 August marked 43 years since women were authorized for sea duty as regular ships company. A pilot program geared toward women on ships was launched in 1972 after the disestablishment of women accepted for volunteer emergency service or waves. This pilot program allowed USS Sanctuary to become the first Navy ship to have an integrated ships company. Following the success on Sanctuary the Navy created the Women in the Navy ships program and in 1979 55 women officers and 375 female enlisted personnel were authorized for sea duty aboard 21 ships. Today women serve on surface ships submarines and nearly every community across the Navy. Since 1942 women throughout the fleet have contributed service and sacrifice to our nation and continue to be a vital part to our naval mission.