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

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

African-Americans and the U.S. Navy --
World War II Activities in the United States --
Activities at San Diego, California

During World War II, San Diego, California, was home to a great complex of Navy bases. This page features the activities of African-Americans at various Navy facilities in the San Diego area.
Included are views of a visit there by Lester B. Granger, a prominent African-American leader of the day, who was serving as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy.

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

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

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

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

Photo #: 80-G-333981

Naval Air Station, San Diego, California


While inspecting facilities for African-American personnel at NAS San Diego, Lester B. Granger stops to chat with Seaman First Class Rofes Herring, Seaman Second Class Walter Calvert and civilian employee Nollie H. Million, 20 June 1945. The officer at left is Lieutenant Roper.
Mr. Granger served as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy during World War II.

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

Online Image: 93KB; 740 x 605 pixels

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

 

Photo #: 80-G-333978

Naval Air Station, San Diego, California


During his inspection tour of African-American personnel at NAS San Diego, Mr. Lester B. Granger confers with Rear Admiral Wilhelm Lee Friedell, 20 June 1945. The officer at right is Lieutenant Roper.
Lester B. Granger (1897-1976) was Executive Director of the National Urban League from 1941 to 1961. During World War II, he served as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy.

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

Online Image: 97KB; 740 x 605 pixels

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

 

Photo #: 80-G-333975

Naval Athletic Field, San Diego, California


Dance for African-American servicemen and their friends, held in the Field's big ballroom, 20 June 1945.

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

Online Image: 107KB; 740 x 605 pixels

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

 

Photo #: 80-G-333974

Naval Athletic Field, San Diego, California


Band plays at a dance for African-American servicemen and their friends, held in the Field's big ballroom, 20 June 1945.

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

Online Image: 105KB; 740 x 605 pixels

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

 

Photo #: 80-G-333977

Naval Athletic Field, San Diego, California


The Field's African-American dance band, the "Melomen", furnishes the musical attraction at a War Bond drive in San Diego's Plaza.
Photograph was received by the Naval Photographic Science Laboratory on 27 July 1945.

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

Online Image: 104KB; 740 x 610 pixels

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

 

Photo #: 80-G-333976

Naval Operating Base, San Diego, California


The Base's African-American "WAVES" meeting with a group of visiting civilians, 21 June 1945.

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

Online Image: 94KB; 740 x 610 pixels

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

 


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

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

Return to Naval Historical Center home page.

Updated data 17 December 1998