Great Video. I was there in March of 1967. I can still remember the sights and sounds and even the smells. As an old man now I realize that it was a turning point in my life. I'll never forget it. Still sad and angered when it was closed down. You know some traditions are not all Bad.
This is where I went to boot camp 09/1991-11/1991. Marching party on the grinder and the large grinder outside the chow hall. I was Division 8 Company 264. Cannot forget the gas chamber. It's sad how delapitated it looks like the Navy itself didn't care, at least preserve some of the property.
Was 17 when I arrived there in Oct 1985. Was still 17 when I graduated in Dec 1985. Got to the fleet just 2 days after turning 18 in 1986. Wish I would have had the fore thought to go back and take photos.
Oh yes, I was there in 84-85, Company 253. We called Marching Party "The Disco". On one night a week, it featured "KC & the Sunshine band" which was one CC and the rest SEALS. I had it on Christmas Eve. They made us run around the grinder singing Jingle Bells... "Laughing all the way ha ha ha!" Man, could they kick our ass!
My Father was here in 1942 served in the Pacific during WWII on Guadalcanal, I was here (his only son) 1962 served in Vietnam 64-66. Sorry to see it close.
Thanks so much for posting this evocative footage. I was in company 297 during the summer of 1970 and shortly after graduation I was back at NTC attending Radioman A school. I was fascinated with the lore and architecture of that station and really though it was a beautiful facility. Thanks for the time-travel Mannie1952
Thanks so much for the post. There are friendly ghosts and memories walking through it and still inhabit Liberty Station. The planes sound so much louder now than when I was stationed there as Staff!!!
Thanks for posting this. I remember my time at NTC San Diego for Mess Management A School during the summer of 1992. Had some fun times while there going out on the weekends. Going to Mission Beach, the zoo, Horton Plaza, but mostly riding the trolly down to Tijuana.
I was there, in boot camp in 1961, and then again for school (PN C-1) in 1965. Drove by in 1985 when my oldest son was stationed at Miramar. I would really like to go again, but just getting too old now. These pictures did bring back some old memories. Thanks for sharing with us.
Thanks for this video! I did boot there in 1965 as Company 489-65. Agreed with Don Clark, below. I will never understand why our Navy closed things down there, and especially given its proximity to everything Pacific Fleet. My last barracks now houses Trader Joe's. Who would have thunk it? The audio catches the reality of doing outside training there. We were always straining our ears to hear the instructors, when departing or arriving aircraft were overhead. For me, I simply cannot comprehend I was there 56 years ago. It was a 4.0 base and the Navy is less with it now permanently closed but, at least, the city fathers had the foresight to preserve all the unique architecture and that is still echoed at the adjacent and currently active Marine Corps Recruit Depot.
I was there for boot camp & A school in 89'-90'. I had great times there, and San Diego was a totally crazy city in those days. Nothing but good memories & friends.
Was at NTC for Radioman 'A' School from March 1996 to August 1996 (was one of the last graduating classes). Have great memories of the base. I definitely did not like going from SD to Norfolk. It was a completely different atmosphere.
I was here June-August, 1975, in Company 141. I did my Service Week in the R-4 Building, the one that had the Polaris missile out front. I looked at the NTC via Google map and saw almost nothing I recognized. Very sad.
Company 172, summer of 1990. I remember this place well. I did my training at NTC after boot camp at RTC. I've been back. It's not the same. I did have a chance to visit before they tore most of the old buildings down and our barracks...
a good friend of the Personnel Officer during my time there - LT Harold D. Chambers - who later became the Administrative Officer onboard USS Ranger. He urged me to go back to NTC and join him there (he had orders to be the Personnel Officer) but I declined and regret it to this day. Friendships and cameraderie were everywhere on RTC, and they have lasted for decades. It is now 40 years plus since and I still look back on this duty as one of the high points of my career and life!!
I attended boot camp as a young 17 year old Sea Cadet! I remember marching and walking all over NTC. I was hoping to make a trip there, but then I found out they were closinger her down for good and never made it down there before it happened. I may take a trip down there one of these days just to see what they've done there. Thanks for posting this. I recognized quite a few of the buildings!!
I was stationed there for boot and graduated in Nov 1972. I then did my Radioman 'A' school there and lived in Bldg 14. What a difference a few decades make. So sad to see that the powers that be were so short sighted as to throw a great part of history away like that. Sad.
