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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
901 M STREET SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- TOPICS --

African-Americans and the U.S. Navy --
World War II Activities in the United States --
Great Lakes Naval Training Station,
General Views

In mid-1942, the Navy began accepting African-American enlistments for general service. Recruits received initial training at Camp Robert Smalls, a part of the Naval Training Station at Great Lakes, Illinois. Many men went on to specialized training there, and at other bases in the United States.

This page features views of African-Americans in Wartime recruit companies, inspections, and shop training at Great Lakes, and provides links to other photographs taken there.

For other pictorial coverage of African-Americans during World War II, see the African Americans and the U.S. Navy -- World War II cover page.

For pictorial coverage of other eras, see the African Americans and the U.S. Navy cover page.

If you want higher resolution reproductions than the Online Library's digital images, see "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."

Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

The following pictures feature African-Americans in recruit companies, inspections, and shop training at Great Lakes during World War II.
For additional views of Wartime training and other activities at Great Lakes, see:
Graduation Ceremonies;
Field & Military Training;
Shore Patrol Training;
Recreation and Sports and
Visiting Entertainers, Political Figures and Celebrities.

Photo #: 80-G-43078

Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois


Company 833, made up of African-American recruits, in formation on 20 August 1943. The company was entered in the station's "Hall of Fame", established by the Great Lakes weekly newspaper to honor "crack" recruits.
Company Honor Man was Robert F. Gervin, Company Clerk. William H. Walker was Apprentice Chief Petty Officer. Simon Fouse was Master-at-Arms.
Note flags. Left one features a rooster. Right flag is the Navy Battalion Flag, with "N.T.S. Great Lakes" written across its top.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 152KB; 740 x 610 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 

Photo #: 80-G-43080

Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois


Company 761, an African-American recruit unit, photographed on 20 August 1943. The company was entered in the station's "Hall of Fame", established by the Great Lakes weekly newspaper to honor "crack" recruits.
Company Honor Man was Andrew McNeil, Apprentice Chief Petty Officer. Andrew J. Morrison was Company Clerk and Allan Jackson was Master-at-Arms.
Note "E" flag, at right in the front rank.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 132KB; 740 x 615 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 

Photo #: 80-G-294731

Camp Robert Smalls, Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois


A Navy Captain inspects Service School personnel, 2 April 1943.
Note band playing in the left background.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 114KB; 740 x 600 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 

Photo #: 80-G-294920

Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois


Members of the tenth class to graduate from the Negro Service School examine a Wright "Whirlwind" aircraft engine during their training, 15 September 1943.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 67KB; 740 x 610 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 

Photo #: 80-G-294863

Camp Robert Smalls, Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois


Shop training for the first class to attend the Negro Service School for Machinist's Mates, 30 July 1943.
Men in the foreground are working with metal lathes.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 130KB; 740 x 605 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 

Photo #: 80-G-294865

Camp Robert Smalls, Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois


A Chief Petty Officer instructs members of the first class to attend the Negro Service School for Machinist's Mates, 30 July 1943.
Note use of plastic goggles for eye protection.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 91KB; 740 x 605 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 


For additional views of Wartime training and other activities at Great Lakes, see:
Graduation Ceremonies;
Field & Military Training;
Shore Patrol Training;
Recreation and Sports and
Visiting Entertainers, Political Figures and Celebrities.

For other pictorial coverage of African-Americans during World War II, see the African Americans and the U.S. Navy -- World War II cover page.

For pictorial coverage of other eras, see the African Americans and the U.S. Navy cover page.

Return to Naval Historical Center home page.

10 December 1998