A Feminine Finale at Bainbridge - July 1972

Introduction

The article "A Feminine Finale at Bainbridge" covers the last graduation ceremony for female Navy recruits at the Bainbridge Naval Training Center in May 1972. This marks the transition to the new training facility in Orlando, Florida.

Through these portals, the Women of the Greatest Navy on Earth, shown on a sign as Company 28-72, march out as one of the last classes to graduate and the last to have graduation ceremonies at Bainbridge. TRA NAVY: Magazine of Naval Training, July 1972, p. 6. GGA Image ID # 1cfe73cdf0

''Through These Portals Pass the Women of the Greatest Navy on Earth." For 21 years, the sign hung over the exit door of the drill hall used by students at the Recruit Training Command for Women at Bainbridge, Maryland. Last month, it was carefully hand-carried to the women's new state-of-the-art training center in Orlando, Florida, equipped with the latest technology and amenities.

The last formal graduation at Bainbridge was held on May 12, with company 28-1972 graduation. Although four companies remained at Bainbridge to complete their basic training, no more formal graduation ceremonies were scheduled.

Navy women and their guests from throughout the country attended the nostalgic ceremony. Captain Robin L. Quigley, Assistant to the Chief of Naval Personnel for Women, viewed the companies along with the newly selected first woman admiral, Captain Alene B. Durek. The reviewing officer was Rear Admiral Valdemar G. Lambert, Deputy Director of Naval Education and Training. He spoke of the numerous opportunities now open for Navy women, commenting that "these fine young ladies will leave the grueling grind" of basic training to take their places in Navy ranks.

"The Navy would not be where it is today were it not for the wonderful contributions of its Navy women," Admiral Lambert said.

The relocation of the Recruit Training Command for Women to Orlando will also have an impact on the families of the Navy women. However, the Navy is committed to providing support and resources to ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved. The Recruit Training Command for Women will officially open its doors at the Naval Training Center in Orlando on July 3, with the first two recruit companies reporting for basic training on July 17. Approximately 55 military personnel assigned to recruit training for women were involved in the move. No civilian positions were affected. Typically, about 500 women recruits are in training at any given time.

Orlando's companies will be smaller, with 50 to 55 recruits per company, compared to 65 to 75 at Bainbridge. However, nine companies will always be on board instead of eight. The duration of training will remain at ten weeks.

Admiral Lambert, Captain Gore, and a Recruit Commander on Graduation Day. TRA NAVY: Magazine of Naval Training, July 1972, p. 6. GGA Image ID # 1cfed59cf5

The move to Orlando was the third for women recruits since 1942, when the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) program was established during World War II. Now an outdated acronym, the term WAVES describes the women who assisted the Navy in meeting its acute personnel needs in the rapidly expanding fleet after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The first Recruit Training Command for enlisted women was established at Hunter College in the Bronx, New York, in 1943. In 1948, the training moved to the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Maryland, and in 1951, it moved again.

Captain Mary A. Gore, commanding officer of the Recruit Training Command for Women since 1971, was among the first to attend the course at Hunter College. After graduation, she worked as a yeoman at the Bureau of Naval Personnel until 1947. This was followed by three years of inactive reserve duty. Then, in 1950, she was commissioned as an Ensign and assigned various Navy jobs. Before her present assignment, she was the Line Assignment Officer for Women at the Bureau of Naval Personnel.

JO3 Celeste Hein, Photos by PH3 Becky Wise, "A Feminine Finale at Bainbridge," in TRA NAVY: The Magazine of Naval Training, July 1972, p. 6.

Key Points

• Last graduation at Bainbridge for female recruits.
• Shift of training to Orlando.
• Historic presence of WAVES and women’s contribution to the Navy.

Summary

The article reflects on the final graduation ceremony for women at Bainbridge before training moved to Orlando, highlighting the legacy of female service members and their evolving roles in the Navy.

Conclusion

The closing of Bainbridge's female training marks the end of an era, while also symbolizing new opportunities for women in the Navy's future.