Trailblazing Women Tour U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier: A Historic Homecoming
15 October 2024
NORFOLK, Va. -- Women who are a part of the Bainbridge Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, or WAVES, who served in the Navy during the Vietnam and Korean Wars visited a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), in Norfolk, Virginia, for the first time, Oct. 15, to provide them a moment they could only envision during their time in service.
These trailblazing women, many of whom never set foot on a ship during their service, are now in their later years have an opportunity to connect with the current generation who are serving. They belong to a generation that paved the way for the inclusion and advancement of women in the U.S. Navy today.
Retired Fleet Master Chief Susan Whitman, a 32-year Navy veteran who began her career as a yeoman and helped organize the tour, reflects on the significant contributions these women have made to shape the U.S. Navy of today.
"These women don’t realize how much they contributed to the Navy, how they blazed the trail for others like me," Whitman said. "When they served, they couldn't even go on ships, and now they're visiting an aircraft carrier. It’s an opportunity for them to see firsthand how far we've come."
The women were welcomed aboard by female Sailors currently serving on the carrier, creating a unique opportunity for generations to connect and share experiences. The group was especially eager for the interactions, looking forward to seeing firsthand how much has changed since their time in service.
"It’s important to understand where we came from," Whitman said. "To see women now serving on submarines, in leadership positions, and across all areas of the Navy—it’s incredible. And it’s because of the sacrifices and determination of these women."
While on board, the group explored different areas of the ship, including the hangar bay and the birthing areas, where they can see how Sailors live at sea. For many, simply being on the carrier was an unforgettable experience, a dream come true after decades of service.
"They’ll have true sea stories now," Whitman said. "When people talk about being on a ship, they’ll finally know what it’s like, even if it’s just for a day."
In addition to touring USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, the guests were met by Naval Air Force Atlantic’s Force Master Chief Jimmy W. Hailey III.
“Having served with retired Fleet Master Chief Whitman at various points throughout my career, it is with great respect that I thank her for taking the lead on coordinating this visit to introduce the past with the present,” Hailey said, reflecting on how Sailors currently serving on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower had an opportunity to speak with and learn from these visiting trailblazers.
The women of the Bainbridge WAVES were honored by the ship by being greeted and sent off
through a formation of salutes presented by Dwight D. Eisenhower “sideboys.” This is generally an honor rendered to commanding officers or higher ranked military members and dignitaries.
This visit not only served as a powerful reminder of the progress women have made in the Navy, but also as a tribute to the trailblazers who made it possible. For these women, stepping aboard the aircraft carrier is more than just a tour—it is a recognition of their contributions and a celebration of how far the Navy has come in embracing the strength and capability of its female Sailors.