FEB 2012: ANECDOTES FROM NTC SAN DIEGO AND RADIOMAN A SCHOOL

A Feb 2012 walk down memory lane at the former NTC San Diego pointing out historic buildings and landmarks and what they used to be when the navy base was in full swing. Also sharing a couple of anecdotes from boot camp and radioman A school.

[@flatbedbill]

Our Company Commander said these words to us right after we arrived: "You can either have a good 4 years or a miserable 4 years. THAT is entirely up to you. We own you for the next four years, Gentlemen. You might as well have some fun." Truer words never spoken.

[@richardpehtown2412]

@ Worm Island, NTC-RTC, San Diego, CA | 27 October 1970 Similarly, our CC, SFC Ownbey, was retiring and we would the last Company that he would have to "push" through basic. At our first "chat', he let us know this, then said "You are the last bunch of shitbirds I have to push through boot. Now, we can do this the easy way, or we can do it the hard way. I would like to do it the easy way.will be up to you."

[@blueguitar4419]

If your leaders are sadists it’s kinda hard to say you have any control

[@kendaigrepont4683]

Mar-Apr-May 1969. Company 202. What an experience for an 18-yr old kid from New Orleans who had never been anywhere. The US Navy was the FIRST BEST THING I EVER DID. It ultimately led me to meeting my wife while I was stationed at at NAS Kingsville, Tx. We’ve been married for almost 50-years and have 7 awesome grandchildren.

[@avgye]

I was in Co 202 1979

[@kendaigrepont4683]

@@avgye I was company 202 in 1969. Did they have a company 202 in 1979?

[@FoolsAmongUs]

Co 243 1984 I was stationed at Point Loma in 1992, and watched the base turn into a FF training ground for Civilians. I saw the next to last company graduate. I was unaware that this base was closing until the speech given at Graduation

[@jeffbourgeois8429]

I was there March to May 1987, Div 2 Co 048. My favortie spot was Flagship Pizza with the huge model wooden gallion in the back of the restaurant. Drank quite a few there. Left after aprenticeship school at the end of June. I swore to myself I'd go back and I made trip out back in July 2014 and was amazed how much it it changed.

[@foxtrot312]

Is that joint still there and open?

[@jeffbourgeois8429]

@@foxtrot312 I didn't see it then.

[@nellaxa1221]

I went through Bootcamp in 1986, scared as hell with culture shock, coming straight from the Philippines as I was recruited in Subic bay, it was our home for the next 9 weeks. We definitely changed from boys to men as we passed thru the hollowed grounds of NTC/ RTC San Diego. Good memories and good friends. I belonged to Company 245 graduated December 19, 1986, and retired from the Navy as Master at Arms Chief in November of 2007.

[@lawrenceburton2152]

I was at San Diego NTC 1663. All I really remember was breaking my big toe during service week. Also, spent 13 days in the hospital with respiratory disorder. being sick in boot camp was very common. This narrator said they had the M1, we had the 1917 bolt action rifle, WW 1.I was glad to leave.

[@diamondplate]

Company 129 here, hi5 for 86 RTC!

[@Dov_ben-Maccabee]

Was there Sept. - Dec. '87. Co.180 - Div. 4

[@danseitsinger6737]

@nellaxa1221, CONGRATULATIONS on retiring as a MASTER AT ARMS CHIEF! I had a lot of friends that said "I am leaving after 4 years and then re-upped! Out of the 7 that I am still in contact with, 6 ended up "LIFERS" and #7 left after 12 years. None of the 6 made M.C. ALL 6 WERE S.C.'s. I never understood why they didn't advance. I was only in for 2 1/2 years. Went to boot in San in '76 and was stationed on an Oiler, USS KAWISHIWI, AO 146 out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. I arrived at Pearl in September of 76 and left for WEST-PAC in November. We spent about 2 months total in and out and in and out of Subic. I was 17 years old and once I walked over THE RIVER, THAT was a shock culture!! I spent my entire active duty days on the same ship. I left as an MS3(or, as they called it BEFORE I ENLISTED AND RIGHT AFTER I GOT OUT, a CS3). I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Navy and did everything I could think of to not accept the HARDSHIP EXIT. My Dad left my Mom, she had a nervous breakdown and was hospitalized for 3 months, my brother was in Texas somewhere, which left my 11 year old sister without anyone to take care of her. I couldn't say no. Anyway, I congratulate you and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE FOR OUR COUNTRY! GOD'S SPEED! I was in company #149 and we graduated top company in the Brigade. CPO DRAKE was our 2nd CC. CPO BILLINGS was our first CC. We were the ABSOLUTE WORST COMPANY IN THE BRIGADE AFTER 3 WEEKS OF BOOT. He marched us to the grinder to the same area where they assembled for chow. Put us AT-EASE and said don't go anywhere. 15 minutes later, this SHORT, OLD, NASALLY VOICED CPO called the company to ATTENTION and said " I am Chief Petty Officer DRAKE, your NEW COMPANY COMMANDER". SOMEONE in the back said "GOOD, MAYBE WE WILL GET A SMOKE BREAK BEFORE GRADUATION"! We never found out who had the balls to say that but, after the CC talked to the RCPO, the Chief said, AND I QUOTE, "RCPO, MARCH THESE SAILORS BACK TO THE BARRACKS AND GIVE THEM A 30 MINUTE SMOKE BREAK"!! The 1st CC took away the smoke breaks because we, as a company, failed damn near everything. We gained RESPECT for our NEW CC AND WE WERE NEVER LOOKING BACK. TOP OF THE BRIGADE AND ALL FLAGS WERE WON EVERY WEEK AFTER THAT INFAMOUS 3-2 DAY. We graduated the Friday before Labor Day Weekend.

[@W-ke8bf]

Best time of my life was when I arrived at RTC/NTC San Diego, California, on December 17th, 1984. Company 265. Attended Radioman 'A' School March 1985 for 14 weeks. I remember F.R.E.D. Very well.. thank you so much for the memories Mark.. would be awesome to hear from anyone who was in my company 265.

[@Navyman825]

Radioman A School, That brings back memories. Man Honor Student my 2nd week, hit 900 functions with no errors. I was proud...

[@brentcoan5145]

Yea Radioman A school was kool !! 1990 company253

[@geffreybolster3780]

Memories indeed. Chief Marquez booted/mentored me in 1989. I ve been back to Former NTC more than several times, seeing the various periods of transformation. 2014 was the last time I was there. Pretty much unregognizable to me. S a d . Yes. I see that too. I remember being in the barracks late at night looking out the back door slit window at Lindburgh field, seeing the lighted tails of American Airlines aircraft and almost crying. A feeling of being held captive sometimes almost overwhelmed me. I made it through almost top in class/Lions Club Outstanding Recruit. Grand! Just g r a n d .

