History of recruits at Naval Training Center San Diego.
The Recruit story is one of personal transformation and maturity. A display explains how sailors were made at Naval Training Center San Diego.
Over a span of 74 years, Naval Training Center San Diego in Point Loma graduated over 2 million recruits. Most went on to serve as sailors in the United States Navy.
A fascinating historical exhibit in the NTC Command Center at Liberty Station provides visitors with a glimpse of what life was like as a naval recruit. Photographs recall how young men were transformed at Naval Training Center San Diego and prepared for service on a ship at sea, far from home.
If you’d like to read some of these displays, click the photos and they will enlarge.
To those of you leaving comments concerning memories–thank you for your service!
The Dick Laub NTC Command Center at Liberty Station has a fascinating exhibit about the training of naval recruits at this location years ago.The Admiral Stockdale Wing of the NTC Command Center has a corridor lined with historical photos, Navy artifacts and interesting information.Marching in the courtyards, known as grinders, was a constant part of Recruit Training Command or boot camp.Home comforts were far away for U.S. Navy sailors aboard ship. A display shows sailors training in San Diego.The USS Recruit–a model Training Destroyer Escort–is where most men experienced their first duty aboard ship.The USS Recruit is landlocked permanently at Liberty Station. Fondly called the USS Neversail, this ship set in concrete was used for training new Navy sailors.Graduation at Naval Training Center San Diego. One photo shows Admiral Nimitz watching a Pass-In-Review at Preble Field.A large map of the old Naval Training Center San Diego, which today has been transformed into Liberty Station, featuring shopping, parks, museums and more.Photo of vacant old Naval Training Center buildings waiting to be restored and put to use commercially at Liberty Station.During training, recruits were divided into companies of 100 men. Teamwork was promoted.Homecooked meals were prepared by NTC’s Chef and Mess School, which was one of the best in the country.NTC grew in size over the years, expanding across the boat channel. A march over Nimitz Bridge was a rite of passage. (I blogged recently that a new public park will be opening east of the channel.)An old poster depicts authorized grooming standards for United States Navy Personnel.Photos of graduation from San Diego’s NTC include the final 1993 ceremony before the base closed.The official program for the 2082nd and Final Recruit Pass-In-Review, Friday, November 19, 1993.NTC San Diego graduated over 2 million recruits over its 74 year history!Welcome aboard!
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70 thoughts on “History of recruits at Naval Training Center San Diego.”
Good morning, sir! Loved this post. I graduated just after New Year’s in 1996, the whole experience made more poignant by the fact that I could almost see my childhood home up on Point Loma, and I could look at many of the houses out across the fence and say “Dave lives there, Ross lives there, Debbie lives there, [and so on]. I wonder what they’re doing today.”
I went through boot training in 1966 and have a sad feeling seeing this place dismantled, but I’m confident the people that are in control will keep the in place the history of this location. When I see a Hotel built right in the spot where my barricks were it seems so unreal. I read that over 2 million recruits were trained and started their Navy Careers on this sacred land. I hope those that live and work here know how important this piece of land is. I will be bringing Navy Reunion Group to San Diego in 2019 and plan on touring this place one more time with so many memories of what life was like here back in the late 60’s. Joe White (1966-1970) USN Submarine Service
Thanks for the comment. The people of San Diego are generally very respectful of the military–the Navy and Marines in particular–and Liberty Station continues that tradition. Thank you for your service!
I remember this place from my very first day in April 01,1990. Being driven through the front gate at RTC side and up to R & O building to report for Recruit Training Bootcamp. I’m sad to see the place Decommissioned. The men that became Sailor’s and my best friends. All of the sleepless days and long nights we trained and grew stronger as an Ohana (family) were tough. But we pulled through it all. Now, all that I have is memories of a place lost forever in time and progress. To the Company 129, Division 8. You are my BAND OF BROTHERS. ALOHA! DEAN P. TOLENTINO.
