SPARS
In November of 1941, the Coast Guard came under the control of the Navy. It was the role of the Coast Guard to manage and protect the U.S. harbors and coastlines.
To supplement the personnel, the SPARS were formed in November of 1942. The acronym comes from a combination of the Guard’s Latin motto “Semper Paratus” and the English translation, “Always Ready.” The SPARS’ roles in the Coast Guard were limited to shore duties in lighthouses, harbors, and bases. At first SPARS were confined to the continental United States, but like the WAVES, in 1944, they were allowed to serve in the territories of Hawaii and Alaska.
In 1947 the SPARS were disbanded, and the Coast Guard was returned to the Department of Treasury. Women continued to serve in the Coast Guard as lighthouse keepers until 1948. In 1949 women regained admittance in the Coast Guard Reserves and in 1950 could sign on for active duty.
