In 1970, Capt. Jordine Von Wantoch was instrumental in changing the Navy’s policy that prevented women naval officers from also being mothers. When she became pregnant, she petitioned the chief of naval personnel to remain on active duty, using the basis that she could only be denied her retirement through disciplinary action. In 1970, the Secretary of the Navy granted her a waiver on the condition she submit a request for voluntary retirement, effective as soon as she became eligible, which at the time would have been seven years later. Her daughter, Lian, was born at Coronado Hospital in 1970, and Jordine became the first woman naval officer allowed to remain on active duty to complete a career while raising a child. Once the policy was officially changed in 1974, she successfully petitioned to remove the resignation letter from her file. She promoted to captain in 1978. Her final assignment was as commanding officer of Personnel Support Activity, San Diego. Her command was awarded the Silver Anchor Award for high morale and mission achievement under her leadership. In 1986, she also became the “Grey Turkey,” an informal award to the longest-serving active duty woman line officer for her “indomitable spirit of survivability.” She retired in 1986 after 30 years of service.

Last Updated: 29 March 2023