Jan 1958, company 010, instructor Gm1 Nix,
I was RCPO because I came from Army National Guard as a Spec 4, received seaman 3 rate upon Grad. Memory dims being 80 years going. Finished in 1962 as SM2. RATE retired in 1993 I think.
Arrived at RTC on 6 Apr 1956 and assigned to company 193. It was a start to a 30 years career with retirement as a MasterChief Petty Officer, RTC was a stepping stone. Returned 1962-66 as an instructor at DT A School. Returned to San Diego Naval Dental Clinic as Command Master Chief in 1981 and retirement in 1986. I have been San Diego area since retirement, My granddaughter wedding venue was at Liberty Station. Many fond memories of this grand RTC/NTC. Proud to be one of the 2M that trained here.
Although I did not “profit” from the ultimate experience aboard NTC / RTC San Diego (as a recruit, that is; I was commissioned in my first year of medical school, 1970, at Wake Forest University), I was aboard that historic facility on a multitude of occasions: twice, during summer clinical clerkships in San Diego (SD), 1970 & 1972; then during Naval Hospital SD internship and residency, 1973 – 1976. My wife and I have been aboard Liberty Station at least twice since 1997, during visits to our former home from the East Coast. We are very pleased with what the City of SD has done to preserve the history and character of the 74-year former NTC, while promoting its successful commercial and entertainment attractions. Thank you, Richard, for this reminiscence. BRAVO ZULU ! I enjoy your posts.
Thank you for sharing! Even though I never served in the military, I deeply appreciate those who have. I also think Liberty Station has been developed very thoughtfully. History is respected, and so are the memories of the thousands of sailors who trained here in San Diego.
I am looking for and / or any information on my husbands’ grandfather, Walter Raymond “Ray” Doyle Thomas. On his World War II Draft Registration he entered his place of employment as “U. S. Govt. Naval Training Station, San Diego, California”. I realize he would be over 100 years old, however am hoping that there is some kind of record of past employees. Thank you.
Entered training there in May 1956, Company Cmd. was Petty Officer Lawson. don’t remember the Co. Number, But Mr. Lawson will be in my good memories forever.
I am trying to recall the Boot Camp Company number that I graduated with in early February 1975. I entered Boot Camp at NTC San Diego on November 8, 1974 and would appreciate it greatly if anyone knows what companies actually started around 11/8/74 and graduated in early February 1975. I think we did a 13 week Boot Camp session back then. I do remember Mike Keller from the company as we were the starting guards on the first ever Boot Camp basketball team and really we scored a lot of points for the Company team. I also have a picture of our Chief Petty Officer (can’t remember his name) standing in front of a Company sign with the number “8 _ _ .” Only the first digit which is an 8 is clear on the sign. I appreciate any information you may have regarding Boot Camp Company numbers and sailors that may have passed through there while I was there at NTC San Diego Boot Camp Company # 8 ? ? Thanks very much.
Respectfully,
Vinnie Cervellieri, USN Active 11/8/74 – 11/7/79
I was in basic training Jan-Apr 1971. I finished basic as the recruit director of the Drum and Bugle corps. NTC was both my first and last duty station. I retired out of Navy Band San Diego in Jan 1991.
Thank you I am Allen Nosbisch I see on my 214 I was in boot camp ntc San Diego 1972 Oct. To Nov. company 409 yes I would like to talk to my old friends and look at year book thank you
I graduated 1990 RTC San Diego Company 198. If I remember correctly, one of my Company Commanders was AD1 Davenport. I lost my Anchor yearbook along with everything I owned in my divorce. I’d love to find another graduating Anchor book when I graduated. I’m Ron Gatti and email gatti_ron@yahoo.com.
Although I hate it to be in RTC in March of 1968, I used to look across the field and see the Marines in training. I then realized that I was lucky to be where I was was. The Navy allowed me to visit over 25 countries all over the world. What a wonderful experience for a 19 year old. I started on the West Pac and ended up on the east coast. I was happy to see that at least some of the old building are still in place, including the old bridge we use to march across every day.