I was RTC Sand Dog 1991. My only experiences with the NTC side were chow and graduation. However, during liberty weekend, I was the recruit in charge of watch, and I sent one of my fellow recruits to the NTC side dressed in working whites with garment bag to fill with Mc Ds. I was fully prepared to take a thrashing. We ate our first civilian food in two months on the concrete slabs between barracks across from the old R & O. A "red roper," PO2 if I recall, came by and busted us. Me, being in "charge," jumped up, announced myself, and the guy just said, "carry on."
@@timebong8366 I was late May report and all of June through July. August 1st (I think) was my D-Day. I remember we were sock monsters for quite a while. Co. 170, Division 8.
@@justcause3254 I can't remember what division we were in but we had the worst company lol are only stars on flag was iron man cause we were beat so much
Funny all this time over a year ago I had dinner at a place close to the USS Recruit and never realized that I was on what used to be NTC San Diego! Entering the Navy in '90 through NTC Great Lakes brings back memories, and just watching your video made me want to just listen closely and hear the walls speak :) Good job and thanks so much for sharing your vid.
and our location was R&O on 'worm island' where we received the new recruits arriving on busses from various land locations and airports. We used to hold 'contests' to see how fast we could do the 'welcoming speech'. I got mine down to a single breath. It was here that new recruits got their first taste of Navy Regs. After surrendering their Service Records to me they were told to surrender all 'unauthorized personal effects' such as blade-razors (this was the era when disposables --- cont'd
@willsworthy Its definitely closed, my friend. This has almost completely been turned into luxury townhomes. They have preserved some of the more historic buildings. The US Navy has only 1 bootcamp now. Its located at Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois, not far from Chicago. Just google "Navy Bootcamp" and you'll see some sites about it.
Company 025 - Apr 1992 to late June 1992. Captain Southgate was RTC CO. Fond memories and good times. This place closed permanently for recruits in 1995. Dilapidated buildings and decay. We went on vacation to SD a few months ago. Navy housing, buildings, strikes, the whole nine yards now.
CO 527 in 1968. Actually I am glad it is no longer a base because it is now easier to visit and see everything without any security or off limits areas. Went there with my son a couple months ago and it still have a LOT of history there to remind you of what once was.
barracks and recruit company personnel inspections daily until the companies left 'worm island' for the second half of their Boot Camp. Oh, we also had training in swimming (oddly enough many Samoan and Phillipino recruits did not know how to swim even though they were from 'island' communities). Watches were stood on the TDE (training destroyer escort) 1, USS Recruit. There was a Reading School which helped those who needed it with study skills and test taking skills. I became -- cont'd
courtesy, basic seamanship, naval terminology, naval history, damage control (firefighting and shoring), line handling (how to handle ropes and tie various knots), basic naval job functions (seaman, fireman, airman), clothes folding and barracks/personal hygiene, and of course parade practice (for graduation). Periodic tests were given to ensure progress, and if people didn't make progress they could be 'set back' to another company, delaying their graduation. There were --- cont'd
Was there nov 68-march 69. One of my barracks had landing lights on the roof for the aircraft landing at Lindberg Field. At night the planes landing lights would light up our barracks when they were landing from the north. When they hit reverse thrust it was very loud. Good times Iam glad I was in the Navy then and not with all the BS going on in the military today.
I went to boot camp there in Jan. 1973 (co. 015). It was divided into two parts, the first was primary training side, then you relocated across the bridge to the advanced training side. In primary training we were in brand new barracks next to the fence and the marine base, facing the airport. Every Sunday afternoon the marines would run by on the other side of the fence and we would moon them from the head!! Funny as hell ! They would get SOOO mad!!!
Ahh the Memories, Company 002, January 1976, Last time aboard was January 1989 for Advance Food Service Admin. Retired 30 Sept. 1997 MSCS(SW). And for MSCM Sunkett of MS A School 1976. HA! I Win, You Loose!!
I know it looks very dliapidated in this video, but it has been restored. They actually did a good job of maintaining the look of most of it, however a lot of buildings that I think were from the 50's and beyond were knocked down. I promise next time I'm in San Diego I'll post a follow up video! Thanks for your service!
I wholeheartedly agree. I was there Aug-Oct 1975 in Company 932. We lived in what was referred to as "The Ghetto" near the main street (maybe Nimitz) that ran along the side of the base. My Dad probably had stayed in those old run down barracks as well back in the 50's.
