The Yeoman (F)s, popularly called 'Yeomanettes', were established by the Secretary of the Navy in 1917 after U.S. entry into World War I. The expanding mission of the Navy and Marines prompted a need for more clerks and stenographers, while also needing to free male Sailors and Marines for duty at sea and abroad. Recruited at first just for clerical duties, by the end of the war their jobs included language translation and manufacturing munitions in factories. The Yeoman (F)s were of such invaluable service to the country that there was no question of women returning to Navy service during World War II. For more information, read the VA VAntage Point Blog and visit the National Archives website and Wikipedia.
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![](http://images01.military.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_large/public/2024-04/1time%20History%20proof%20is%20out%20there%20rudy%20reyes%20ronnie%20adkins%201200.jpg?itok=38fi51YO "Former Army intelligence analyst Ronnie Adkins (left) and veteran Recon Marine Rudy Reyes host "The Proof is Out There," on HIstory. (Jai Lennard/The HISTORY Channel)")