[@dclark4777]

You rekindled some of the best years of my life. I became emotional but didn't tear up. I graduated 5/3/1983 CO. 054. I went to DT A school on 32nd St. dry side. Used to hang out at the Ship's Bell, Crow's Nest and the Devil Dog E club. Worked at the NTC dental clinic and later Balboa hospital. Great job shipmate! Bravo Zulu

[@stevewarner1962]

I was a patient at Balboa

[@Dov_ben-Maccabee]

Did my A school at the 'old' Balboa. We spent a week moving equipment to the new hospital. Walked downtown to the Horton Plaza

[@FoolsAmongUs]

@@Dov_ben-Maccabee I went to "C" School on the Wet-Side of 32nd Street. The Gaslamp Quarter was under reconstruction at the time (1992), but Horton Plaza was a hot spot.

[@johnogrady2418]

We called the Gaslamp Quarter the Battle Zone back in 1981/1982. 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th off of Broadway was all adult 'entertainment' oriented and I LOVED it. They were only just beginning to lay the tracks for the light-rail that would take you to Tijuana.

[@vfulton2]

Thank you shipmate for bringing back so many good memories, 1979-911 Drill Master at Arms, RM (A) and BE&E in San Diego, RM2 (SS).

[@archiehenderson2744]

I was there in September 1966. I was a kid from Mississippi. Will never forget it. Thank you for the memories. Go Navy!

[@christophermateo8727]

Thanks, I was there in '72. I will never forget.

[@FredVanAllenRealtor]

#14 Vietnam draft. July 1972 boot camp for me

[@arautus]

I joined in November of 1973. I will never forget the first day of boot camp. It's hard to believe this was over 50 years ago.

[@richies6420]

I loved this. I was there in 93 when they built that new bridge. Went back to visit in 2009 and in 2013

[@brileydad]

RL Smail I recall that too in 93. The bridges were side by side, not one being built over the other. DIV 1 Co 141. The H barracks I was in are still standing. I took my 22 year old son there when he was 19. Tried to take him back into his dads memories. Great trip. Sad to see the homes there now

[@richies6420]

brileydad .... it was good to at least go in. I did film the insides and heard a scary noise while I was in there. I was in company 205.. Sept 93

[@jamesrobertson9582]

This is where I entered a whole new world in January, 1972 and to this day I keep it close to my heart. I was in Co. 048 under the leadership of BTC Phillips. Although scared to death, it was the best time of my life. After boot camp I was assigned to a brand new destroyer escort in Long Beach, Ca., the USS Brewton, DE-1086, Weapons Div. as a Seaman Apprentice. A little under two years later as a BM1, I transferred to a reserve ship, USS Ozbourne, in Portland, Oregon where I transferred to Supply Division. About a year later, we was in a severe storm of the coast of California. The ship sustained so much damage it had to be decommissioned. The crew was transferred to the USS Hamner, also a reserve ship. Four wonderful years later, I left the Navy as a SH2, E-5. MY REGRET - not making the Navy a career. I'm now 66 yrs. old and still feel my time in the Navy was the best years of my life. Thank You big time for the memories.

[@FredVanAllenRealtor]

#14 Vietnam draft. July 1972 boot camp for me

[@MichaelScarchilli-M4Marketing]

Well since it looks like comments are not open figure I just put a reply here. Thanks Mark for putting this together. Really is a shame barracks are in disrepair and closed down in areas. I do hope to visit again soon now that it's pretty much open to the public. By the way I was Company 029 graduated April 88, went on to be a Seabee😉

[@Christracey889]

After i graduated went to millington Tennessee for remedial courses the to damneck Va for OS school. Greatest time of my life. San Diego bootcamp comp 038 1988

[@FoolsAmongUs]

@@Christracey889 I went to Treasure Island for HT"A" School. It was almost the Greatest time of My life. I was 18, and did not have a care in the world. I was even paid to go to school. The VA did the same, but I was older, and had a family, with too many cares But, now I am RETIRED, and life is moving too quickly, but I have Faith, and I know it to be True

[@TAllyn-qr3io]

I was told when getting off of the bus to go stand by myself at a distant place from everyone else. About 15 minutes later a guy with a blue and gold braided rope /aiguillette, on his upper sleeve/shoulder, said that I was in drill company (Co. 943). Never was in marching band or JROTC but had a high ASVAB score. Waited for about a week or so for the company to form. Never thought I would be using kool-aid (bug juice) and never dull to clean every piece of bright work at RTC intake area. There from beginning of October to beginning of December 1984. Went home on Christmas leave and returned to FLEASWTRACENPAC for Sonarman schools, across the street from NTC. then back to NTC for BEEP. Awesome memories of the entire experience. The enlisted club and listening to metal. Truly sad how they didn’t preserve more of the base. I have different uncles bootcamp books from WWII thru Korea and Vietnam era and they were almost exactly the same as my book. Go figure! Tradition Shipmates. Oh, I remember at the E club one Friday night. Saw a hot girl with a friend and was looking at her when she yelled at me “WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU LOOKING AT”? I was astonished at this and her friend came up and informed me that she had just graduated Marine bootcamp. WoW, that was a turn on for sure. Persistence paid off though...

[@anthonylowder6687]

Did you marry her?? Just wondering 😊

[@TAllyn-qr3io]

@@anthonylowder6687 oh hell no, but the next day we spent together and grabbed a hotel for that night. Really cool thing about the Navy and being stationed in Florida was that all females graduated from basic in Orlando. Whenever we didn’t have duty on a Friday and Saturday we hit RTC Orlando. It was really like shooting fish in a barrel. They were warned about messing around with guys “from the fleet”. It, that made them even hotter to get with a squid that was “in the Navy” opposed to guys from back home. Many girls were engaged and going to marry once they got home after graduation. Those were very fun times and I am 6’5” and then was about 210lbs, all muscle as I was raised on a large ranch/farm and bucked 200lb. hay bales all year round plus moving 3” sprinkler pipe. Each “line” was a 1/4 mile with 32.5 pieces of pipe per line. Was moving 25 lines per day at $3.50 per line. Made so much money from the age of 12 to graduating HS. Raced motocross and was in super shape, so it benefited me greatly and I felt sorry for my buddies that were shorter. I did marry a chick from Florida that was a college and pro cheerleader…didn’t work out as I switched to the Army and when deployed to Desert Shield/Storm she pulled a “Jody” on my @ss. No big loss as I met my current wife of 30 years in Germany. 6’ tall blonde frau that had her masters and worked in automotive export at Mercedes Benz HQ. VERY lucky this time 🤔😀🫡

[@abelincoln6785]

Great job there sailor! I was the Division Officer for Division Six (your division) all of 1985. Hosted the Blue Jacket 10 k race and used the band and the color guard for the race that year. Once thing that you may not know was that RTC headquarters building was used in the movie TOP GUN. It was the scene where Maverick confronts his female instructor in the bathroom as part of the bar scene near the opening of the movie. That bathroom was the women's bathroom in the building where the USO held its Thursday night reunion the day before graduation. You captured all of our collective memories in a respectful and dignified manner. I loved my duty at RTC San Diego and it is good to see the product of our efforts to turn civilians into sailors. I salute you young man and all the young men who stepped up to serve their country. Bravo Zulu.