Hi John! Thanks for your service. I just wanted to emphasize that this video was shot in 2001. Since then, it has been redeveloped, but much has been preserved and restored. It has a different feeling since the interiors are now stores like Trader Joe's and Starbucks! But I think they did a really good job. I'll try to follow up with some pictures of how it looks now.
John Werry Yeah many former and historic military bases have been totally razed and converted to malls and planned living communities. At least a few do have museums but I think its nice they preserved a lot of the architecture here.
My time in Boot was Jan 1966. The CC was a disaster. He thought it was his job to embarrass and humiliate the recruits as much as possible. He promist me Recuit Commander but gave me nothing except to clean dirty pans in the galley. After Boot of 13 weeks, I went on to work in three Admiral Commands. I had a lot of fun in the Navy after my miserable experience with that awful CC, who was a Ist Class ship's plumber. I would like to forget him.
I was stationed at NTC from 1985-1986. I stayed at the Homewood Suites three years ago and thought I was "nearby", and when the front desk told me I was ON the old base I was devastated! Even though it's a beautiful place now, there's that thing called nostalgia. I lived in the barracks at 4:00, 5:59, and 7:00. Can anyone point out where the Radioman A school is in this footage? Is it possible to get a map of the old base? My mind plays tricks on me now. : )
Greetings! I just found this of I would have already posted. I was in Company 332 here at NTC, San Diego. Our company commander was Edwards. Of all things, I was the Laundry PO. William Larry Bullard is my name, and would love to reconnect and have a reunion with as many guys as possible. Graduated - November, 1972 I then went across the city to 32nd Street for Dental Technician School and graduated in 1973....and headed to Charleston, SC for my duty station.
+William Bullard Thanks for your service! I only wish I could go back in time and do a smoother job videotaping the base as it was before redevelopment. A buddy of mine used to take me golfing at the 32nd street base which was always fun.
were just getting popular), after shave, cologne, etc. These were put in a bin to throw out, but duty Petty Officers often 'inspected' that bin and took the best stuff. I don't think I paid for aftershave or cologne for 10 years after my duty at RTC! After bedding these recruits down for the night at R&O (Receiving and Orientation) we awoke at about 5 the next morning and assigned someone to go upstairs (topside) to wake them up by pounding on a metal garbage pail with a broomstick -- cont'd
in response to edweeden, CO 131, 1973. Did you work with EM1 Bearfield? That jacknut slapped me so hard it rung my bell. Guess they can't do that anymore.
Too bad the panning was so quick that things cannot be seen very easily for reference to the location and the clips fade out too quick too. What happened to Mcdonalds? I remember an MA2 that snuck in some burgers for us while we worked in the galley. One of the cooks just could not stay out of the freezer where we were pretending to work while eating the burgers and stashing the contraband in the a space we made in stacked boxes of that bagged milk on a pallet
Hey - sorry about all the quick pans and zooms. I filmed it before I knew anything about good camera work. At the time I shot it that McDonalds was closed, but the building was still there. Some McDonalds signs were there, but faded. Inside the restaurant was just a bunch of leftover debris. If you go there now, you could be eating some really good food! There are several nice restaurants there. They have done a great job preserving a lot of the buildings.
and screaming bloody murder at them. We then lined them up on the small R&O parade ground, which had spots on it so that they would be in straight rank and file. By that time the Company Commanders had arrived with their paperwork from Battalion 1 and took them off to the 'worm island' galley, uniform issue, assigned barracks, and first physical / shots. At the time I was there the Navy was hurting for men, so Boot Camp was 7, not 8 weeks. We taught basic military discipline and -- cont'd
Company 153 July 1984 - August 1984, then RM "A" school and then IMCO school, I miss this place, ironically I live on a former US Navy Air Station (NAS South Weymouth MA) which is being developed in a similar fashion to Liberty Station.
84-85 Company 253 under PO1 Robinson, Seal Team 2, I think. Hell of a Company Commander, we were his first company. "WE ARE BARBARIANS!" I was a bit of a "F#%@k up" but he knew I was determined to graduate on time and I did. Graduated MS A-school in March 85, still in San Diego. Spent next 3.5 years at NTC/NAS Meridian, MS. Did 8 more in USNR in Knoxville, TN.
