When WWII began, young women were just as eager to serve - and all hands were needed as the nation mobilized for war. To meet this need, in August 1942 the first female officers in Naval history were sworn into the first all female branch of the Navy - known as the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, or WAVES. Although they could not serve aboard combat ships and aircraft - they filled vital roles in administration, support and operations of the Navy. 1951 marked the first class of women who attended the ten week training program. The Waves had their own training camp at Camp Rodgers, and studied subjects such as ships & aircraft, Navy history & citizenship, military drill and physical training. During the 50's Bainbridge was the only WAVES training center. Hunter Hall - the WAVES barrack was dedicated in 1967, and housing up to 450 recruits simultaneously, remains one of the only buildings standing at Bainbridge.