Former Camp Nimitz; Navy Recruit Training Command, San Diego

USA / California / San Diego / McCain Road, 54-73
 navy, tours, barracks, historical layer / disappeared object
Camp Nimitz is part of the former Naval Training Center-San Diego. This area was constructed between 1952 - 1955 on land reclaimed from the San Diego bay, and was where recruits would spend their first three weeks in bootcamp before moving over to the "main" side of NTC.

The Naval Training Center was transferred from the US Navy to the City of San Diego in the Summer of 2000 as part of nationwide military base closings. Today, these buildings are used by the San Diego Fire Department for training exercises. Only half of what was originally Camp Nimitz still stands; the other half was torn down for an airport parking lot
Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recruit_training#Navy
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   32°43'58"N   117°12'31"W

Comments

  • I went through Navy boot camp there, starting in mid-December, 1977. It rained like hell for about two months. I remember marching in ankle-deep water numerous times. I was glad to be done with that place, but over the years, I kinda' miss the place. I'm sure it would have been a better experience if the weather had been better.
  • Yea! Short-tours for everybody!
  • It was a sad sight to see all of the empty buildings and barracks. It was almost like everyone just decided to leave and never come back. Thanks to the lowly-scumbags of inner San Diego, many of the buildings were damaged in every, shape and form. It got so bad that the perimeter of both bases were fenced-in. One correction on the history of Camp Nimitz. The chow hall, the indoc building and the west/north half of the barracks complex were literally ground-up with hugh piles of concrete chips and being hauled away to some other construction sight...probably a portion of Interstate or new roads. The "grinder" next to the airport was razed and is now a long-term parking for air travelers though San Diego. Taxi cab dispatch is also located in the same area. For the other half of the barracks that were razed now stands a couple of very nice looking buildings that I know nothing about. The 3-story barracks that were build around 1970 still stand and they to, experienced the same demise that the other building and barracks went through. At first the demolition and rennovation project looked absolutely disgusting to one's stomach. Every was just being knocked down and hauled away. It really did make a person feel very sad and emotional about the goings-on. However, over recent years the developer, Corky McMillian(sp) Inc. or whatever have done an excellent job of retaining the feel of a former naval base even though all of the property is now part of the city of San Diego. In my opinion, Corky dropped a big "log" when it came to preserving just a segment of both bases for former recruits to walk through and remember the old days. At this time, there are NO PLANS to rennovate just one of the barracks building on the Nimitz side. It building number 68. It seems to have avoided the brunt of the training for the San Diego Fire Department. On the advanced side there was one barracks building left standing all by itself and although it was secured, just looking at the "H"-style building brought back many a memory. I don't know what-in-the-holy-hell happened but, one day the building was there and the next day it was obliterated, literally! Corky! You dumb-ass! Those of us who graduated from boot camp or finished an A, B, or C school would have been happy to have helped with some of the expenses. For what your company destroyed and re-built, rennovation one old barracks and bringing it back to life for all to see should not have been that difficult. What a nice site to visit while one is in San Diego. Too bad, you could have saved that one wooden building and there still exists a small chance to rennovate Building 68 on the Nimitz side. However, time is running out. Father Time has taken it's toll on all of the buildings and the remaining barracks building are really an eye soar for San Diego. You have Harbor Blvd. on side along with the Spanish Landing of which has be rennovated and on the other side...destruction and just plan let-em fall down if they want to. It is indeed a sad sight and a contrast to what the other segments of both bases have been worked out. Enough for the travelog. I was fortunate enough to "see everything I wanted to see and came home numerous times with a momento or two, or three, or whatever I could handle on my own. I missed out on getting an old "scuttle-butt". I would have had a hard time checking it in at the airport for my trip home! Hopefully this little history lesson will be read by someone and they could respond in-kind. As for now, it's time for taps!
  • I was there in 84 and I totally agree with you. I live up in Orange County and get to go by there often like today. I took some pictures of the interior of the barracks that are still standing. Mine were torn down for a parking lot across from the Grinder. I remember having to go to Marching Party with the Seal's a couple of times due to my company getting hits on the barracks. The luxury of a Master At Arms. The pictures I took do not do the place justice what so ever. I remember everything being so polished and the brass sparkling. I watched the place go down piece by piece. Then on the NTC side they bulldozed the bowling alley. That was the first place I went to after graduation. Not to mention the Enlisted Mens Clud which is now a TruValue Hardware store. They even tore down my barracks and "C" school on the NTC side and made it housing. Too sad!! It really does hurt deep inside to see this. I wonder where all my shipmates are today. Taps It Is!!
  • I went to boot camp at RTC/NTC in '87. I still have a lot of memories from the place. I was really surprised the Navy closed it down.
  • I went to boot camp there March to june 1965. I was in company 168.Yes it sadens me to hear that it was torn down.What i learned while going to boot camp, was paying attention to details,being a team member, whiched help me later in life, and giving me the oppertunity to meet other men from all over the United states. If any one of my fellow boot campers happen to read this please let me know. Sure like to hear fm u
  • Jesse Orona .I went there in March also ,But I was in Comp.183 Was sent there with a all Kansas group ,I would like to hear from you or anyone from that time .The one thing I remember was it was ether Hot or it was Raining.