March 6, 1969 my Naval career was launched at RTC San Diego. Upon completion of boot camp I attended Radioman A School and after that Intermediate Speed Morse Code School at NTC San Diego. My wife and I were married in the NTC Chapel in 1972 after I returned from Vietnam. Later in my career I was assigned to the Naval Communications Station at Headquarters Eleventh Naval District located at the foot of Broadway in San Diego and much later at the Naval Amphibious Base in Coronado. We loved San Diego. It seems very surreal to imagine San Diego without RTC/NTC. I retired from the Navy in 1995 and we still stay in touch with friends we made there!
I was in Co 664 in Dec of 64 .I well remember getting off the plane and boarding the bus for Boot Camp.What a shock for a young 17 year old boy .Your brain wants to explode with all the shouting and instructions.We got use to it and excelled.Great experance.
I was in Boot Camp Company 088, the RCPO was a guy by the name of Rodigerro and my company commander was Mr Jay. He was a first class petty officer but I don’t remember his “strike.”
From there I went to Balboa Naval Hospital San Diego for Basic Hospital Corps School.
Company 329/1958, G. Bosley FPC Company Commander, NATTC Norman Oklahoma, NAAS Kingsville Texas, NTC San Diego Motion Picture Operators School, Naval Station Kodiak Alaska, NTC San Diego Electricians Mate Class A School, USS Interpreter AGR14 Treasure Island, PACRESFLT San Diego, NTC Great Lakes Electricians Mate Class B School, USS Oriskany CVA34.
I was at San Diego RTC from May 11th to July 16th 1993 as part of company 115 led by CPO Lynch whose rate was BT. I did play the trumpet in the Drum and Bugle Corps the last few weeks starting service week 5, which included getting the opportunity to go off base to participate in the 4th of July parade in Coronado Beach the weekend after companies 109, 110, 111, and 112 graduated. There is a video of that graduation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWYWmrPgsec and I can be seen performing in that ceremony.
I was in company 275 from around Jun-Sep 72. When we crossed the bridge from worm island, I and another recruit, who also turned 20 while there, were asked if we wanted to volunteer to be chasers in company 4050. Yes we did. We wore hard hats, web belt with night stick (more for show, never saw a chaser use it) and stood watch over a bunch of legal holds…gents getting out for various reasons…gay/drugs/etc. I cannot find any information on company 4050. Naval investigative service had an undercover prisoner within the ranks of the legal hold guys. Great times there. I became a PT (photographic intelligence men) going to Denver Co for A-school.
Hi my brother in arms! I believe I was in company 275 from July 31st and two weeks of additional fire training in the desert of San Diego CA. Do you remember any of our company’s names?
I was in COMPANY 523. 1963-64 CC was J. E. Parsons BMC
Memories … confusion on the days following the JFK assassination.
After IC-A SCHOOL orders for USS ENTERPRISE CVAN 65 until discharge in 1967.
I visited SDNTC in 1989 as it was just fenced off.. I could almost hear close order
drill on the “grinder”
Great CC, great company and so much of basic training was useful as well as life changing since those days.
I am now 79
I was in RTC San Diego in 1970, company 331. Company Commander was Kincade. Would like to get the Company book, if anyone knows where I can obtain one, please post. From PN A school, went to VT28 in Corpus Christi, Tx, released from active duty in 1974. PN2 Ken Kaiser.
Company 160 in 1977
I stopped by the USS Recruit on Dec. 26, 2022 for the first time since I trained on it in 1977.
Such memories!
And the Nimitz bridge that I’d marched over so many times.
Good time…
Company 598 in November 1961. I got sick and spent 3 weeks in the hospital, when I got out I was assigned to a new company. I don’t remember the new company number. Is there anywhere I can research records of graduating companies in February or March 1962?
May of 1989, Company 182. Seems like forever ago. My wife and I are heading to San Diego this weekend, and I was researching Liberty Station (where we’re staying) to see if I could spot some familiar buildings ahead of time before we went. Happened across your blog. Outstanding job. Looking forward to visiting.
