In His Own Words: Lieutenant Matthew Hipple, USN
I became involved with the Naval Institute as an ensign. A few interesting articles inspired me to write. I didn’t think the first article I submitted would be accepted! It was a happy surprise that someone would take such a new officer seriously.
Now I find myself recommending the Institute to other junior officers. It’s our service we’re talking about. How can we consider ourselves naval professionals if we don’t care enough to engage in the debate? I feel the same about civilians and—when I get the opportunity—urge them to join as well. It’s their defense. The voting public should understand and be involved in the dialogue on defense for the debate to be meaningful.
More than anything else, the Naval Institute is where ideas—not rank—dominate the discourse. In a world of buzzwords, pet projects, and pop-policy, it’s critical to have a strong institution where a JO’s or NCO’s insight counts as much as the think-tank academic’s or the admiral’s. I firmly believe that American sea power is the cornerstone of peace and global order—and reasoned, independent debate is how we will keep that power.
Captain Winifred Quick Collins Oral History is Available
The late Winifred Quick Collins was among the first women chosen for officer training when Congress authorized creation of the WAVES in 1942. In 1986 she discussed her life and career during two interviews with historian Paul Stillwell. The following excerpt is about duty in Hawaii, where she led the way as the first Navy woman to serve in an overseas billet.
When I arrived in October 1944 there was much to do. The Navy planned to assign 5,000 women to Hawaii, based on three islands. We worked six-day weeks and had very little time off.
A multimillionaire from Denver offered the women officers use of a beachfront home in Kailua—beautifully furnished, and it came with a maid . . . On Sundays, it was a treat to be away from the BOQ and out of uniform.
Two friends—also WAVES officers—and I were there one afternoon. As the others were changing, I noticed the houseboy letting a man in from the beach. He was wearing shorts because he’d been walking and swimming, but I recognized him immediately as Admiral William Halsey. He didn’t say who he was, so I just introduced myself as Winifred Quick. I figured, if he doesn’t say he’s in the Navy, should I say I am? I offered him a drink and he accepted.
‘This certainly is a beautiful place you have here,’ he said. ‘Have you lived here long?’
‘No, sir.’
‘Do you expect to stay long?’
‘I think quite a while.’
So he said, ‘Are you here alone?’
‘No, I’m with two friends. You’ll meet them in a few minutes.’ He finished his first drink as Winnie joined us. ‘This is my friend Winifred Love,’ still not saying anything about the Navy, because I thought I’d better play it just the way he did. He took a second drink as my other friend came out. ‘This is Louise Wilde.’ He put down his drink, looked at his watch, and said he had to leave right away. It just seemed like a complete change in him and he dashed out the door.
The next morning, the phone rang around 9 o’clock. I answered, ‘This is Lieutenant Quick.’
‘This is Admiral Robert Carney. I’m glad you’re admitting you’re in the Navy,’ he said. ‘Do you know who I am?’
‘Yes sir. You’re chief of staff to Admiral Halsey.’
‘Do you know who visited you yesterday?’
‘I most certainly do.’
‘Why didn’t you tell him you were in the Navy?’
‘Because he didn’t tell me he was in the Navy.’
‘Well, I must tell you the aides in intelligence have had an interesting night. Admiral Halsey came back and said, ‘There are three spies living up there: Quick, Wilde, and Love.’ The Third Fleet officer recreation area was about a quarter mile from the house. ‘I know they’re going to waltz down the beach and get acquainted with our officers—find out when we’re leaving and what our next objective is.’ So he told his aide to get the intelligence section on this.
The next morning, the aide reports to Admiral Halsey that the house has been loaned for the use of naval officers. Halsey said, ‘I didn’t see any naval officers.’
‘Women naval officers, sir.’
Admiral Halsey said, ‘Oh my God, I’ve been had.’
I didn’t know what kind of trouble we were in, but Admiral Halsey invited the three spies to brunch . . . but we were to wear our uniforms.
Naval Institute oral histories are made possible through donated funds. For opportunities to support this program, please contact Sue Sweeney at (410) 295-1054 or at [email protected].