I was in CO 131, 1973. Completed Instructor's School in late 1973 and went to Staff, RTC San Diego, Division 2440 from 1973 to 1977. Then went onboard USS Ranger from 1977 to 1981 as a Comsec Materials Custodian in the Security Section of the Captain's Office. RTC was a great duty station - lived off base in Normal Heights and Ocean Beach. Great cameraderie in the Division and great 2 hour lunches at the 'In Spot' on Midway Blvd. Every 14 days we had to stand overnight 'duty' - - continued
Company 489, 1957. Fresh out of high school. Attend Aviation Prep. School in Norman, Oklahoma, PH 'A' School (photography) in Pensacola, Florida. Orders to Barbers Point, Hawaii, where I spent two wonderful years. Finished my four years with VS-33 at NAS North Island, San Diego and made a westpac cruise with them. I am a native and still live in San Diego...two miles from NTC/Liberty Station. I bicycle ride through the complex once a week. Search sdcheapshot for my videos on UA-cam.
joe hardtoplease Don't wast your money or time. It is ALL gone on the NTC side except for the USS Recruit. I went to RTC back in '91, and the barracks on the recruit side are still there, but everything on NTC side, for the most part, is gone. There are upscale condos, shops and restaurants now, and all the old buildings are demolished.
I would say the really old buildings are still standing. On the north side, by the Lytton gate all the buildings are preserved. The 60's/70's buildings are all gone though. I think it would be worth a visit for anyone who came through there, but you are right, much was demolished.
Company 278 1971 was the best looking base of all. Shame they closed it. Great Lakes doesn't hold a candle to NTC San Diego. After attending EN school shipped to Nam for the last few months of the PBR's
I was just in San Diego for a vacation and had the opportunity to stay right in "Liberty Station." I felt like the developers did an amazing job of keeping, enhancing and reusing many of these buildings. It was quite surreal to find "Von's" and "Trader Joe's" in some of the spaces that were totally abandoned when I shot this video. I really got the sense that the place had really come back to life. I will definitely return when they (hopefully) turn the USS Recruit into a museum.
Its really full of life now - I'm planning on doing a re-visit sometime. My next video will be nice...and smooth! Liberty Station is one of my favorite spots now. Great plane watching, but they hung on to much of the naval history. There is a really moving memorial to all the subs lost in WWII - so many souls lost.
Great Video. I was there in March of 1967. I can still remember the sights and sounds and even the smells. As an old man now I realize that it was a turning point in my life. I'll never forget it. Still sad and angered when it was closed down. You know some traditions are not all Bad.
I was there in '79. Same deal
There in '64. It is so sad to see it closed and falling apart.
This is where I went to boot camp 09/1991-11/1991. Marching party on the grinder and the large grinder outside the chow hall. I was Division 8 Company 264. Cannot forget the gas chamber. It's sad how delapitated it looks like the Navy itself didn't care, at least preserve some of the property.
Was 17 when I arrived there in Oct 1985. Was still 17 when I graduated in Dec 1985. Got to the fleet just 2 days after turning 18 in 1986. Wish I would have had the fore thought to go back and take photos.
company 215 same dates...
Company 090 1982. The base at at that time was emaculate. What a waste. So much history made there. Thank you so much for getting it on film.
Oh yes, I was there in 84-85, Company 253. We called Marching Party "The Disco". On one night a week, it featured "KC & the Sunshine band" which was one CC and the rest SEALS. I had it on Christmas Eve. They made us run around the grinder singing Jingle Bells... "Laughing all the way ha ha ha!"
Man, could they kick our ass!
i graduated in September of 91. i have many memories...i so miss that time in my life
September 18 1991 was my first day there in boot camp gees seems like fuckin yesterday man.
I remember all this...Company 219 in 1991...the good ole Navy days...i miss em
@@stacybrock8802 company 107 graduated 1991 Apr
Navy glory days boys...wish i could go back...lol
@@stacybrock8802 ditto
My Father was here in 1942 served in the Pacific during WWII on Guadalcanal, I was here (his only son) 1962 served in Vietnam 64-66. Sorry to see it close.
Thanks so much for posting this evocative footage. I was in company 297 during the summer of 1970 and shortly after graduation I was back at NTC attending Radioman A school. I was fascinated with the lore and architecture of that station and really though it was a beautiful facility.
Thanks for the time-travel
Mannie1952
I got chills when I saw the barracks I stayed at when attending Radioman "A" school back in 1991
Gary Delise Were you referring BEQ 90/91. That’s where I lived when attending RM ‘A’ and Code School back in 73/74.
