navy in 1985, observes that the culture of the Navy has changed over time, notably with the emphasis on diversity, equity, and respect for individuals.
“I feel immense pride that they not only serve in the Navy, but that they thrive in it and are in leadership of it,” said the confident, supported, motivated, and highly trained women in our Navy.