[@rodperalta4000]

Bravo Zulu Mark. This place brings back old memories. I went to Boot Camp here in Nov. 1972 and did a tour as a Company Commander from 1984-1988. Your CC Petty Officer Abordo is a friend of mine. He was a damn good Company Commander.

[@FredVanAllenRealtor]

#14 Vietnam draft. July 1972 boot camp for me

[@ly5cl]

Man!!! Totally amazing!!!! I was in company 935 drill company.Arrived august 20 1984.Thanks

[@Rubin5342]

Yup, been there done that in 1968-1969. Thanks for taking the time to make this. I have never been back. Though it would be very sad and it was, just like you said. I would add, in 1969, Morse Code was a pre-req to RMA. Weeks ofshouting out the letters. That was 50 years ago. Got the TS CRYPTO clearance here, then two years in Hawaii and final year in Guam. Never had to be on a ship. I consider myself lucky. //ji

[@colewon6172]

Thanks for the memories! Proudly served Company 164 1990. It closed in 1997 but I went back and was stationed at ASW during that time. I really wish I could have went back over to RTC/NTC and took some video while all the buildings were still standing. I will always cherish this time as the best in my life. Thanks shipmate! Post more videos please.

[@paulanderson9407]

I was in Company 229, Division 2 1990 August to October.

[@brentcoan5145]

I was there too in 1990 Company 253 Boot Camp and RM A School !! best time in my life but got stationed in Norfo;k VA at the end of 1990

[@garyzapel4022]

Hey Mach 2, thanks for your thoughts and words and great sense of humor. I graduated boot camp in Aug 1989. I hated it, but it did get me in shape. When we completed the third and final pt run, i was very happy. I had the good fortune of being part of the drum and bugel corp band. The graduation was tons of fun. Doing the zipper and playing what we called the frankenstein drum solo. The sound of airplanes taking off and the cool breeze off the water constantly reminding us our time would come to leave boot camp. Ive googled earth mapped the old baracks right next to the runways. My baracks are actually still standing. I remember doing roving patrol around that entire block with a ship mate on the midnight watch. I guess they were concerned about a few that would sneak out and jump the fence at night to smoke a cig. Big risk if you got caught. I just wanted to finish and graduate. I like yourself got mashed for something stupid. My undershirts werent folded right or they were orderly enough? I think the CC just wanted to make sure everyone got mashed. Cant believe we used to stand in a chow line for and hour or more just to have 5min to eat breakfast. But i enjoyed the early hours marching before sunrise. I was a supply guy in the navy, and managed to survive 20yrs. Retired 2009 and now retired for good at 62. How fast time flys. Thank you shipmate! Loved the video and the history!

[@rm3bates]

Great video! I was at RTC 12/21/1982 - 3/1/1983, and RM A from 3/1983 - 6/1983. I loved this video. Thanks for all the hard work you put into this. Bravo Zulu, Shipmate!

[@adrianpalacios4059]

I was in Division 8 Company 264 first day of boot camp was Sept. 18 1991, graduation was November 15, 1991. I remember Preble Field was big grinder also where the chow hall was. I was an Aviation Machinist Mate went to A school in Millington. Than stationed at NAS Miramar working on F-14s VF-213 Blacklions.

[@lonnymcgee1762]

I was an aviation structural mechanic and went to A-school in Millington also in 1989. Loved both places. Take care shipmate.

[@lonnymcgee1762]

Also went the USS Belleau Wood LHA-3

[@dogrunner9918]

I all so went to boot camp in San Diego in 1971. Co.152. Thanks for this video it was fun looking back

[@gregdallie6466]

My Basic Training at NTC was Mar 1965. Also assigned to NTC Police and stood sentry duty at Gate 1. Then attended Yeoman A School in 1966. Great memories. Thanks for sharing.

[@ryant3600]

Came aboard on a rainy night on Jan. 6th 1993..went to airman apprenticeship there at NTC directly after boot camp, and left in late April or early May 1993.. Tons of memories, loved it...It's sad to look at it all now.

[@donaldgragg889]

I attended Radioman 'A" School from March 1978 until early July of 1978. I went to boot camp in Great Lakes, so it was great to be able to go to San Diego from the mid-west. I remember the E-Club very well. Hard to believe it has been 39 years since I went to "A" school, it seems like yesterday. Thank you for posting the video, it brought back great memories.

[@davidwolf226]

Mark, what a true walk down memory lane for me as well. I came to NTC just after Christmas in 1970. I became a radioman through the A school there, too. It really bothered me to know that the Navy didn't put up more of a fight, so to speak, to keep NTC open for training when the BRAC group decided back in the early 90s that it should be shuttered. So many memories. My command was set up via COMSUBPAC out of Pearl, but my duty station was as Point Loma Naval Station with the various sub groups. I was not blue-water Navy. I used to go to Pearl several times a year for training purposes or other TDY purposes as well as Bangor, WA. I loved San Diego in those days. Boy, it has sure grown up over the past 50 years! Best wishes to you and your family.

[@JDDavis]

"Marching party"... I just had a shiver. You're right though. It corrected the problem of my rack nit being tight enough!

[@TheSwabbie]

In July of 1976 I went to Boot Camp in Orlando. Upon graduating myself & my best friend Martin had orders to RM "A" School here in San Diego. It was the first time in our lives we were out on our own. I learned A LOT being there as a 17 year old kid turning 18. I graduated RM "A" School sometime in February of 1977. My Instructor in school HATED me for some reason, he was black, I was white. He picked on me and gave me extra work etc. I had no idea why. Anyway, when our orders came in they posted them on the Bulletin board down on the 1st deck. Martin got Naval Communications Station Cecil Field Jacksonville. I got Naval Communications Station Keflavik Iceland. All the orders said was "Keflavik". I was like, "what the heck is a "keflavik?"".. we didnt know our instructor was behind us.. I made that statement and he pipes up "Iceland, motherfu***r.. Iceland!".. I was like "CRAP!". Turned out to be the BEST duty ever! I'll never forget my time at Naval Training Center San Diego! And, THANK YOU for this video. Brings back A LOT of great times as a very young man!

