Have you ever wondered about the women who shaped the United States Coast Guard? Here at Governors Island, we celebrate Coast Guard Women’s History, a story of perseverance, courage, and groundbreaking achievements. Governors Island holds a special place in this story. In 1977, the Coast Guard became the first US military branch to assign women to ships on an unrestricted basis. The USCGC Gallatin, homeported right here at Governors Island, was one of the first two US military ships with women permanently assigned. These pioneering women paved the way for a more inclusive Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard Women’s History stretches back to World War I, when Myrtle Hazard became the first woman to enlist in 1918. During World War II, the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve, known as SPARS, was established. Thousands of women served, including Olivia Hooker, the first African American woman to join the Coast Guard in 1945. Hooker’s story is a powerful reminder of the dedication and resilience of these women. She served at a separation center in Boston after training in Manhattan Beach, eventually earning the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class and a Good Conduct Award. Later, she became a renowned psychologist. At 100 years old, she was honored by President Obama for her remarkable life.
After the war, the SPARS program was disbanded, but women continued to serve. The Korean War saw approximately 200 women re-enlisting, mainly serving at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C. The fight for equal rights continued, and in 1973, women were fully integrated into the active-duty Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Reserve. That same year, Wanda May Parr and Margaret A. Blackman became the first female enlistees sworn into the regular Coast Guard. Alice T. Jefferson became the first female commissioned officer. The Coast Guard Academy admitted its first women in 1976. From there, a series of firsts followed: the first female commanding officer of a military vessel, Beverly Kelley, in 1979; the first female flag officer, Vivien Crea, in 2000; and the first female Commandant of the Coast Guard, Linda Fagan, in 2022.
The Coast Guard Women’s History at Governors Island, and beyond, is filled with inspiring stories. These women shattered barriers and redefined what it meant to serve. Their contributions have been crucial to the success of the Coast Guard, and their legacy continues to inspire future generations.