1972. Company 384. Graduated December 1972. Off to “A” school at NATTC Millington, TN, followed by FASOTRAGRUPAC training via NAS North Island to NAS Moffet Field.
I need some help. I am trying to find out what was the first day of boot for Company 77-906? We had a death in the family, and need that date so that he can get a military headstone. The date on the one DD214 that we have shows a date in 1989 – and we know he started in the spring of 1977, but don’t know the actual date. Does anyone know that or how we can find it? When I found the year book, I had hoped to find the date somewhere inside, and I did not.
My Navy Life began at about 2200 hrs on July the 20th, 1954 on a bus pulling up to the gate in front of R&O, a Petty officer boarded the bus and told us to remove ourselves in a very loud, piercing voice and to line up in a row. We finally got to
sleep early morning . My NAVY experience was Golden. They took a punk kid and made him into a decent human being. They didn’t say so but my parents did
a sigh of relief. Looking back I know I did.
Hello , I am trying to locate a buddy of my father Richard Bend Jr. He was in the navy in the early 90’s and served on Submarines, doing rounds around the arctic. He had a friend named Jason whom I met as a child but I cannot remember his last name. I have been trying to find him
I Joined the Navy in Seattle January 23, 1963 and went to San Diego Training Center was assigned to Company 51, my Company Commander was T.M. Dunn, a great sailor and great instructor. I was appalled when I drove by the front gate and saw the destruction that was going on. Especially when the City of San Diego guaranteed that they would preserve the most valuable parts of the NTC. I still whistle and actually play most of the music to the exercise under arms, but I can’t find a recording of it anywhere. It probably won’t be long before the “USS Recruit” will be gone! Sad Day in our history. I was stationed on several different ships during my tours from 1963 t0 1966, the last one was the USS Ranger CVA-61, great lady!
Cool San Diego Sights! 
Good morning, sir! Loved this post. I graduated just after New Year’s in 1996, the whole experience made more poignant by the fact that I could almost see my childhood home up on Point Loma, and I could look at many of the houses out across the fence and say “Dave lives there, Ross lives there, Debbie lives there, [and so on]. I wonder what they’re doing today.”
Good times!
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Very cool!
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Egads, man! That was 1966! One of these days, I’ll take a typing course…
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I was wondering about that right now!
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As a grad from 1990, this page is a great blast from the past! Thank you for putting this together!
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I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for your service!
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I went through boot training in 1966 and have a sad feeling seeing this place dismantled, but I’m confident the people that are in control will keep the in place the history of this location. When I see a Hotel built right in the spot where my barricks were it seems so unreal. I read that over 2 million recruits were trained and started their Navy Careers on this sacred land. I hope those that live and work here know how important this piece of land is. I will be bringing Navy Reunion Group to San Diego in 2019 and plan on touring this place one more time with so many memories of what life was like here back in the late 60’s. Joe White (1966-1970) USN Submarine Service
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Thanks for the comment. The people of San Diego are generally very respectful of the military–the Navy and Marines in particular–and Liberty Station continues that tradition. Thank you for your service!
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I remember this place from my very first day in April 01,1990. Being driven through the front gate at RTC side and up to R & O building to report for Recruit Training Bootcamp. I’m sad to see the place Decommissioned. The men that became Sailor’s and my best friends. All of the sleepless days and long nights we trained and grew stronger as an Ohana (family) were tough. But we pulled through it all. Now, all that I have is memories of a place lost forever in time and progress. To the Company 129, Division 8. You are my BAND OF BROTHERS. ALOHA! DEAN P. TOLENTINO.
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Thank you for your service, and for the service of your friends.
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Yep 1957, co 442
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Got sick for two weeks then was put in co 461
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Wanted to post picture of CO 461, but it will not let me?
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If you’d like, you can put a link to your photograph in a comment. That should work, hopefully!
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I went through basic training there in September 1987
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Jan 1958, company 010, instructor Gm1 Nix,
I was RCPO because I came from Army National Guard as a Spec 4, received seaman 3 rate upon Grad. Memory dims being 80 years going. Finished in 1962 as SM2. RATE retired in 1993 I think.
