NAVSUP WSS celebrates the 75th anniversary of women’s integration into the Armed Forces

ByAsyaParker

NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support

The year 2023 marks the 75th anniversaryofWomen’sIntegrationintotheArmed Forces On June 12, 1948 President Harry S. TrumansignedintolawtheWomen’sArmed ServicesIntegrationActof1948;pavingthe way for women to officially serve in the military. This landmark legislation granted womentherighttoserveasregular,permanentmembersofthearmedservices

Onthisanniversary,NavalSupplySystems Command Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) celebrates the countless women who have fought tirelessly for the Navy and the armed forces as a whole 75 years since that pivotal day of integration, the women of NAVSUP WSS share their experienceswithintheNavyandthestories behindwhytheydecidedtoraisetheirright handtofightforourcountry

Like many women, the Armed Forces presented an opportunity for growth and advancement. These benefits attracted many service-women to include Lt Cmdr NaomiGreenofSacramento,California.

“I joined prior to 9/11, and was drawn to the Navy for the education and training opportunities. The Navy offered me opportunitiesforpersonalandprofessionaldevelopmentthat,atthetime,Iwouldotherwise not have been afforded,” said Lt Cmdr Naomi Green, NAVSUP WSS, Big Deck Integrated Weapon Support Team (IWST) Director “Istayedforpatriotismandservice To serve my country and contribute to national security I feel a sense of duty and want to make a positive impact by defending my country and supporting warfighters howeverIcan.

For some women, a calling to serve was engrainedintheirblood.Aswasthecasefor Cmdr.RenaeRenkenofCanton,Kansas

“My father was in the Navy He was part oftheTINcannavyservingonthedestroyer USS Radford back in the early 60’s, and so the family has some history with being in theNavy SomethingthatI’mveryproudofis that,likemyfather,myfirstshipintheNavy was also a Destroyer,” said Cmdr Renae Renken,NAVSUPWSS,SurfaceOperations

IWSTDirector.

“His first duty station was Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and my first duty station was Pearl Harbor, Hawaii So, you can say that I was literally following in my father’s footsteps,” Renkencontinued.

For other women, joining the Navy was a coping mechanism for tragedies that had taken place in their lives This was the case for Petty Officer 1st Class Courtney Sizemore-MorrisofEdgewood Kentucky.

“In high school, I always pushed myself physically through involvement in varsity sportsandextracurricularactivities During my senior year, I received the tragic news that both of my parents had passed,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Sizemore-Morris, NAVSUP WSS, Carrier (CVN) IWST, on-timedeliverylead.

“I attended the University of Toledo for a semester attempting to cope by going forward with life My main interests were training at the gym and indulging in vices Yet,IrealizedthatIneededtopursuemore than just physical accomplishments and challenge myself mentally This began my journeyintotheNavy Therewasnotalegacy of military service in my family but being thefirsttojointhearmedforcesencouraged me I transitioned from profound grief over losingmylovedonestofindinganinvaluable new family in the Navy,” Sizemore-Morris continued.

Though every woman may have a differentpersonalreasonforwhytheyjoinedthe military, the end result remains the same; womencreatingaprofoundhistory.

“I think it’s important to recognize that we have been an important part of history,” said Renken “You can go back to Rosie the Riveter during World War II when women lefttheirhomestohelpthewarfighter Some would say that was our first beginnings to inclusivityandbeingabletoserveourcountry I think it’s important to recognize the glass ceilings that we have broken with the ability to be included from aviation, from mixedgenderonboardtheships totheabilityofhavingwomenserveinthesubmarine force Weareshowingthatwehavetheabilitytostandbesideourmalecounterpartsand playacriticalpartinservicetoourcountry,”

Renkencontinued.

BycontinuingtoacknowledgetheimportanceoftheWomen’sArmedServicesIntegrationActof1948andthestridesthatNavy womenhavemadeoverthelast75yearswe continue to show future service women a senseof“whatispossible”withinthearmed forces

“We’re inspiring future generations. Through celebrating the accomplishments of women in the military we provide role models for young girls and women who aspire to serve their country. It helps them envision themselves in similar roles and encourages them to pursue their goals, even in fields where women have historicallybeenunderrepresented,”saidGreen.

“Additionally,celebratingtheaccomplishments of these women not only recognizes theirindividualachievementsbutalsoisan important step towards achieving gender equality and fostering a more inclusive and diversearmedforce,”Greencontinued

Along with a page in the history books, women who serve in the armed forces will walkawaywithknowledge,skills,newfound experiences,andaneverlastingsisterhood.

“Servinginthearmedforceshasbeenthe biggestblessing Igrewupinasmalltownof lessthan1000people TheNavyhasopened theaperturetoexperiencedifferentcultures and backgrounds and have so many new experiencesthanwhatIgrewupwith”said Renken. “I grew up on a farm and had an amazingchildhood,buttheNAVYhasgiven me so many new opportunities to see the world and being a part of something bigger thanmyselfhasbeenthebiggestblessing.”

“The Navy has become more than a job for me; it’s grown into a part of my identity and the people I have met have become an extension of my family I have formed deep sisterhood with the women I serve alongside;helpingshapetheverycoreofwhoIam today as a woman,” said Sizemore-Morris “One of the most powerful aspects I cherish is the constant presence of individuals whosurpassmeinstrength,speed,orintelligence This always encourages me to rise higherandneversettleforless.

“Joining theNavyhas been atransformative, a unique experience and hands down the best decision I have made I have been blessedwiththeopportunitytohaveserved as both an enlisted member and officer, in the aviation and medical communities and onboardsurfaceandsubmarineunitsworldwide,”saidGreen.

“However, it’s the emphasis on camaraderie and teamwork that develops within service. The Navy places a strong emphasis on unit cohesion and relies on the collective efforts of its members to accomplish missions and tasks I have forged lifelong friendshipsandthereisatight-knitsupport networkIamableandhavebeenabletorely on every place I have been. It’s the people, the lasting relationships and memories created that really make a tour special,” Greencontinued.

“Some people say it’s difficult being a woman in the military due to the expectationsplaceduponus Ibelieveit’sessentialto embracethechancetosurpasstheseexpectationsandeventoperformathigherlevels than our counterparts Rather than viewing the challenges of being a woman in the military as obstacles, we should seize these opportunitiestoshowcaseourstrengthand resilience,”saidSizemore-Morris.

“By striving to excel, we not only honor thewomenwhopavedthewaybeforeusbut alsoinspirethosewhowillfollow Celebrating the accomplishments of women in the militarymeansacknowledgingtheremarkable achievements of individuals who dare to do what most will not—both women and menalike.”

NAVSUP WSS is one of 11 commands under Commander NAVSUP Headquartered in Mechanicsburg Pennsylvania, NAVSUP employs a diverse worldwide workforceofmorethan22,500militaryand civilian personnel. NAVSUP and the Navy Supply Corps conduct and enable supply chain,acquisition,operationallogisticsand Sailor and family care activities with our mission partners to generate readiness and sustain naval forces worldwide to prevent and decisively win wars Learn more at www.navsup.navy.mil www.facebook.com/ navsupwss,andwww.twitter.com/NAVSUP.