LOST PATTERN x SERVICE ACADEMY WOMEN
Celebrating 50 Years of Service Academy Women
In 1974, a historic milestone was achieved when the first 15 women were admitted to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. This breakthrough paved the way for the admission of women to the Coast Guard, Naval, Military, and Air Force Academies.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of these transformative decisions in 2025, Lost Pattern is deeply honored to collaborate on this celebration. Spearheaded by Joanne McCaffrey, CAPT, USCG (Ret.)—a proud member of the Coast Guard Academy Class of 1980, the first class of women—the commemorative scarf blends insights from hundreds of Service Academy Women with Lost Pattern’s artisan craftsmanship. Each heirloom-quality mulberry silk scarf is a tribute to this legacy of courage and progress.
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy led the way in 1974, admitting 15 young women to its ranks. Two years later, in 1976, the Coast Guard, Naval, Military and Air Force Academies cracked their doors open to a small number of women who joined the Classes of 1980. Breaking barriers, these trailblazers opened the doors further, and since then, more than twenty thousand women chose to step over those hallowed thresholds.
To honor their legacy, the scarf design includes iconic images from each academy and the service caps worn by the early graduates. Cadets and midshipmen drawn from photos of graduates in early uniforms encircle the center of the design. Swords from each service form a five-pointed star as a nod to our nation’s flag. The women stand upon strands of gold braid, pearls, and anchor chain demonstrating our shared service to our nation. The gold braid signifies authority, status, and courage. The pearls symbolize new beginnings, inner wisdom, resilience, and overcoming adversity. The anchor chain speaks to the strength and holding power the women exemplified while serving with dignity, grace, and pride under pressure.
Thank you for joining us in commemorating this important anniversary in the ongoing history of Service Academy Women. Here’s to the next 50 years!
The United States Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, New York, founded in 1802
The United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland, founded in 1845
The United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in New London, Connecticut, founded in 1876
The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, New York, founded in 1943
The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, founded in 1954
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