[@PacificNorthwest360]

I went to MS ‘A’ school at NTC 1995 January... oh the Memories of leaving my parents house and starting my own life... Awesome upload.. Thank you for your service. Olympia WA

[@mikestanley9176]

I had completely forgot about R&O until I saw this video. Thanks for the memories, shipmate. Co 80-160. July 1980 to Sept 1980.

[@edwardfleming5434]

Oh yeah, R & O. Never forget that one. Aug 1971

[@jodybeasley4478]

Thank you so much shipmate for bringing back so many good memories of this place. I was there for RTC/NTC 1987....

[@johnyates2775]

I was in company 176 in 1987

[@thomaspaine6682]

@@johnyates2775 204 in 1987. Late September thru early Dec.

[@joerogers4227]

I went to Great lakes for my boot, then to Millington Tenn for TD A school. But I do remember NTC well as I spent 1968 to 1977 in San Diego. Often went on base to shop, library etc. Down Memory lane. I worked at the Sub Base on Ballast point fir 4 years. 1960-80 in USN>

[@hendrxfn]

Great Post Shipmate!! I graduated July 1986 Div 2, Co 103! I too have the memories, having grown up in San Diego as well! Thanks for putting up a modern day look at the ole place today!! Keep up the good work!!

[@jessemoody7313]

Wow, I went through just before you, 15 July - 15 September 1985. Company 143. We used to march over that wooden bridge and stomp extra hard for more sound. Our CC was, MM1 Quintinella!! I also went to marching part 3 time's, once for leaving my walking chits in my shirt and they got washed, once because one of my leggings wasn't tied right and to be honest I don't remember what the last one was for. I was the quietest guy in the company and my shipmates just couldn't believe it whenever I was sent again. I was flown to Millington Tennessee for my A school after graduation.

[@johngibbs4372]

098 shake n bake

[@terrymyers699]

Mark, thanx. I was about 3 weeks behind you (10/5/85 - 12/5/85). I know this us 8 years after the fact but Stephan Decatur, Jr. Did not receive the Medal Of Honor, as that was first established during the Civil War. What he did receive was the Congressional Gold Medal. Two totally different animals. Thank you for the memories of RTC/NTC. Sadly, it's no longer a base, all that history lost.

[@mariom555]

Wow. This brought back some good memories. I got there in June of 1986. I remember the hot days and the cool nights. Waking up and jumping into my boon-dockers and going to the galley to eat out of the metal trays. I remember sailors constantly polishing the torpedo that was outside. The "bright work." :-) My chit card was pulled one time. I remember a fellow shipmate at boot camp by the last name of Clancy. I hope he's doing okay today. What I learned most there was "attention to detail." One of the best decisions I've ever made. Almost shed some tears now watching this. I remember the "young version of me" I was about 18 years old. Now I'm 49. Thank you so, so much for sharing this. It touched my heart. God bless our Navy and God bless all of our young sailors.

[@thomasonscott4316]

Thanks for the memories. I was there August 12th, 1981. Went to corpsman A school after wards. I still can't believe the base is gone. 34 years later, wow

[@sagsfv3122]

Thanks to powerful land developers with politicians in their pockets, that's how we also lost Long Beach Naval Base and the attached Shipyard - LBNSY !

[@WillFrancis22]

Hooyah! Been there. CO 113 RTC/IC A School 90-91. Thanks for the vid. Been lookin' for something like this. Thinkin' about goin back out there myself. Very cool! Thanks for your service...

[@jrfoster4225]

Great video! I went to boot camp there in 1984 (Company 113). After boot camp, I attended BE/E on the NTC side. I remember so much of it. I went back there exactly 29 years to the day (May 25, 1984) that I arrived there the first time, and walked the "base". I even found my way into my old H style barracks and stood where my rack was. You're right, so much history there. My Grandfather, my father and I all graduated (at different times, obviously) from RTC San Diego, so I was especially sad to see it go. Thank you for the tour!

[@osisai4155]

Awesome shipmate, I was there in 1984 as well, company 035 Feb to April 1984. Retired after 22 years of service.

[@charliec.3347]

I went there in Aug of 88. Your video brought back a lot of memories. Glad you were able to get some video before it was gone to preserve a memory of the place. thxs

[@jfk272]

Dude! You just took me back 29 years! I was Company 144. March 1989. The scene where you show the back of the barracks?!? That's where me and another guy busted out at like 2am to smoke a grit! THIS close to getting caught! Your swimming experience? Same thing! Went during off time and a SEAL taught me how to back float width-wise of the pool in order to pass! I was part of the Crack Rifle Drill Team. We did our performance which is now a grass field! Way to go man, and THANK YOU for posting this. To ALL my fellow 'cuff monsters' we need to get together and establish a blog or some shit! WE ALL passed through Gate 1. Share our stories! Who's in?

[@stanscoyote]

Thank you for a fabulous trip back in time. I arrived in San Diego during the Summer of Love 1967. First came BEEP school, then Radioman "A" School, Class 6738, followed by Class "C" High Speed Morse School. My time is San Diego was very special and this video was absolutely wonderful. Thank you for your service aboard the Stennis. I ended up as an RM2 aboard the USS BOXER (LPH4) assigned to Comphibron Four.

[@AustinBoil]

Thank you for reviving so many memories. I went through boot camp and Radioman A school there in 1966. I vividly remember standing on that grinder dumping all my civilian clothes and receiving issue gear. It was hot, sunny, and I was wondering what I got my self into. I finished A school way early because I already knew Morse Code, so they had me buffing the halls of that building all day everyday until my fellow classmates graduated. They said the top two guys of the class would likely get their duty station of choice...I was number 1...the only two guys who got sent to Vietnam were me and the number 2 guy, LOL. Thanks again for pointing out the buildings (& ship) where so many memories were formed, so long ago. Many things I learned I still practice today.

[@leroytyson388]

Thanks for sharing your video.....this brought back so many memories. I spent a year in San Diego at NTC I remember those arch hallways very very well.....