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Correction, Feb 18, 1958 company 020.
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Arrived at RTC on 6 Apr 1956 and assigned to company 193. It was a start to a 30 years career with retirement as a MasterChief Petty Officer, RTC was a stepping stone. Returned 1962-66 as an instructor at DT A School. Returned to San Diego Naval Dental Clinic as Command Master Chief in 1981 and retirement in 1986. I have been San Diego area since retirement, My granddaughter wedding venue was at Liberty Station. Many fond memories of this grand RTC/NTC. Proud to be one of the 2M that trained here.
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Although I did not “profit” from the ultimate experience aboard NTC / RTC San Diego (as a recruit, that is; I was commissioned in my first year of medical school, 1970, at Wake Forest University), I was aboard that historic facility on a multitude of occasions: twice, during summer clinical clerkships in San Diego (SD), 1970 & 1972; then during Naval Hospital SD internship and residency, 1973 – 1976. My wife and I have been aboard Liberty Station at least twice since 1997, during visits to our former home from the East Coast. We are very pleased with what the City of SD has done to preserve the history and character of the 74-year former NTC, while promoting its successful commercial and entertainment attractions. Thank you, Richard, for this reminiscence. BRAVO ZULU ! I enjoy your posts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing! Even though I never served in the military, I deeply appreciate those who have. I also think Liberty Station has been developed very thoughtfully. History is respected, and so are the memories of the thousands of sailors who trained here in San Diego.
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i went there in 1991 company 258
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my twin and i booted in rtc in 1955. both served with pride and happy to be among the many that did likewise..god bless
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Thank you both for your service.
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I am looking for and / or any information on my husbands’ grandfather, Walter Raymond “Ray” Doyle Thomas. On his World War II Draft Registration he entered his place of employment as “U. S. Govt. Naval Training Station, San Diego, California”. I realize he would be over 100 years old, however am hoping that there is some kind of record of past employees. Thank you.
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I don’t have that information, however someone visiting this blog in the future might, and will hopefully leave a comment! Good luck!
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We need to restore one of the remaining buildings for a NTC/RTC Museum
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Sounds to me like a brilliant idea!
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I WAS IN COMPANY 225 IN 1954 GADS THAT WAS A LONT TIME AGO. STILL HAVE MY OLD COMPANY 225 BOOK. MOSTLY TORN AND WORN OUT. LOVE THE MEMORIES. IM 83 NOW
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Thank you for your service.
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Entered training there in May 1956, Company Cmd. was Petty Officer Lawson. don’t remember the Co. Number, But Mr. Lawson will be in my good memories forever.
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I am trying to recall the Boot Camp Company number that I graduated with in early February 1975. I entered Boot Camp at NTC San Diego on November 8, 1974 and would appreciate it greatly if anyone knows what companies actually started around 11/8/74 and graduated in early February 1975. I think we did a 13 week Boot Camp session back then. I do remember Mike Keller from the company as we were the starting guards on the first ever Boot Camp basketball team and really we scored a lot of points for the Company team. I also have a picture of our Chief Petty Officer (can’t remember his name) standing in front of a Company sign with the number “8 _ _ .” Only the first digit which is an 8 is clear on the sign. I appreciate any information you may have regarding Boot Camp Company numbers and sailors that may have passed through there while I was there at NTC San Diego Boot Camp Company # 8 ? ? Thanks very much.
Respectfully,
Vinnie Cervellieri, USN Active 11/8/74 – 11/7/79
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Hopefully somebody reads your comment and knows!
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I am looking for a year book of 1971 maybe 1972 of ntc San Diego boot camp company 409 thank you
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Hopefully somebody reads your comment and can help!
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I was in basic training Jan-Apr 1971. I finished basic as the recruit director of the Drum and Bugle corps. NTC was both my first and last duty station. I retired out of Navy Band San Diego in Jan 1991.
