Women at Sea

NORFOLK, Va.--Eight Navy women shattered tradition yesterday as they reported to duty on five non-combat ships in Norfolk, Va., San Diego and Long Beach, Ca.

They were the first women to take assignments on Navy vessels other than hospital ships or transport.

The Navy hopes to have 5 130 female officers and enlisted women on ocean-going vessels by 1984.

"This is not an experiment. It is part of a highly structured plan to integrate the women into the seagoing Navy," Capt. Harry A. Spencer said yesterday.