The women in Judy Joins the Waves, though initially shown to be strong, independent, career-minded women, are depicted in a very different manner when they see the men in the Navy.[^] Two of the women, Judy and Sheila, even turn against each other because of their competition for the affection of Jeff, one of the first sailors they encounter upon enlistment. What began as a story about Judy earning a living, getting an education, and going on adventures soon changes to a story about two women feuding over the attention of an enlisted man. The story arc largely revolved around Judy’s enlistment in the Waves and her courtship with Jeff, thus making the ability to meet sailors one of the dominant messages coming from the story.