@@williamschuyler3890 went thru boot camp 1991 company 107
Thanks so much for the post. There are friendly ghosts and memories walking through it and still inhabit Liberty Station. The planes sound so much louder now than when I was stationed there as Staff!!!
Thanks for posting this. I remember my time at NTC San Diego for Mess Management A School during the summer of 1992. Had some fun times while there going out on the weekends. Going to Mission Beach, the zoo, Horton Plaza, but mostly riding the trolly down to Tijuana.
RTC and MR "A" school Jan 85 - June 85! thanks for the memories! awesome images!
MR3 Lopez
Company 022, October 1988 - December 88. Brings back memories, thank you.
Thanks for the great video. Company 099, 1978!
I was there, in boot camp in 1961, and then again for school (PN C-1) in 1965. Drove by in 1985 when my oldest son was stationed at Miramar. I would really like to go again, but just getting too old now. These pictures did bring back some old memories. Thanks for sharing with us.
I was on company 012, 1991. It's been a long time now but I'll never forget this pace.
I was there 09/1991-11/1991 I cannot believe how many years it's been probably as much as you can't either.
@@adrianpalacios4059 wow I was there Feb to apr 1991 company 107
I was there in 1990 Company 179 Chief Marquez and Chief Demosway.
Thanks for this video! I did boot there in 1965 as Company 489-65. Agreed with Don Clark, below. I will never understand why our Navy closed things down there, and especially given its proximity to everything Pacific Fleet. My last barracks now houses Trader Joe's. Who would have thunk it? The audio catches the reality of doing outside training there. We were always straining our ears to hear the instructors, when departing or arriving aircraft were overhead. For me, I simply cannot comprehend I was there 56 years ago. It was a 4.0 base and the Navy is less with it now permanently closed but, at least, the city fathers had the foresight to preserve all the unique architecture and that is still echoed at the adjacent and currently active Marine Corps Recruit Depot.
I was there for boot camp & A school in 89'-90'.
I had great times there, and San Diego was a totally crazy city in those days. Nothing but good memories & friends.
I would get lost on base. I was their at basic and A School in 1990 - 1991 . I can still remember the smell . Surely miss those beautiful buildings.
I sure miss the old base ,it's sad that it's no longer a base was there in nov. 1986 til feb. 1987.
Was at NTC for Radioman 'A' School from March 1996 to August 1996 (was one of the last graduating classes). Have great memories of the base. I definitely did not like going from SD to Norfolk. It was a completely different atmosphere.
I was here June-August, 1975, in Company 141. I did my Service Week in the R-4 Building, the one that had the Polaris missile out front. I looked at the NTC via Google map and saw almost nothing I recognized.
Very sad.
Company 172, summer of 1990. I remember this place well. I did my training at NTC after boot camp at RTC. I've been back. It's not the same. I did have a chance to visit before they tore most of the old buildings down and our barracks...
a good friend of the Personnel Officer during my time there - LT Harold D. Chambers - who later became the Administrative Officer onboard USS Ranger. He urged me to go back to NTC and join him there (he had orders to be the Personnel Officer) but I declined and regret it to this day. Friendships and cameraderie were everywhere on RTC, and they have lasted for decades. It is now 40 years plus since and I still look back on this duty as one of the high points of my career and life!!
I did last cruise on RANGER SEAOPDET Whidbey Island pn3 tisberger
The 3 place I remember the most about NTC. Is Del taco, the bowling ally and MR a school. MR a school is @ the 5.40 mark
I attended boot camp as a young 17 year old Sea Cadet! I remember marching and walking all over NTC. I was hoping to make a trip there, but then I found out they were closinger her down for good and never made it down there before it happened. I may take a trip down there one of these days just to see what they've done there. Thanks for posting this. I recognized quite a few of the buildings!!
I was stationed there for boot and graduated in Nov 1972. I then did my Radioman 'A' school there and lived in Bldg 14. What a difference a few decades make. So sad to see that the powers that be were so short sighted as to throw a great part of history away like that. Sad.
I was RTC Sand Dog 1991. My only experiences with the NTC side were chow and graduation. However, during liberty weekend, I was the recruit in charge of watch, and I sent one of my fellow recruits to the NTC side dressed in working whites with garment bag to fill with Mc Ds. I was fully prepared to take a thrashing. We ate our first civilian food in two months on the concrete slabs between barracks across from the old R & O. A "red roper," PO2 if I recall, came by and busted us. Me, being in "charge," jumped up, announced myself, and the guy just said, "carry on."