[@chuckurso921]

I went through boot camp there in 1969. I was in Company 215. BT1 Harris was my Company Commander. I also went to Radioman A School there in 1970. I served aboard the USS Constellation CVA-64. We were home ported at North Island. Made two Wespac tours on the Connie. Your video of NTC was great. It got to me. I miss it all very much. I try and tell my family about it, but I get the feeling they don’t give a Phuk. It’s sad. Chuck Urso RMSN B868660 Boot Camp Company 215 aka “F Troop”

[@chuckurso921]

I also got sent to a “Marching Party” they kicked my ass real good. Complete exhaustion.

[@larrycriqui7883]

I'm a ex-Navy vet and seeing this on San Diego brings back memories of my time at Great Lakes boy we had a company commander by the name of Reyes a Philippino CC, company 104 in 1981, brothers and sisters I would do it all over again in a heart beat, as a proud veteran I have a grandson that graduated from Navy boot camp last November and his younger sister just went into the Navy last month. I'm very proud of them both Hailey and Parker (GO NAVY).

[@DouglasUrantia]

I saw many Philipino CC's who were drunk at San Diego boot camp.

[@johnogrady2418]

I can concur. It rained in CA during the Winter back then: 1981/1982. If you turn right when you come out of Gate #1 that will take you to the Marine Corps Bootcamp. I'd only just passed through the gates to visit their PX when I saw a sad little circle of recruits marching round-and-round in a circle in the pouring rain while their clearly drunk CC berated them in Tagalog. I felt sorry for them. I attended Great Lakes and we were treated a lot better than that. I understand that it's the Marines and all but I didn't like seeing them being treated that way, although I'm sure at least half of them (the masochists) will treasure the moment till the day they die!

[@TheTRAINOR11]

While you were graduating Radioman 'A' school, I was in bootcamp. I started radioman A school in May '86 and thank you for the memories of the base. Some of the best times I've ever had in life was out there in SD. Went back out to visit in '99 and '01 and saw they had closed down the base. My best friend and I had off base housing off of Midway Dr by the sports arena. Thanks man !

[@Lawdawg1us1]

I was taking fire science classes at Mirimar College in the mid 90s. We used the grinder by R&O to train. I was able to go into the Quaterdeck building were the OOD was (right where we did marching party). I was assingned watch there one night. there was a pit in my stomach when I first returned to that base. Class 245 1989.

[@lonnymcgee1762]

I was 243, division 10. You were there right after me. We may have even seen each other. Great memories.

[@semaronick]

Co. 931 1974 here. Great job putting the video together and telling the story. I too walked those grounds just a few years ago on a Sunday morning and had the same thoughts about the Worm Island barracks and their state of repair. Thank you. PS: The UA gear story with your CC was hilarious and 100% believable. Old school boot camp stories are the best.

[@colewon6172]

Mark this is the best NTC video on youtube, I appreciate this video. Brings back lots of memories. Wish there were more videos likes this around. Thanks.

[@spacejunkie84119]

I did bootcamp in Aug-Oct 1983 Drill Company 936, then on to Radioman A school. graduating in Feb 84. been back to San Diego twice with my family since 1990 and make it a point to stop by the old stomping grounds. thanks for the walk down memory lane. BTW, I totally busted up when you brought up FRED. I had completely forgotten about that!

[@hinnantp]

Was there at the same time! Company 138 though..

[@TheTerryLipford]

WOW, that brought back a lot of memories ! I went to boot camp there in July of 1962, and then went on to Radioman "A" school, graduating in May 1963. From there on to my first ship, USS Hyades AF-28. Those images of the gate, the facilities, man I haven't been back there since I left, and I really, really enjoyed your video!

[@edwardweeden2834]

Bravo Zulu MACH-2! Served as an RTC Instructor 1973-1977. Nothing on the RTC side of NTC except TDE-1 and Camp Nimitz (worm island). We had to 'break step' when I was in Boot Camp here going over that bridge so the wooden pilings wouldn't loosen and collapse. Some traces on the RTC side remain - if you know where to look. For example, some of the old grinders have been converted into 'community playgrounds' between the present day homes and condos. I appreciate the nostalgia! As a CommTac Material Custodian while I was on Sea Duty tours, I worked with many an RM. You guys are the BEST!

[@haskellvanmarter5501]

Thanks for the video , what a blast from the past. I was in Company 604 Nov 3rd 1964. Really brought back som memory’s. After boot reported to USS Enterprise then to BT “A” school. Then to the USS St. Paul CA 73 for 3 years and 3 tours to Nam. What a trip. It was all hard work learning new things and life changing experiences. It was the best spring board in my life starting when I was 17. Thanks again for the video . Nice job.

[@retnav92]

I attended bootcamp at RTC GLakes at 17 yrs old, and did HT "A" School, Phase 2 (Shipfitter), at NTC SDiego. Did HT "A" Phase 1 (Damage Control) at NDCTC Philadelphia. Departed NTC SDiego early May 1, 1972. Retired 1992.

[@dccs6009]

You are old...and you still work those ships!

[@CaesarInVa]

My father went through boot camp there in 1934. I've got a picture of him in whites, with leggings, field pack, web belt, '03 Springfield and scabbarded bayonet...he looks like Steve McQueen right out of The Sand Pebbles. I went to boot camp 45 years later, but at NTC Great Lakes. The closing of NTCs Orlando and San Diego (while keeping Great Lakes open) convinced me that the Navy had no f'ing idea what it was doing.

[@Paradisealleycat]

"Graduated' Feb 1963. We wore that get-up and had those old Springfield's, We may have had bayonets too...One of, if not the last group to be issued 'Flat Hats" - still have mine and a extra a buddy couldn't stand...Apologies to many classmates - I was a real S.O.B. Ask Bob Woodward he probably still hates my guts....Wish I could shake his hand and apologize In person - even after 55 years....

[@Bozovich]

Boot camp company 213 September - December 1984; RM A School January - March 1985. This brought back a lot of memories! Thanks for recording it.

[@kkeller1300]

Thank you for a trip down memory lane. I did boot camp there in RTC San Diego and Radioman "A" school, and TTY repairman school (from Nov 1986 to Jul 1987). When I was still in (I retired in 2006) I was stationed up at Bremerton WA on my last command, CVN-70...I was sent down to 32nd street San Diego for a conference back in 2004. So I took a little ride over to NTC San Diego and to my amazement, it was a ghost-town!! That was so sad, so so many sailors passed thru the gates of NTC!!

[@michaelbrown2220]

I went there on March 7, 1990. I was on Company 126, Division 4! We graduated in May of 1990! Ah, good times!

[@johnxjen]

FRED was technically my first hack. I learned that if you held down LTRS and REPEAT it added the needed functions to PASS the 900 function test.

