Wash., area I studied plans for the housing and utilization of WAVES there. I went through the_barracks that were in the stage of construction. In Los Angeles I met with WAVE officers and discussed their problems and their assignments with them. In the Newport R. I., area several hundred WAVES were filling assignments, in-. cluding many in the assembly and repair departments. At the recommendation of the Congested Areas Subcommittee, the Navy provided barracks in this area to house 300 WAVES. I found comparatively few WAVES on assignment in Portland, Maine, but they were administering important jobs in an efficient manner.

STUDY OF ESTABLISHMENTS IN WASHINGTON, D. C.

The greatest concentration of WAVES, SPARS, and Women Marines is in the Washington, D. C., area. I have kept constant check with Captains McAfee and Stratton and Colonel Streeter with respect to living conditions, changes, and improvements affecting the women of the naval services. In this connection I have visited the living quarters, mess facilities, recreational facilities, and other facilities for these women throughout the Washington area.

LEGISLATION AND SERVICE REGULATIONS

Recent legislation has acted to broaden the utility of women in the naval services. As you know, they can now serve in the American area and the Territories of Hawaii and Alaska. They can service combat planes and are barred only with respect to planes in combat action. The wearing of overseas caps by the women and improved changes in their uniforms have been adopted by the services regulations. The discriminatory 2 a. m. curfew for WAVES in Washington has been abrogated.

CONCLUSIONS

HOUSING

The women in the naval services are doing a splendid job. They are mastering a variety of difficult tasks long thought impossible for them. Of utmost importance to their sustained performance is the maintenance of livable housing quarters and attractive recreational facilities. There should be the greatest flexibility possible in the supplying of these facilities. One type of housing is not the answer for all women. Wisdom has been exercised in this respect, for housing of three basic types has been provided for the women (1) dormitories where large groups live in the same large room, (2) cubicle quarters for the occupancy of two to six, and (3) hotel apartments and club houses remodeled into suites-these suites shared by several women. Fortunately, there is no rigid policy of the location of housing, for the women are occupying housing both on and off the stations. They have adequate and comfortable housing in hotels, apartments, private homes, and barracks.

DOMESTIC AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

Because women stay in their quarters much more than men, the planning of their housing must give distinctive consideration to domestic and recreational facilities. It was gratifying to find excellent washing and ironing facilities in the housing for the women. A great morale stimulant has been hair-dressing facilities made available. Operators are many times taken from the ranks. An effective "tailor made" housing innovation has been the provision of two types of lounges in the barracks and dormitories. There is usually one "at ease" lounge where no guests are permitted and the girls can relax in privacy. There is the second type of lounge-the reception lounge-where the girls can meet and entertain their "dates." The reception lounges are usually provided with table tennis, cards, games, music, and other forms of entertainment. The mess halls and galleys are completely equipped with the best and most modern of materials. Cafeteria style prevails in most of the mess facilities.

SELECTION OF WOMEN OFFICERS

Although I gained the impression that the women's officer complements of the naval services have many women of teaching background there are also a number of business and professional women. saw many enlisted women who impressed me as being of excellent officer material. With the closing of recruiting it is expected there will be more promotions of enlisted women from the ranks.

ROLE IN POST-WAR

The part to be played by women in the peacetime Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard is of greatest interest to me. Because no one knows how large the peacetime organization will be, it is impossible to make any specific estimates or detailed plans. Although specific plans cannot be formulated at this time, nevertheless, it is time to give serious consideration not only to the post-war participation of women in the naval services but also to the demobilization of WAVES, SPARS, and Women Marines. At least skeleton organizations of these groups should be maintained after the war is won.

MARGARET CHASE SMITH,
Member of Congress.

О

[No. 272]

INVESTIGATION OF CONGESTED AREAS

A REPORT

OF THE

CONGESTED AREAS SUBCOMMITTEE

OF THE

COMMITTEE ON NAVAL AFFAIRS

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

SEVENTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS

SECOND SESSION

PURSUANT TO

H. Res. 30

A RESOLUTION FOR AN INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE WAR EFFORT IS BEING CARRIED FORWARD EFFICIENTLY, EXPEDITIOUSLY,

AND ECONOMICALLY

UNITED STATES

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

WASHINGTON: 1944

MEMBERS OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE INVESTIGATING CONGESTED AREAS COMMITTEE ON NAVAL AFFAIRS

ED. V. IZAC, Chairman

MELVIN J. MAAS
JAMES W. MOTT
GEORGE J. BATES

ROBERT E. KLINE, Jr., General Counsel, Naval Affairs Investigating Committee

LT. WILLIAM C. LEWIS, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, Special Counsel to the subcommittee

LOUISE K. BENTON, Clerk