During World War II, the Women’s division of the United States Naval Reserve was known as the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). WAVES filled a variety of roles, including rigging parachutes, guiding planes in the control tower, work as metalsmiths, and more. WAVES were in high demand and received equal pay to their male counterparts of the same rank. The WAVE uniforms were designed by American designer Mainbocher and were known as the most stylish of the women’s wartime uniforms. This coat belonged to Seattle’s first WAVE, Jane Blogg. When the division was created on July 30, 1942, she was the first to sign up in the 13th Naval District, which covered Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.