Master Chief Electrician’s Mate Mary Bonnin earned her initial diving qualification in 1977. She graduated from First Class Diving School in 1981 at the top of her class and was the first woman to qualify as a diver first class. During her seven years as a Navy diving instructor, Bonnin trained more than 1,000 divers. In 1990, she earned the title of master diver, and became the first woman master diver. She was inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame in 2001.

Last Updated: 29 March 2023