[@williamschuyler3890]

I attended RM ‘A’ and IMCO in late 73 early 74 timeframe. Went back in 2005 and the Bowling Alley and BEQ 90/91 had been torn down. Had so many memories from those places. The Bowling Alley had a small snack bar where you could buy a pitcher of beer and a small pizza for a buck each.

[@charlesbartholomew2910]

Those were the days weren't they Bill? A buck yes, but we tend to forget that an E-3 back then made $300 a month. It did seem to go a lot further then, didn't it?

[@williamschuyler3890]

@@charlesbartholomew2910 Yes, our pay did go a lot further back then. I made a car payment which was around $75.00 p/month and still had enough to have fun. One thing that amazed me was being able to drink beer during lunch at the bowling alley. Doubt you can do that now up in Great Lakes. Going to code school turned out completely useless. For the most part, the fleet no longer used it. After getting aboard my ship which was in the yards, I ended up fire watching for the next six months. Afterwards, I went mess cooking for another three months. By that time, my code proficiency had dropped significantly. I hope to go back again before too long. Most of the really old building still exist. I just want to walk those old halls once again and reflect on my past.

[@charlesbartholomew2910]

I must say that this video brought back many fond memories. Yes, I remember the hydraulic lunches we used to have...lol. I was watching another boot camp graduation video shot at NTC RTC San Diego in 1992 the year I retired from the Navy. None of the Rifle Companies were carrying rifles at the graduation. My how times have changed; of course they have, the uniform is no longer the same. No more dungarees as a work uniform. Now everybody wears aquaflage as they call it...yuk!

[@johnogrady2418]

And I had already studied Morse Code when I was a kid so I already had that most basic license, so WTF?

[@rickstahurski9472]

I went to boot camp in June 1964, Company 315. After boot camp and a weeks leave I came back to NTC for SK "A" School. A lot of your tour was very familiar to me and other places I couldn't place them in my memory after 56 years. The Navy was an experience I never regretted.

[@nolefann]

OC in the house! 87 bootcamp /88 RM "A" School Thanks for the memories

[@tmurphydot5]

Mach1, thanks for the memories. I got a bit misty eyed in the arched corridors. I always like the symmetry of their lines, angles and arches. Sigh.

[@johnogrady2418]

Yeah. That Spanish style, with the colonnades that kept you in the shade were wonderful. And above them (in our barracks near Gate #1) on our second floor was a long empty space that adjoined our open-bay barracks. It was so laid back and I really believe it was the architecture. But they WERE firetraps because of the ability of the fire to travel up inside the walls, engulfing the building in flames. So we all went to 'Animal House', which was in a brutalist brick style and people stopped being mellow. Mellow was better.

[@walterbl]

Nice trip down memory lane. I went through boot camp in late '75 and RM A School into '76. I was destined for RTC/NTC San Diego since back in the early 40s, my dad also went through boot camp there. He went on to become one of the first to learn and subsequently teach radar. I re-upped for orders, originally wanting to be a CC at RTC but ended up as a Prac Deck Instructor at RM A School from 80-83. Thanks for making this and showing what's become of the place we all have left our sweat on.

[@johnogrady2418]

I was in RM 'A' School then. You could have been one of our teachers! You had that glass case in the corner of the classroom that had what looked like a small encyclopedia collection. The books listed all of the ships in the Navy and where they were homeported. We would all make sure the books were locked up at the end of the day but I'd often wonder, How easy would it be to 'borrow' these? Just as a hypothetical exercise! We had girls in our class too!

[@walterbl]

@@johnogrady2418 I'm sorry to say I don't recall the glass case. I taught the midwatch on Prac Deck my entire time there. That was on the main floor. 11pm - 7am, Sunday night to Friday morning. Yes, there were several women in each class. Do you remember your class number or which watch you attended for Prac Deck? Remember, those were the last weeks of A school where you put all you'd learned together. It was the last class you had before graduating. My co-instructors I remember were Chief Rendon, Chief Crouch, Chief Andrews, and RM1 Blakeley. There were a couple others but my memory is not so good forty-some years later.

[@ivanvanogre-nd1sw]

Hi Walter, My memories of names of people and places is close to zip nowadays. We 'sailed' right past each other!

[@rogerdiez7200]

I was in Company 639, 1961. Went to RM "A" School after boot camp, and was back in June 1963 for Teletype "C" School. Lots of memories of the place.

[@nathaneddie74]

i was there summer 1985. i love this video. so well done. lord bless guard and keep your sailors. the us navy. an instrument of gods peace and justice. at midway she vanquished the spear of the japanese empire!!!

[@johngibbs4372]

098shake n bake

[@stoneyburke2412]

I'm from Albany, Ga. I was there at NTC Sandiego in Nov. 1986 to Feb.1987. Brings back a lot of memories. Always wanted to go back to Sandiego to see the old base but never made it. Thanks for this video, it's like taking a walk down memory lane.

[@rodelramos9963]

Wow, I went through boot camp here, company 012 and RTC and NTC school. This video brings back a lot of memories.

[@michaellarsen9518]

Company 563 15 Oct 1962. RM "A" School. First duty station was NAVCOMMSTA KODIAK AK Even got in on the 9.2 earthquake Good Friday 1964. Retired fm USN..20 years, 2 Mo, 21 days. Worm Island was called Nimitz... Yes, and the bridge was wood when I was there. First paycheck was $94.00. Enjoyed your video RM shipmate.

[@lilbrother45]

Thanks for the great video shipmate. I entered this great base July 9th, 1991. Ended up in company 209. Your video brought back some great great memories. I was only 17 when I got there. I remember standing mid watch in the barracks and realizing holy shit, I'm 18! What a shitty birthday!!! MM1 Garza, ABF1 AW Canady, you guys straightened my life out and Im pretty sure my parents would give you their house if they could ever get ahold of you guys!

[@benkline4784]

Great video shipmate, i too agree that they should have preserved a barracks and the hat washing racks outside to show the people how we lived. I loved it there. I was there with you just a little later arriving. I arrived Thanksgiving Day of 1985. I also was close to you as i stayed in Building 92 which i believe was right down from your Radioman barracks building 90. I was an MS so i did my schooling right across the bridge with you. Small world, i dont know you but watching your video filled me with pride and nostalgia. Thank you!

[@jamiegell3610]

Company 249, graduated Feb 1986, went to RM "A" Feb-May 1986, loved San Diego!!! Thanks for the video!!!

