Women in the Navy Profile: Mildred McAfee

Credit: Courtesy | Date Taken: 03/25/2021
A short video created for social media by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum as part of their Women in the Navy Series. This video looks at Mildred McAfee, who served as the first female commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy and as the first director of the WAVES, or Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service. While in this position, McAfee fought for the WAVES in many ways, including making sure WAVES received the same benefits and pay as their male counterparts; integrating the WAVES; and ensuring that all women the Navy, no matter their ethnic background, were allowed to do the same jobs. Learn more about Mildred McAfee's accomplishments in this short profile video. (US Navy Video by Laura Orr/Released)