CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION – Remembering Naval Training Center in Point Loma

One hundred years have passed since a dusty landscape and submerged marshland evolved into an active naval training complex along Rosecrans Street. During its 74 years of active service, some 1.7 million recruits packed their bags, loosened mothers’ heartstrings, and arrived at the Main Gate of Naval Training Center in Point Loma.

THE BEGINNING

City planners in the early 1900s aimed to strengthen San Diego’s economic ties with the U.S. military. The Army post-Fort Rosecrans was completed in 1904, but the Navy was not yet established here. San Diego Bay was riddled with high spots and menacing shoals and the Navy would not be coaxed into permanent residency until extensive dredging of the entrance to the bay and channel was accomplished.

On the board of directors of San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce sat a highly regarded, hard-working member, William Kettner. In 1912, he was the newly elected U.S. Congressman from District 11 who persuaded Franklin D. Roosevelt, then the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, to establish naval training activity in San Diego.

Kettner noted in his autobiography: “I was soon to learn that the life of a Representative, especially from San Diego, was all work and no play. The City Council asked… me to proceed to Washington immediately and present the needs of San Diego Harbor.”

Though the Navy operated a coaling wharf at La Playa, drills of the Pacific Torpedo Flotilla, and a shipyard, Kettner could not convince Admiral George Dewey that future naval investment in any harbor south of San Francisco was financially feasible. But that didn’t last long. By 1916, Kettner was being congratulated for securing harbor appropriations in excess of $1 million.

The well-known Kettner fought for many local causes, and later secured funds for the world’s largest naval radio station to be built on Point Loma. In 1916, he gained funds to purchase 323 acres of land over Dutch Flats for a marine expeditionary base. At the same time, the city would donate an additional 500 acres.

When the successful Panama California Exposition at Balboa Park ended in January 1917, the city leased the exposition grounds and buildings to the Navy for recruit training, at a dollar a year. Nearly 4,000 sailors passed through this temporary boot camp.

In the meantime, Kettner and his City Council pals settled on Point Loma as the site for a 135-acre permanent training facility. Dedicated as Naval Training Station on Oct. 27, 1923, the station reached its wartime peak of 33,000 personnel housed in temporary type wood frame and stucco structures in 1942. A swimming pool, Sail Ho! Golf Course, library, and Luce Auditorium came along for a sailor’s recreation.

While the City and Chamber of Commerce were busy surveying locations for a permanent training facility, recruit indoctrination and drill instruction took place in Balboa Park. Here, sailors gather on Plaza de Panama near the Foreign and Domestic Arts Building, remnants of the 1915-1917 Panama California Exposition.

Naval Training Station San Diego was commissioned in a small ceremony on June 1, 1923. A more fitting dedication took place on Navy Day, Oct. 27, 1923. Retired Congressman William Kettner delivered the dedication address.

Busloads of new recruits were dropped at the Main Gate, where naval personnel and visitors alike would enter. Even at a cost of $300, Ford Model T’s were out of reach for new recruits. The American flag flies prominently just inside the traffic circle, giving notice to foes and assurances to friends that democracy is revered.

16 bob hope at ntc 11 1942 — Popular comedian Bob Hope visits with sailors at NTC in 1942.

Among the many daily or weekly inspections and reviews was the bedding inspection. Here, sailors in dress blues line the familiar corridor with compact sleeping essentials.

A fire station was critical and among the first buildings constructed at NTS. Other original structures included a pump house, mess hall, dispensary and ward, four barracks, headquarters and information buildings, and guards’ quarters.

At the docks along the boat channel that borders NTC, recruits learn to operate whale boats (a shape reminiscent of the early whaling days). Inter-company rowing races over a 7/10th-mile course are hotly contested. Note the background where a large, unidentified vessel hangs from the davits.

17 wave cleaning barrack — A WAVE wave cleaning a barrack at NTC. Women first came to NTC in May 1943 when 15 WAVE yeomen from Oklahoma reported for duty.

18 welcome aboard (1) — A welcome sign greets recruits at the Naval Training Center.

Women first came to NTS in May 1943 when 15 WAVE yeomen from Oklahoma reported for duty. By June, 105 women were stationed here. They, too, were expected to adhere to the policies and traditions of the Navy.

The Secretary of the Navy changed the name (to Naval Training Center) in 1944 due to the addition of 41 schools of specialized training that graduated one million “A” and “C” class personnel schools for the facility.

Originally, the base was 235 acres and expanded to 550 acres showcasing 300 buildings and approximately 3 million square feet of space.

Naturally, the demand for recruits surged during World War II, and the Korean, Vietnam, and Cold wars. By 1991, U.S. military function diminished overall and the federal government began closing surplus bases. Among them, NTC was decommissioned in 1997.

Today, the hallowed NTC grounds have transformed into Liberty Station, an adaptive evolution for public pleasure. Nonprofit organizations, dance and artists’ studios, a grocery store, a public market, small businesses, and a mix of restaurants are located in the historic spaces where sailors once attended boot camp.

Let’s take a pictorial journey of NTC’s early years through a selection of postcards mostly from the Rosemary Phelan Collection, courtesy of James Phelan of San Diego. Some were recruit-written and sent to families across the country. The Peninsula Beacon thanks Mr. Phelan for his contribution.

CENTENNIAL SALUTE

The centennial finale is on, and San Diego is invited. The family-friendly community celebration will take place on Sunday, Oct. 29 from noon to 4 p.m. The festivities include recognition of the oldest living Naval Training Center recruits who trained on the property, the burial of a time capsule to be opened in 25 years, live entertainment by the Navy Band, a costume contest featuring a military category, trick-or-treating throughout Ingram Plaza, fun prizes, crafts, inflatables, dance performances, a beer and wine garden featuring the Stone Centennial Pilsner brewed for the Centennial, and more. All ages are encouraged to come decked out in their most elaborate costumes.