[@ratdog3055]

Thanks for bringing back some memories, Co 679, 1969 primary and advanced side with crossing the old wooden bridge in break step so it wouldnt fall down!

[@joshuadangos188]

Thanks a lot shipmate.You just sent me to a nostalgic time travel back to the time I went through RTC,NTC,San Diego more than four decades ago,(Co 004/Dec 1972-Feb 1973.My company commander then was Bm1 Ronald Hopwood)Recruit training wasn't really enjoyable then but it's one memory I treasure a lot.I went to HospCorps "A" school at Balboa Hosp after boot camp training & went back visiting NTC a number of times during liberty days & so it is the old picture of the place that remained w/me.And brother,I could barely recognize most of the scenery you posted but who can forget TDE 1/USS Recruit.I still wonder how many of my Boot Camp company mates are still around.Thanks again.

[@martyepperly5803]

BM1 Hopwood was my company commander Jan-April 1975. Must have been his second time around at NTC-San Diego. I remember how short he was, and how he would glare at you from under the brim of his cover, through those black rimmed glasses. I was surprised when he selected me to stay after boot camp as an Assistant Company Commander, given that I had no position of authority in our company. I really liked BM1 Hopwood.

[@martyepperly5803]

Maxine Dangos Forgive me if this message is redundant. It appears my first reply did not post. I was just saying that BM1 Hopwood was my CC as well, Jan-April 1975. He must have been on his second time around at NTC. If I recall correctly, he advanced to CPO Hopwood towards the end of boot camp. I remember how he would glare at you from beneath his cover through those black rimmed glasses. He surprised me when he selected me for the Assistant CC program, since I had no position of authority in company. CPO Hopwood was a good dude.

[@thomasjrdangos5187]

Marty Epperly c Hello shipmate,no doubt we had the same gentleman as CC.Ha ha ha,I was a smart ass while at R&O & naive about what was going on then.Because he was small,I thought he was one of the recruits assigned to take care of new arrivals when he came to pick us up to form our company.(didn't know what the red rope on his shoulder stood for)That was the first time I experienced his glare as he chewed me up.He pushed our company through Boot Camp smoothly.He gave us a very good farewell speech after graduation,still have in my possession his autographed photo,he's one peerson I will never forget.I often wonder if he is still around.

[@ramonamparan3341]

I was there june 1973. co 167. also went to Balboa HM "A" and "C" schools

[@grreyesii]

What was your C school you attended ?@@ramonamparan3341

[@mannie1952]

Thanks for this video. I was co 297 summer of 1970 and Radioman A school. Like you I was a class 3 swimmer doing that arched-back float for five minutes. Thank goodness I never fell overboard. When I was there Camp Nimitz was called "squirrel island" and as you noted the bridge was built on wooden piers. It is weird to see the grinder as a huge lawn. I vividly remember those spanish colonial barracks with those wonderful, and cool, breezeways. I'm gratified to see how much of the base has been preserved and maintained. Thanks for this look back

[@larrygray4323]

Fall 1970. Company 70-382 and Radioman "A" School 1971. And yes, it was "squirrel island" then.

[@charlesbartholomew2910]

Ha ha, Mannie, when I was there it was called "Worm Island."

[@FredVanAllenRealtor]

July 1972 it was called worm island. Thank you for the memories in this video.

[@rochellewyndham2993]

Thank you shipmate for sharing this video, brings back real memories..USN1988-1998 RM2.

[@Silverpinstudios]

Fucking Marching Party... been there.. all out nightmare. Guys were puking to the left and right... great vid going down memory lane! Thanks for this. Company 112 March 1990

[@wno1043]

It was a great video. After I got out of the Navy I worked briefly for a photo lab that did all the processing of the photos for NTC, and I had to deliver the boxes of photos over to NTC. What memories!

[@xtremepyrotech]

And if you really fucked up it was "Short Tour" with the Seals. I saw a couple recruits from our company go through Short Tour. Marching to the mess hall and class watching these guys running their asses off. Company 032 Division 2 December 1988

[@foxtrot312]

Rifle jax. 😬

[@SMOBY44]

Mark, so close to my time there! I was division 4 company 945 (drill team), 22 October to 24 December 1985. I can proudly say I participated in your graduation as a member of the 50 states flag team! Thank you for this video.

[@robertboseke4770]

SMOBY44 I was in company 945 with ya! I was your first RCPO until I caught a cold and lost my voice and Kahn took over for me.

[@SMOBY44]

@@robertboseke4770 Holy cow! I remember you well. I just now saw your reply and hope you find mine. Darrin Beck is the only other guy from the company I have seen since I went to the fleet. Would be good to talk to you!

[@SidneyMcCoy]

Dang, we just missed each other - graduated NTC Jan1986, and was also in remedial hold due to holiday swap of MILSTRIP which were torture to "qual". THANK YOU

[@anthromoto5931]

Thank you for this. They should have kept RTC San Diego instead of Great Lakes. I was there Nov 88-Jan 89 in Company 047. Our CC's were GMC(SW) Knox and MMC(SW) Peters.

[@gbarrien]

I was in Co 048 at the same time. Right alongside you guys. CCs ABHC Simpson and TM1 Alger.

[@DC-ug6xi]

I remember Peters...He was pretty cool 1989. I was 18

[@m1amber]

Brings back some memories; I was nodding my head in recognition of some of that stuff; I was there 42 years ago, during the Summer of '72. Company 162 for RTC, then home for leave after an August graduation. I remember finally figuring out that all the marching drills was so that we'd look good in front of Mom & Dad!! :-) Loved RM"A" School. Graduated top of class in "Regular Navy" although there were some Reservists with higher scores. But I applied myself to it since it was just so much fun!! My scores won me a 3-1/2 year tour to NAVCOMMSTA Honolulu, from where I took my discharge on 28 MAY 76. Thanks for rejuvenating some old, worn-out memories!

[@jaymiller8504]

Talk about jarring the old neurons in the Brain. I was one of the USNR 2 X 6 Reservists, CO 72-173. Most of the RM A School where Reservists, some held Ham Radio Licenses. While in RM A School, stood duty at ARS WA6NKC above the Theatre. San Diego has changed.

[@jacfred]

Hay Mike! What you should have also mentioned that NACCOMSTA Honolulu was not actually in Honolulu, but north of Wahiawa in the middle of what was then pine apple fields. (Of course most people don't know where Wahiawa is located at either.)

[@adrianpalacios2543]

I was there September 1991- November 1991 damn seems like yesterday where the hell does all the time go.