I went thru Feb to apr 1991 company 107
@@timebong8366 I was late May report and all of June through July. August 1st (I think) was my D-Day. I remember we were sock monsters for quite a while.
Co. 170, Division 8.
@@justcause3254 I can't remember what division we were in but we had the worst company lol are only stars on flag was iron man cause we were beat so much
I arrived there dec. 1966. We did 13 weeks because half day schedule for most of dec.
Oh...i remember marching parties at night on the "grinder".
Funny all this time over a year ago I had dinner at a place close to the USS Recruit and never realized that I was on what used to be NTC San Diego! Entering the Navy in '90 through NTC Great Lakes brings back memories, and just watching your video made me want to just listen closely and hear the walls speak :) Good job and thanks so much for sharing your vid.
Div 1--Co.202 93NOV;the last Pass and Review ever at RTC SD. AD1 Januseski and BT1 Salenus Company Commanders, and I was the RLPO.
Nice video. I was there January March 1960. They must of tore down the old barracks.
Nice went thru there 10 years before video 1991 Feb-apr company 107
and our location was R&O on 'worm island' where we received the new recruits arriving on busses from various land locations and airports. We used to hold 'contests' to see how fast we could do the 'welcoming speech'. I got mine down to a single breath. It was here that new recruits got their first taste of Navy Regs. After surrendering their Service Records to me they were told to surrender all 'unauthorized personal effects' such as blade-razors (this was the era when disposables --- cont'd
@willsworthy Its definitely closed, my friend. This has almost completely been turned into luxury townhomes. They have preserved some of the more historic buildings. The US Navy has only 1 bootcamp now. Its located at Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois, not far from Chicago. Just google "Navy Bootcamp" and you'll see some sites about it.
Company 025 - Apr 1992 to late June 1992. Captain Southgate was RTC CO.
Fond memories and good times. This place closed permanently for recruits in 1995.
Dilapidated buildings and decay. We went on vacation to SD a few months ago. Navy housing, buildings, strikes, the whole nine yards now.
Memories Jan. 89 - July 89. Bootcamp Co. 097, Petty Officer 1st class Mayta and Craven. Also attended Radioman 'A' school
1968 CO 477. I arrived there 27 days after HS graduation. I heard they did fix it up pretty nice.
CO 527 in 1968. Actually I am glad it is no longer a base because it is now easier to visit and see everything without any security or off limits areas. Went there with my son a couple months ago and it still have a LOT of history there to remind you of what once was.
barracks and recruit company personnel inspections daily until the companies left 'worm island' for the second half of their Boot Camp. Oh, we also had training in swimming (oddly enough many Samoan and Phillipino recruits did not know how to swim even though they were from 'island' communities). Watches were stood on the TDE (training destroyer escort) 1, USS Recruit. There was a Reading School which helped those who needed it with study skills and test taking skills. I became -- cont'd
courtesy, basic seamanship, naval terminology, naval history, damage control (firefighting and shoring), line handling (how to handle ropes and tie various knots), basic naval job functions (seaman, fireman, airman), clothes folding and barracks/personal hygiene, and of course parade practice (for graduation). Periodic tests were given to ensure progress, and if people didn't make progress they could be 'set back' to another company, delaying their graduation. There were --- cont'd
Was there nov 68-march 69. One of my barracks had landing lights on the roof for the aircraft landing at Lindberg Field. At night the planes landing lights would light up our barracks when they were landing from the north. When they hit reverse thrust it was very loud. Good times Iam glad I was in the Navy then and not with all the BS going on in the military today.
I went to boot camp there in Jan. 1973 (co. 015). It was divided into two parts, the first was primary training side, then you relocated across the bridge to the advanced training side. In primary training we were in brand new barracks next to the fence and the marine base, facing the airport. Every Sunday afternoon the marines would run by on the other side of the fence and we would moon them from the head!! Funny as hell ! They would get SOOO mad!!!
Ahh the Memories, Company 002, January 1976, Last time aboard was January 1989 for Advance Food Service Admin. Retired 30 Sept. 1997 MSCS(SW). And for MSCM Sunkett of MS A School 1976. HA! I Win, You Loose!!
Jack Dixon 1972 Company 156. CC Nutting was my first true mentor. What a DISCRACE of what was a PROUD part of US history.....I'm heart broken.
