Ruthe Boyea joined the office corps in January 1943 and received training at the US Naval Midshipmen's School, Northampton, MA. She was assigned to the IS Naval Training School, Hunter College, New York, NY, as administrator of a WAVES barracks, then was assigned to the Charleston Naval base where she was administrator of a WAVES barracks and was head of a recreation center for WAVES. In 1944, she was assigned to Glynco, GA, Naval Base where was responsible for morale, welfare, and recreation. She was the liaison with many base activities. She credits the Navy with developing her leadership skills.