[@jgrogan02]

Thank you so much shipmate, I went through camp Nimitz in may-June 1980 co.117. Your video was spot on and extremely nastalgic. It warmed my heart to hear another sailor show such respect for the base that means so much to all of us who passed through. After all, many of the sailors who started their naval journey there from ww2,korea,viet nam and several other conflicts payed the ultimate price for freedom once they reached the fleet. BRAVO MARK!!!

[@ivanleterror9158]

R & O was a huge wooden building when we got our first issue in May of 62. To this day if I smell the starch on new clothes referred to as " sizing" I am standing back in line gathering my issue and getting my dog tags. Also the stencils that we IDd our skivvies with before loading our sea bags and heading to the Nimitz barracks to begin our Navy life. This is where I served as a hospital corpsman until a deterioration of my right eye put me "ashore". (24 months)

[@ronkotownking1997]

OMG! I can't believe the accuracy of this video and my experience in boot camp and RM school, during the 91-92 period was identical. You had a Phillopino CC too. What's the deal with that? I had two Company commanders during boot camp. Was it a San Diego thing or Navy thing, but so many philies were in the Navy.

[@matthewballou7354]

Thank you so much for posting this video. I graduated from RTC San Diego Company 930, Drill in Sept 1987 and Radioman A School in January 1988. Also went to marching party because our laundry detail wasn't marching properly on Preble field, we were bringing laundry back to RTC from NTC side. We lost the honor company because our detail leader wanted to take a short cut across Preble field, despite my protest. Marching party was by far hardest, scariest work out and mashing of my life.I just remember walking into a dark grinder near R&O, no lights to guide us and thinking I am in the wrong place. Then BOOM, all lights come on and Navy Seals with Ski type masks covering their faces start screaming and a work out that lasted for 2 to 3 hours.

[@jellerbee]

Thanks Mark, just found this and really enjoyed it. I was there Jan 1985 for Bootcamp and then RM "A"

[@dustyjack]

This brought back strong emotions. Thank you so much.

[@djc1383]

Wow, such Great memories! Wish it would have stayed a basr, would love to see more, barracks, inside Radioman school, and the outdoor court where we mustered iin whites every day with the birds above us on the on the roof ledge. :-) I went through RM "A" school from August - October 1981. Thanks so much Mark! Would go back and do it again in a heartbeat!

[@johnogrady2418]

The jets landing during Morning Muster. He couldn't yell our names loud enough!

[@dewayneholmes9167]

I went to boot there December 10, 1984 I remember it like it was yesterday thank you for this video I’ve always wondered what happened to the old base

[@davenelms68]

RM A School - Class 7110 A - Dec. 1970 I was 19 and had zero typing skills when I arrived,,spent 2 weeks everyday in typing class before I could join a class. I got orders for a destroyer out of Charleston. Great job posting this, many thanks.

[@jacfred]

Then you must remember PRC-DECK... My class was lucky... we had the day watch...I II III (week)

[@larrygarrett724]

Oct 15,1964 i reported to NTC San Diego. Thanks for the tour and memories. My ship is gone and NTC closed. Sad to think of. Thanks again. Oh by the way in 1968 there was a go go bar on base pier 32 area. The girls wore pasties and it was an EM club.

[@robertdrake9701]

Thanks Mark for the trip back in time. However, I graduated August, 1966 but your video reminded me of those days when I was 19. Now at 70, I realize how important the Navy was to me and how NTC San Diego helped me make a huge step into being a man. I became an AE and assigned to RVAH-11, Sanford, Florida. Yep, my squadron was on board the USS Forrestal when she burned. Reassigned to the USS Kitty Hawk for two tours in SE Asia. Just some things you never forget.

[@MrStudmouse]

I went there in 1952 brings a lot of good memories,,I loved the Navy still to this day love our United States Navy

[@MrStudmouse]

I enjoyed boot camp ,,, wish I could try it again but alas age dictates What and when I do a lot of things! Loved my days at sea on watch in the Sea of Japan. When we came aboard we were given our first new clothes and food was great and they had a lot of shots in those days some of them knocked you on your rear!

[@FrankSkaletiSanchez6671]

Thank you for sending me back down memory lane. I was here in August 1990, with company 234.

[@jenniferwyckoff461]

August 1990, Company 225, Keith Wyckoff, 1990-1994

[@brooklynnavyvet9543]

Damn, I was there March 1990, Company 119, Division 6

[@paulanderson9407]

@@brooklynnavyvet9543 I was there August to October Company 229, Division2 1990.

[@brooklynnavyvet9543]

@@paulanderson9407 I almost waited until August to go in but I just wanted to get away from where I was and do the military thing like I wanted since I was about 10. It was hot as hell when I was there, I can't imagine in August with those dungarees and fire retardant shirts.

[@paulanderson9407]

@@brooklynnavyvet9543 Tim Elliott, Yes I got to San Diego at 8:00 at night arrived at RTC and I think I went to bed at like 1:00 next thing I remember the trash can going down the middle at 3:30 am.The whole time in boot was hot but glad when I graduated October 16th 1990.

[@norcotony1]

Great job shipmate! I arrived there October 12, 1983 and graduated from bootcamp December 16, 1983. I was in a drill company 943. I remember staying in the Division 2 barracks for the first half of bootcamp and then transferring over to the drill barracks on mainside starting week 5. I was a dental technician, went to A school at 32nd street, but frequented the e-club at NTC all through A school. Great memories.

[@abelarue]

Thank you for the video and the history. Co. 149 (1987). Glad R&O buildings are still up. R&O, Nimitz Bridge, and the USS Recruit are about all I recognize. Lot of history and good memories. I remember our Pass in Review at Preble Field, I was surprised at how proud we all felt and an exhilarating experience that was. Thank you for good trip down Memory Lane!

[@edwardfleming5434]

Kind of weird to see the former grinder as all grass now.

[@johnogrady2418]

It seems wrong but let's let the grass grow!

[@Tunnelfish2]

Well, this brought back memories, graduated boot in Aug. '83, went to BEEP until late Oct. and off to Chicago for FT "A" (now FC) school. It was a shocker, hitting that winter weather up north, after all that warm San Diego sun. My first legal beer, of all places, was a laundromat on base that had beer in the soda machines and video games to play while my uniforms were being washed and dried.

[@jaysoelberg1559]

Thank you for making this vid. I went through boot camp (company 187) and RM 'A' school in 1989. I was wondering how things looked now that the navy had turned the facilities over. This brought a lot of great memories rushing back. Thank you for your service!

[@efrem1]

Went through boot camp in the summer of 1981. Played video games, took the 29 bus to downtown to stay at the Y while I went to B EE school. All gone now, but some good memories.