 This month, the Navy celebrates the contributions of military women. In 1908, women served in the Navy as nurses. Yomones provided clerical support during World War I. In 1942, Congress established the Navy's women's reserve program, or WAVES. Women were authorized to enter the regular Navy in 1948. In the early 1960s, non-combatant ships were open to women. In 1993, women got closer to the action when Congress repealed the combat exclusion law, which allowed the women the opportunity to serve on board all surface ships and squadrons. Today, women serve side-by-side their male counterparts in peacetime and combat as sailors and shipmates. For Defense Media Activity, I'm Petty Officer Jamia Cabredin.