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I like to talk to some of my friends from boot camp I am looking for a year book of 1971 maybe 1972 of ntc San Diego boot camp company 409 thank you
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Perhaps one of your old friends will see your comment and reply here. Good luck!
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Thank you I am Allen Nosbisch I see on my 214 I was in boot camp ntc San Diego 1972 Oct. To Nov. company 409 yes I would like to talk to my old friends and look at year book thank you
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I graduated 1990 RTC San Diego Company 198. If I remember correctly, one of my Company Commanders was AD1 Davenport. I lost my Anchor yearbook along with everything I owned in my divorce. I’d love to find another graduating Anchor book when I graduated. I’m Ron Gatti and email gatti_ron@yahoo.com.
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Spent 10/3/1972 to 12/1/1972 in RTC Don’t know the Company number. Did Allen Nosbisch start 11/3/72?
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Although I hate it to be in RTC in March of 1968, I used to look across the field and see the Marines in training. I then realized that I was lucky to be where I was was. The Navy allowed me to visit over 25 countries all over the world. What a wonderful experience for a 19 year old. I started on the West Pac and ended up on the east coast. I was happy to see that at least some of the old building are still in place, including the old bridge we use to march across every day.
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March 6, 1969 my Naval career was launched at RTC San Diego. Upon completion of boot camp I attended Radioman A School and after that Intermediate Speed Morse Code School at NTC San Diego. My wife and I were married in the NTC Chapel in 1972 after I returned from Vietnam. Later in my career I was assigned to the Naval Communications Station at Headquarters Eleventh Naval District located at the foot of Broadway in San Diego and much later at the Naval Amphibious Base in Coronado. We loved San Diego. It seems very surreal to imagine San Diego without RTC/NTC. I retired from the Navy in 1995 and we still stay in touch with friends we made there!
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I was in Co 664 in Dec of 64 .I well remember getting off the plane and boarding the bus for Boot Camp.What a shock for a young 17 year old boy .Your brain wants to explode with all the shouting and instructions.We got use to it and excelled.Great experance.
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I was in Boot Camp Company 088, the RCPO was a guy by the name of Rodigerro and my company commander was Mr Jay. He was a first class petty officer but I don’t remember his “strike.”
From there I went to Balboa Naval Hospital San Diego for Basic Hospital Corps School.
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Company 329/1958, G. Bosley FPC Company Commander, NATTC Norman Oklahoma, NAAS Kingsville Texas, NTC San Diego Motion Picture Operators School, Naval Station Kodiak Alaska, NTC San Diego Electricians Mate Class A School, USS Interpreter AGR14 Treasure Island, PACRESFLT San Diego, NTC Great Lakes Electricians Mate Class B School, USS Oriskany CVA34.
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I was in company 103 1956 R.T.C. San Diego joined navy at 17 got out at 21 best years my my life I am 83
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Your service is appreciated by many.
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I was at San Diego RTC from May 11th to July 16th 1993 as part of company 115 led by CPO Lynch whose rate was BT. I did play the trumpet in the Drum and Bugle Corps the last few weeks starting service week 5, which included getting the opportunity to go off base to participate in the 4th of July parade in Coronado Beach the weekend after companies 109, 110, 111, and 112 graduated. There is a video of that graduation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWYWmrPgsec and I can be seen performing in that ceremony.
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Thank you for posting the video!
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Catt!
bscottlee@hotmail.com
Where are you now? Have you heard from anyone else? Berly comes to mind… Abou as well!
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I was in company 275 from around Jun-Sep 72. When we crossed the bridge from worm island, I and another recruit, who also turned 20 while there, were asked if we wanted to volunteer to be chasers in company 4050. Yes we did. We wore hard hats, web belt with night stick (more for show, never saw a chaser use it) and stood watch over a bunch of legal holds…gents getting out for various reasons…gay/drugs/etc. I cannot find any information on company 4050. Naval investigative service had an undercover prisoner within the ranks of the legal hold guys. Great times there. I became a PT (photographic intelligence men) going to Denver Co for A-school.
