The first American women to enlist in the Navy were known by which name?

The first American women to enlist in the Navy were referred to as the Navy WAVES, which stands for "Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service." This program was established during World War II, specifically in 1942, allowing women to serve in non-combat positions in the naval forces. The WAVES program recognized the contributions of women and their vital roles in supporting the Navy's mission during a time of war when there was a significant need for personnel in administrative and support roles.

The designation as WAVES marked a significant milestone in military history, as it was one of the earliest organized efforts to integrate women into the Navy in a formalized way, creating opportunities for women to serve their country outside traditional roles. This was an important step towards gender integration in the armed forces, setting the foundation for future advancements in women’s roles in the military.

Other names provided, such as Navy Nurses and Navy Women, while relevant to women in the Navy, do not specifically capture the historical significance and formal designation of the first enlisted women. The term "Sailors" is more general and applies to all individuals serving in the Navy, without indicating the unique role played by women during that era.