The Long Blue Line (Winter 2021)

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women
Academy
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By Commander Kathy A. Hamblett, USCG (Ret.)
IN
addition to the letter, ceremony
organizers asked the Class of 1980
women for words of wisdom for the
Class of 2020 women. This request
led me to consider how far away and long ago our
graduation took place in Leamy Hall on a rainy day
in May. By virtue of alphabetical order, the first
woman to cross the stage was Jean Butler. She
recalled the sounds of camera shutters clicking
rapidly and simultaneously. She remembered,
“It sounded like a cascading waterfall.” Not only
was she the first woman in the Class of 1980 to
graduate, she was the first woman to graduate
from any armed forces service academy. The
Air Force, Army, and Navy held graduations
in June. After graduation, the 14 of us fanned
out across the cutter fleet, often being the first
women to serve on board and the firsts in many
assignments over our ensuing careers. Many of
us retired as Captains and Commanders. Some of
us found further success in academics, research,
engineering, business and veterinary medicine
with interests as diverse as the individuals we
have always been.
The Coast Guard is credited with accepting
women to the Academy before being forced to by
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Cadet Jean Butler navigating the obstacle course at
the Academy. (U.S. Coast Guard)
Cadets Robin Gallagher and Tricia Edman marching in
formation on the parade grounds. (U.S. Coast Guard)
Cadet Kathy Hamblett drilling in dress uniform with
sword. (U.S. Coast Guard)
Cadet Karen Tween serving scullery duty on board the
EAGLE during the summer cruise. (U.S. Coast Guard)
Cadet Mary Jane East in dress uniform during rifle
inspection on the Academy parade grounds. (U.S.
Coast Guard)
Swearing-in Cadet Joanne McCaffery on the first day
at the Coast Guard Academy. (U.S. Coast Guard)
Swearing-in Cadets Linda Dolney and Mary Lou
Southwood during Swab Summer at the Academy.
(U.S. Coast Guard)
THE LONG BLUE LINE WINTER 2021
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