I know it looks very dliapidated in this video, but it has been restored. They actually did a good job of maintaining the look of most of it, however a lot of buildings that I think were from the 50's and beyond were knocked down. I promise next time I'm in San Diego I'll post a follow up video! Thanks for your service!
@peak199 I know what you mean. January of 1990 our MR "A" school class graduated from there.
I wholeheartedly agree. I was there Aug-Oct 1975 in Company 932. We lived in what was referred to as "The Ghetto" near the main street (maybe Nimitz) that ran along the side of the base. My Dad probably had stayed in those old run down barracks as well back in the 50's.
Company 066, 1981. I am saddened to see this in such disrepair. I was one of tens of thousands that helped keep this place in top shape.
Hi John! Thanks for your service. I just wanted to emphasize that this video was shot in 2001. Since then, it has been redeveloped, but much has been preserved and restored. It has a different feeling since the interiors are now stores like Trader Joe's and Starbucks! But I think they did a really good job. I'll try to follow up with some pictures of how it looks now.
Thanks for the reply. Still miss the old base....it was a big part of my life. At least it is serving the needs of the locals.
John Werry
Yeah many former and historic military bases have been totally razed and converted to malls and planned living communities. At least a few do have museums but I think its nice they preserved a lot of the architecture here.
My time in Boot was Jan 1966. The CC was a disaster. He thought it was his job to embarrass and humiliate the recruits as much as possible. He promist me Recuit Commander but gave me nothing except to clean dirty pans in the galley. After Boot of 13 weeks, I went on to work in three Admiral Commands. I had a lot of fun in the Navy after my miserable experience with that awful CC, who was a Ist Class ship's plumber. I would like to forget him.
I was stationed at NTC from 1985-1986. I stayed at the Homewood Suites three years ago and thought I was "nearby", and when the front desk told me I was ON the old base I was devastated! Even though it's a beautiful place now, there's that thing called nostalgia. I lived in the barracks at 4:00, 5:59, and 7:00. Can anyone point out where the Radioman A school is in this footage? Is it possible to get a map of the old base? My mind plays tricks on me now. : )
Graduated dec.63 cc was SFC ROSENBLAT, Lost my copy of the anchor, company 415.please help😢
Greetings! I just found this of I would have already posted. I was in Company 332 here at NTC, San Diego. Our company commander was Edwards. Of all things, I was the Laundry PO. William Larry Bullard is my name, and would love to reconnect and have a reunion with as many guys as possible. Graduated - November, 1972 I then went across the city to 32nd Street for Dental Technician School and graduated in 1973....and headed to Charleston, SC for my duty station.
+William Bullard Thanks for your service! I only wish I could go back in time and do a smoother job videotaping the base as it was before redevelopment. A buddy of mine used to take me golfing at the 32nd street base which was always fun.
were just getting popular), after shave, cologne, etc. These were put in a bin to throw out, but duty Petty Officers often 'inspected' that bin and took the best stuff. I don't think I paid for aftershave or cologne for 10 years after my duty at RTC! After bedding these recruits down for the night at R&O (Receiving and Orientation) we awoke at about 5 the next morning and assigned someone to go upstairs (topside) to wake them up by pounding on a metal garbage pail with a broomstick -- cont'd
in response to edweeden, CO 131, 1973. Did you work with EM1 Bearfield? That jacknut slapped me so hard it rung my bell. Guess they can't do that anymore.
company 215 august 1990 Chief Cantrell, Chief Munoz
HT "A" Phase 2 (Shipfitter) Class 7220. Graduated and departed May 1972.
Was there in 1990 company 227 Petty officer 1st class Lott and Endier
OCT 9TH 84 - DEC 7TH 84. CO. 220. PO2BM TERRY SCHMIDT-(company cmdr). "Was ever that young?"
Too bad the panning was so quick that things cannot be seen very easily for reference to the location and the clips fade out too quick too. What happened to Mcdonalds? I remember an MA2 that snuck in some burgers for us while we worked in the galley. One of the cooks just could not stay out of the freezer where we were pretending to work while eating the burgers and stashing the contraband in the a space we made in stacked boxes of that bagged milk on a pallet
Hey - sorry about all the quick pans and zooms. I filmed it before I knew anything about good camera work. At the time I shot it that McDonalds was closed, but the building was still there. Some McDonalds signs were there, but faded. Inside the restaurant was just a bunch of leftover debris. If you go there now, you could be eating some really good food! There are several nice restaurants there. They have done a great job preserving a lot of the buildings.
