Life at NTC San Diego, 1957

As so many others, I began my navy career at NTC. I was called to active duty from the Reserves in October 1957. I had a bit of an edge on the others in my company as I had been through a 2 week version in the reserves in the summer of 1956 so I knew what to expect.

After an all night train trip from San Franciso to San Diego, we were herded onto busses bound for NTC. We arrived at about 2 a.m. and from that point the transformation began from "Civvie" to Sailor. For those who had never experienced anything like this, I know it came as a real cultural shock.

After attending Aviation Prep School (AN/P) in Norman, OK, it was on to NATTC Memphis at Millington. After schooling it was on to the USS YORKTOWN CVS-10. Like Sam Villa, I too ended up on the USS PROVIDENCE CLG-6 with Com7thFlt Staff. Even though Sam was "ships company" and I was Flag, we developed a close friendship during our time on "Prov.". I went on to serve at several Weather Centrals and ultimately retired from the Navy at NAS Fallon, NV.

The lessons learned in "boot camp" are still with me today. They were valuable lessons in coping with the rigors of daily life. If NOTHING else, the lesson taught us RESPECT for ourselves, RESPECT for others, and great RESPECT for our country.

Al Pilger
Catonsville, MD

<<Back to Your Stories