On this day, July 6th, in the year 1976, women were first inducted into the Naval Academy.  This was the result of Public Law 94-106 signed by President Gerald Ford which also allowed women into the US Military Academy, US Air Force Academy, and the US Coast Guard Academy.  At the time, women were still banned from combat (this ban lasted until 2013), but that didn’t stop them from serving their country.

In an NBC report from the day, News Anchor David Brinkley begins with the fact that:

“The law does not allow women to serve combat ships in the Navy, but it does require that they be admitted into the Naval Academy.”  

Right off the bat, we are made to understand that having women at the academy just doesn’t make sense.

Reporter Carole Simpson takes over live from Annapolis and introduces Sandra Erwin.  Erwin is a 18-year-old California resident and “last November she decided to become a Naval Officer”.  In a new scene, a Naval Cadet announces:

“All of you are gonna go to the multi-purpose gym which is gonna be to the left Mrs. Erwin you are gonna go to a different place near the men’s locker room, you are gonna receive your uniform there.”  

It is further explained that concessions have been made for women by making separate locker and restrooms.  Interestingly enough, that is all we hear about these women’s lives at the academy.  

Instead, a second Naval Cadet is interviewed and he expresses the frustrations of many of the men at the academy.  

“Well I don’t think they should be here at all, the way the academy works, it’s set up for combat officers, and the way Congress has it now, they will not let women serve as combat officers.  I think it is a waste of a lot of money.”

Luckily, we can safely say he was incorrect.  Women, using their intellect, bravery, and skills, have gone on from the academies to be commanders, pilots, army rangers, astronauts, four-star generals, and have laid down their lives for our country.  

In her closing statement, Simpson notes that:

“men have been told not to give the women special treatment, [however] it would be pretty tough for an ex-football hero not to help the homecoming princess in distress.”

The women who entered the Naval Academy 40 years ago today, showed the world that women are capable of being heroes, rather than just needing rescue.  There was a lot of prejudice to fight and it is still being overcome today, but the impact of women on the military community is undeniable.  Here’s to many more strong and inspiring women to come!