I was there in 1989, company 182.
and screaming bloody murder at them. We then lined them up on the small R&O parade ground, which had spots on it so that they would be in straight rank and file. By that time the Company Commanders had arrived with their paperwork from Battalion 1 and took them off to the 'worm island' galley, uniform issue, assigned barracks, and first physical / shots. At the time I was there the Navy was hurting for men, so Boot Camp was 7, not 8 weeks. We taught basic military discipline and -- cont'd
Company 153 July 1984 - August 1984, then RM "A" school and then IMCO school, I miss this place, ironically I live on a former US Navy Air Station (NAS South Weymouth MA) which is being developed in a similar fashion to Liberty Station.
I went to IMCO in 74. Hardly ever used it in the fleet. Can’t hardly believe they still taught that in 84.
84-85 Company 253 under PO1 Robinson, Seal Team 2, I think. Hell of a Company Commander, we were his first company. "WE ARE BARBARIANS!" I was a bit of a "F#%@k up" but he knew I was determined to graduate on time and I did. Graduated MS A-school in March 85, still in San Diego. Spent next 3.5 years at NTC/NAS Meridian, MS. Did 8 more in USNR in Knoxville, TN.
I was in CO 131, 1973. Completed Instructor's School in late 1973 and went to Staff, RTC San Diego, Division 2440 from 1973 to 1977. Then went onboard USS Ranger from 1977 to 1981 as a Comsec Materials Custodian in the Security Section of the Captain's Office. RTC was a great duty station - lived off base in Normal Heights and Ocean Beach. Great cameraderie in the Division and great 2 hour lunches at the 'In Spot' on Midway Blvd. Every 14 days we had to stand overnight 'duty' - - continued
Went there for Basic Training and Basic Electricity and Electronic school.
Anyone from company 125 in the year 1990? Petty Officer Westpaul and Senior Chief Bona was the drill sargents
Company 489, 1957. Fresh out of high school. Attend Aviation Prep. School in Norman, Oklahoma, PH 'A' School (photography) in Pensacola, Florida. Orders to Barbers Point, Hawaii, where I spent two wonderful years. Finished my four years with VS-33 at NAS North Island, San Diego and made a westpac cruise with them. I am a native and still live in San Diego...two miles from NTC/Liberty Station. I bicycle ride through the complex once a week. Search sdcheapshot for my videos on UA-cam.
Jan. 1976 co. 905. So sad to see it like this.
Company 093 Jan-Mar. 1962.....anybody???
JPH COMPANY 208 1968. Wish i had the money to fly and visit. My God...memories.
joe hardtoplease Don't wast your money or time. It is ALL gone on the NTC side except for the USS Recruit. I went to RTC back in '91, and the barracks on the recruit side are still there, but everything on NTC side, for the most part, is gone. There are upscale condos, shops and restaurants now, and all the old buildings are demolished.
I would say the really old buildings are still standing. On the north side, by the Lytton gate all the buildings are preserved. The 60's/70's buildings are all gone though. I think it would be worth a visit for anyone who came through there, but you are right, much was demolished.
My older brother graduated in September 91 also.....
Cool
Company 278 1971 was the best looking base of all. Shame they closed it. Great Lakes doesn't hold a candle to NTC San Diego. After attending EN school shipped to Nam for the last few months of the PBR's
I was co 254 in 84-85
I was just in San Diego for a vacation and had the opportunity to stay right in "Liberty Station." I felt like the developers did an amazing job of keeping, enhancing and reusing many of these buildings. It was quite surreal to find "Von's" and "Trader Joe's" in some of the spaces that were totally abandoned when I shot this video. I really got the sense that the place had really come back to life. I will definitely return when they (hopefully) turn the USS Recruit into a museum.
@schroeder8911 Remember DC1 lockbom and MR1 Herrington. Herrington was funny, a stick of a man, but he thought he was 4 feet wide of muscle
company 214 baby.
Sad :-(
Its really full of life now - I'm planning on doing a re-visit sometime. My next video will be nice...and smooth! Liberty Station is one of my favorite spots now. Great plane watching, but they hung on to much of the naval history. There is a really moving memorial to all the subs lost in WWII - so many souls lost.
I did my Boot and BEEP there. Nov '79 - 80.