San Diego, California recent comments:

wow! small field! nice bike ride around the dam...

I went to boot camp in 1968 Company 560. Company Commandre was MMC P. J. Branch. Returned to RTC San Diego as a Company Commander from 1975 - 1978 as a MM1.

This field reverted to native habitat in 2003 and is no longer a softball field.

I stole a lot of new dress socks for the Chief here.

I arrived at NTC in March of 1963. I was assigned to Recruit Co 161 We were bused over to Camp Nimitz where we spent our first few weeks, then back over to the main camp. Just about that time there was an outbreak of Spinal Meningitis which closed down Camp Nimitz for a few weeks. We were all quarantined which caused a delay in our recruit training and we didn't graduate until late in June. I didn't realize, at the time, that this was going to affect the rest of my life in the Navy. After our 2 week leave, I was assigned to NTC for an 18 month Spec Tour. In those days if you weren't assigned to a school and you were an E-2, you got Galley Duty for 90 days. Unfortunately, because the Boot Camp had been closed down, there was no replacements for quite awhile. I spent close to 6 months in the Galleys! Wasn't all bad though. I was assigned to the WAVE dining room and got to know a couple of the station photographers. When my Galley tour was over I asked for and got assigned to the Photo Lab. During that time, I got to photograph dignitaries and special visitors to NTC. Some of them included Ex-President Eisenhower, Bobby Kennedy, and even the namesake of Camp Nimitz, Adm. Chester A Nimitz (retired by that time). After my Spec Tour was up, I was assigned to the fleet aboard an LPH and spent the rest of my service time as a Photographer's Mate in Viet-Nam. Just a little piece of history concerning NTC and Recruit Training. Someone else might remember those days in "63". What I don't get is why they closed NTC San Diego and opted to use Great Lakes for recruit training. San Diego weather is so much better! I watched the Recruit Graduation on the U.S. Navy Official Site. Those poor kids stood outside in the freezing Michigan Winter in overcoats before coming inside for the ceremony. We did our graduation out on the "Grinders" in the warm California sun :)

The term The Merge is very outdated. Reality has Renamed it for what it Really is, The Mousetrap You arrive There and SNAP goes the trap, You're stuck. Dead. Going Nowhere. If you drive a Manual transmission, this means you NEVER get out of 1st gear.

Hello former boots. My name is Don Gaskill and my hometown is Wann, Oklahoma..I was there April of 1969. Company 69-288, with BM1 Robert W. Meade as CC. He is now deceased. Graduating after about 9 weeks, I took 15 days leave to Oklahoma, then back to San Diego for Shipfitter A and C1 welding schools. My experience there was not too bad. I was asked to be in the color guard and did several parades. It was very hot and not much rain. We went through a few earthquake tremmors, but they did not cause any damage. For the life of me, I cannot remember what building my company was in. I had a few days in the infirmary due to a bit of food poisoning. I did get to stay with my original company, tho. After I graduated from boot and services schools, I was transferred to the USS Vulcan AR5, NOB, Norfolk, Va. I stayed there until I was discharged in January of 73. In September of 75, I joined the Navy reserves and retired in 1992 as HT1. I have been back to San Diego several times but did not have the time to visit NTC while there for only 2 weeks. I did go to the old movie theater a few times but that is about all. Except the enlisted club. I do remember once being downtown SD sometime after bootcamp and seeing a boot shipmate named McElroy. I believe he was from Arkansas. I do hope that all former boots had a wonderful Christmas and pray the each and everyone of you continue to prosper in 2016. Please think about joining the wevsite "Togetherweserved" as it is a great way to find and see the thousands of names of former USNavy. I am listed. Please fill out your profile as completly as possible. "Smooth sailing, Fair winds and Following seas". Don Gaskill HT1 (ret)

You Company graduated a few months ahead of mine. I graduated on 12/31/87 with Company 227.

Thanks Cookie. I suppose there were lots of guys during that time. I never really liked that name Boatswain Mate. Unfortunately, for me, that's just where I ended-up during my stint. The recruiter said I was "supposed" to go to Radioman school. However, that never happened. I should have went with my first choice at MCRD just around the corner, but I was one of those 17 year old kids whose "mom" would not let me wait a couple of weeks longer to get in. I was one of those go in the military, or go to juvenile hall for boys. That was fine with me though. I always wanted to be a Marine. As a gunner, I trained with the Marines often. Should have reenlisted with the Marines after my hitch was over. Nonetheless, you know the saying: Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda. Thanks again mate...

David Kile- Dec. 1989- Co.015

Jim, I too went to RTC from March- June 1965. I was in company 156-65. It sounds like most of the 150s, and probably 160s companies were formed in March '65. We also had a red-haired CC, but this short fellow was a 1st Class Boatswain Mate. Unfortunately I don't remember his name. I remember he had a certain straight-faced glare, that when looked at me, he made me almost pee my pants.

This msg is for Jesse orona. This may be a duplicate, but it didn't look like my msg had your information on it. I was there March-June 1965 also. I can't remember the company number, but I remember the CC. He had red hair. I'll never forget that...

I was there March-June 1965. Don't remember the company number, but the CC was a red-haired chief. Sound familiar? If so, let me know. Also, I can't find an Anchor bootcamp book anywhere... Jim

I agree, I went to school there too. I think I was there in 1966-68. Graduated 1971 from James Madison

I went thru bootbamp at Nimitz April 1969 to July 1969 then was transferred to Bainbridge MD for Radio School then to Comsubflot 8 in Naples Italy 1969 to 1971-email me: jusjerry04@yahoo.com I am Jerry Ashburn

I believe this is a Long Scope Laser Stressmeter owned by UCSD. It measures the deformation of the earth. I don't think it's being used though.

This site has been a Jack in the Box since at least 1967. So now you know.

I can't find any info on it. I'm sorry to hear that, as it's been there as long as I can remember. It was looking old starting to rust though.

I just saw it on its side. Are they taking it down permanently?