As with housing, the WAVES had an impact on Navy food. After it was noted that the traditional hearty service meals had an unhealthily expansive effect on women's physiques, Navy dining facilites were encouraged to add a broader selection of lower-calorie fare to the menu.

This page features views of World War II era WAVES' mealtime activities.

Images of World War II WAVES' Quarters & Meals

Click photograph for a larger image.

Photo #: 80-G-K-3207 (Color) Seaman 2nd Class Verona Livingston, USNR(W) Stops for a helping of dessert from Ship's Cook 2nd Class William Barry, as she goes through a "chow" line at Naval Air Station, Norfolk, Virginia, during World War II. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 62KB; 740 x 600 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-K-14976 (Color) WAVES trainees at "chow" At Naval Training Center, Norman, Oklahoma, in February 1943. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 80KB; 740 x 530 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-1011869 Enlisted WAVES Enjoy a meal at their mess hall, 22 September 1943. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 94KB; 600 x 765 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-297437 Ensign Frances Wills (left) and Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Harriet Ida Pickens Enjoy lunch following their graduation from the Naval Reserve Midshipmen's School (WR) at Northampton, Massachusetts, circa December 1944. They were members of the school's final class, and were the Navy's first African-American "WAVES" officers. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 95KB; 740 x 615 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-27885 WAVES in New York City Enlisted WAVES dining at their New York apartment hotel, 1943. The menu bears the address: Hotel Bedford, 110 E. 40th Street. Its date is January 4, 1943. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 90KB; 740 x 605 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives

For higher resolution images see: Obtaining Photographic Reproductions