CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 281518Z FEB 24 MID600117222164U FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC TO ALNAV INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC CNO WASHINGTON DC CMC WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS ALNAV 018/24 MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/FEB// SUBJ/DEPARTMENT OF NAVY 2024 WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH// RMKS/1. During the month of March, the Department of the Navy (DON) celebrates Women's History Month to commemorate the contributions of military and civilian women to the DON. Women continue to make valuable contributions to the DON, despite the challenges they face. In recognizing "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion," we pay tribute to the trailblazers who have advocated for racial and gender equity. This commitment to total force equity should inspire us to reach to the next generation of women and promote the extraordinary opportunities available at every level of the DON. 2. In 1948, the Women's Armed Services Act allowed women to serve as permanent members in all branches of service. However, women have played a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of our Nation even before that. In June of 1942, Public Law 689 effectively established the Women's Reserve Force within the United States Navy, known as the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES). In 1978, despite 25,000 women serving in the Navy, advocates such as Yona Owens had to challenge Congress' prohibition of women on ships. Their efforts led to successfully permitting women to serve on combatant ships in 1994. This year, we're celebrating the 30th anniversary of the first women assigned to a 6-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea on a combatant ship. 3. In February 1943, the Marine Corps established the Women's Reserve, opening its doors to female applicants for both commissions and enlistments. Since then, women Marines have continuously reshaped the Corps' history through countless achievements and immeasurable contributions. Following the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, the Marine Corps fully integrated women into all training at both Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. This move included permanently assigning female drill instructors to San Diego to facilitate integrated training, culminating in the graduation of the first gender-integrated company in 2021. 4. This past November, in a historic ceremony, I had the honor of swearing in Admiral Lisa Franchetti as the Navy's first female Chief of Naval Operations, also making her the first woman on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In January, Vice Admiral Yvette Davids assumed office as the 65th Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy-the first woman and first Hispanic American to serve in this role. Their leadership is an inspiration to those who will follow in their footsteps. 5. Today, there are approximately 160,000 women serving in the DON's total force, with 53% of them on active duty, 10% reserve, and 37% United States appropriated fund civilian personnel. The DON is strengthened by the courageous women who have shared their stories and paved the way for future generations. It is with my sincerest gratitude that we recognize the Sailors, Marines, and civilians who have shattered glass ceilings and remain committed to achieving gender equity. 6. Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro Secretary of the Navy.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//