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Hi my brother in arms! I believe I was in company 275 from July 31st and two weeks of additional fire training in the desert of San Diego CA. Do you remember any of our company’s names?
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I was in COMPANY 523. 1963-64 CC was J. E. Parsons BMC
Memories … confusion on the days following the JFK assassination.
After IC-A SCHOOL orders for USS ENTERPRISE CVAN 65 until discharge in 1967.
I visited SDNTC in 1989 as it was just fenced off.. I could almost hear close order
drill on the “grinder”
Great CC, great company and so much of basic training was useful as well as life changing since those days.
I am now 79
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Having trouble finding anything from 1990 archives at NTC/RTC San Diego company 058. HELP!
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I was in RTC San Diego in 1970, company 331. Company Commander was Kincade. Would like to get the Company book, if anyone knows where I can obtain one, please post. From PN A school, went to VT28 in Corpus Christi, Tx, released from active duty in 1974. PN2 Ken Kaiser.
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This was a great read. Brought back some really good memories. I graduated from company 116 1993. Very proud to be an American!!
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Company 160 in 1977
I stopped by the USS Recruit on Dec. 26, 2022 for the first time since I trained on it in 1977.
Such memories!
And the Nimitz bridge that I’d marched over so many times.
Good time…
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Company 598 in November 1961. I got sick and spent 3 weeks in the hospital, when I got out I was assigned to a new company. I don’t remember the new company number. Is there anywhere I can research records of graduating companies in February or March 1962?
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Hopefully somebody reading your comment can reply with information. Thank you for your service.
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May of 1989, Company 182. Seems like forever ago. My wife and I are heading to San Diego this weekend, and I was researching Liberty Station (where we’re staying) to see if I could spot some familiar buildings ahead of time before we went. Happened across your blog. Outstanding job. Looking forward to visiting.
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Thanks! Enjoy your visit!
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Drill Company 933 1987 Still the Best !!!
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1972. Company 384. Graduated December 1972. Off to “A” school at NATTC Millington, TN, followed by FASOTRAGRUPAC training via NAS North Island to NAS Moffet Field.
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I need some help. I am trying to find out what was the first day of boot for Company 77-906? We had a death in the family, and need that date so that he can get a military headstone. The date on the one DD214 that we have shows a date in 1989 – and we know he started in the spring of 1977, but don’t know the actual date. Does anyone know that or how we can find it? When I found the year book, I had hoped to find the date somewhere inside, and I did not.
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Hopefully someone reading your comment can help! Meanwhile, try searching the internet using the name and other specifics.
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My Navy Life began at about 2200 hrs on July the 20th, 1954 on a bus pulling up to the gate in front of R&O, a Petty officer boarded the bus and told us to remove ourselves in a very loud, piercing voice and to line up in a row. We finally got to
sleep early morning . My NAVY experience was Golden. They took a punk kid and made him into a decent human being. They didn’t say so but my parents did
a sigh of relief. Looking back I know I did.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello , I am trying to locate a buddy of my father Richard Bend Jr. He was in the navy in the early 90’s and served on Submarines, doing rounds around the arctic. He had a friend named Jason whom I met as a child but I cannot remember his last name. I have been trying to find him
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He also Served on the MERCY during the Golf war.
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Love it! I was company 215 (last to pass). I’m still in 30 yrs later! And I’ve got our Gideon I made back then…good times…
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I Joined the Navy in Seattle January 23, 1963 and went to San Diego Training Center was assigned to Company 51, my Company Commander was T.M. Dunn, a great sailor and great instructor. I was appalled when I drove by the front gate and saw the destruction that was going on. Especially when the City of San Diego guaranteed that they would preserve the most valuable parts of the NTC. I still whistle and actually play most of the music to the exercise under arms, but I can’t find a recording of it anywhere. It probably won’t be long before the “USS Recruit” will be gone! Sad Day in our history. I was stationed on several different ships during my tours from 1963 t0 1966, the last one was the USS Ranger CVA-61, great lady!
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