Mildred Helen McAfee

American educator and military commander

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July 23, 2026

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Mildred Helen McAfee was a prominent American educator and military commander. She served as the first commander of the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service), the U.S. Navy's corps of female members established in 1942 during World War II. As a civilian, McAfee was the president of Wellesley College.1

The WAVES were not an auxiliary unit and held a status comparable to male members of the reserve. While initially excluded from overseas service, WAVES served in various roles, including clerical duties and instructing male pilots. The organization was integrated with all-male units in 1978. McAfee's leadership was instrumental in establishing and guiding this significant branch of the naval service.1

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WAVES
…commander of the WAVES was Mildred McAfee, who as a civilian was the president of Wellesley College. Other notable members of the WAVES were Grace Hopper, a pioneering mathematician who eventually attained the rank of rear admiral, and Susan Ahn Cuddy, the first Asian American woman to become an officer…
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…commander of the WAVES was Mildred McAfee, who as a civilian was the president of Wellesley College. Other notable members of the WAVES were Grace Hopper, a pioneering mathematician who eventually attained the rank of rear admiral, and Susan Ahn Cuddy, the first Asian American woman to become an officer…
Read More