  • You guys make me feel like an old timer. I was there in 1959, company 204. What a time that was. Just turned 17 years old. though I knew everything about the world. Boy did I get a waking. Going to Camp Pendleton this Christmas (2013) to be their Santa for the season. I was looking forward to visiting the old base, but now, oh well, time marches on......................................
  • It was early 1971 and we got off the bus at dusk. It was called Squirrel Island the first month of boot camp. Wow seems not so long ago in memories. but in reality it has.
  • I feel like Methuselah. Earlier this week it was fifty years to the day (October the 20th) when I arrived there and became part of Company 580. I was the mail petty o and it wore me out during sports week. I could hardly get out of the pool. It's gone now isn't it? It was a strange and yet sort of good place for me at that time in my life. No bad memories and San Diego was cheap and cheerful in those days. Dan from St Louis but for most of my adult life living in England.
  • I was in company 117 fm feb - may 65' w/BM1 Bondurant as our drill instructor....we ended up being an honor company.....would give anything to know where he is if he's still kicking....Jim
  • Sept 1965 Radigan's Raiders I was a complete f/up Cmd Radigan's was the first strong male influence in my 17 years of life.
  • Mr ladderhouse I was also in co 580 at the same time Steve Waddingham
  • Company 902 - Jan 1982
  • I was there in Nov 65, Company 669. Bm1 N.O.Bondurant was my CC.
  • I was in Company 55-284. We spent the entire 9 wks (Jun-Sep 55) at Camp Nimitz, which was new at that time. Most classes and training events were at "mainside" NTC. I recall that we had to cross an arched bridge over an inlet to get to mainside. The myth(?) was that a company marching in step might set up sympathetic vibrations that would bring down the bridge!! So we went to "rout step" as we crossed the bridge at least twice each day. There was a mess hall at Camp Nimitz where we ate morning and evening meals, but we usually had lunch at a mainside mess hall. Interestingly, I arrived at NTC San Diego 60 yrs ago today (21 Jun 15). Our Eastern AL DC-6 from New Orleans via Little Rock with about 50 southern (AL, AR, LA, MS) recruits was unable to land at San Diego due to fog on the evening of 20 Jun, so they diverted us to LA, then bussed us back to NTC SD on the AM of 21 Jun.
  • Company 226 1984
  • I WAS IN COMPANY 025 FIRST YOU WANT OUT THEN NOW YOU MISS THE PLACE
  • I went to boot in 87 also, I was a snot-nosed 17 year old who knew it all. After 1 day I realized I didn't know s#%*! I was in company 072 from April to May. It was an experience that I'll never forget. My parents didn't even recognize me after 2 months, walked right past me. I would like to walk through my old barracks looks like its still standing. Still remember my cc's Oliver and Ford, outstanding men. They pushed me to be the best. I remember towards the end of boot I had never went to marching party and they sent me just for the hell of it. Met a lot of great people in my four years, great times!
  • Company 911 March - May 1982. Got bad memories from those 8 weeks, arrived on my 18th birthday and got put into Drill Company, YUCK....
  • 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
  • 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...
  • 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.
  • David Kile- Dec. 1989- Co.015
  • 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...
  • You Company graduated a few months ahead of mine. I graduated on 12/31/87 with Company 227.
  • 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)
  • 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 :)
  • 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.
  • My name is Kyle Overby. I was in boot camp at camp limits in summer of 1980. I am interested in the person that you mentioned running into after basic named McElroy. I'm interested because I served with a gunners mate,as I was also, named McElroy White. He had served in vietnam on river patrol boats, so the time frame is right. However, if McElroy was your friends last name, please disregard, but thank you for your service.
  • Company 164 of 1972. Formed in June for 19 week program. Company commander HT1 Jones. Recruit commander Frederick. Others aboard, Hayes and Grindstaff. Best to all sa fowler
  • Company 103 June 1975
  • 190 88
  • Company 910 88'
  • Yea no respect for us guys who busted our. Ass I was there in 1987. Aug. Co 161. They should have saved a building and made it into some kind of hotel I would have loved to bring my daughter my son and wife to show them how strong our miltary was. No respect these state officials and developers. Blood sweat tears and sacarifices us men and woman made. And it comes down to greed. They paved over memories for the mighty dollar. And the next president if it's that woman will destroy even more of the history and pride of our military.
  • Company 270, Parkers Crabs. July 1972 San Diego
  • Charles J. Williams AMSC USN (Ret) Arrived there in October 1958 (Company 580) and graduated around December 15, 1958. Remember Camp Nimitz well and the smell of the sea air early in the mornings there. Remember it was cold at night and hot during the day. Our RCPO was an ex Army man named Whitten, and our RPO1 was an ex Marine named Rudd. Tough men, but they made "men" of us in that short time.They taught us self discipline, self reliance, and self respect and dignity. Our families were impressed, when we came home on boot camp leave. So sad to see all of the history of this Recruit Training Center gone. Have memories that I will never forget of the place and the men that went through training with me there. Was glad to leave at the time! Thanks for this site.
  • Arrived NTC, Feb 23 1965 in blue jeans and T shirt. It was colder than a well digger's a$$ in Norway. I was 17 years old. Juvenile judge in Galveston, TX told my Dad, "You put him in the military service or I'm going to put him in reform school." I chose the Navy. It didn't start out to be a career, but 21 years later, Nov 11, 1986, I was transferred to the Fleet Reserve, I was RMC(SS) at the time. I have some good memories that I can't ever forget of Boot Camp. I don't remember my company number, but I do remember getting caught during service week smoking in the scullery. LOL The Navy taught me respect, discipline, courage and dignity. Boot camp took a juvenile delinquent and turned me into a man. My boot camp company commander was SH1 Torres. I'll never forget that man and often think of him. Really sad to see RTC San Diego go by the wayside. Spent another 24 weeks in RM 'A' School. Fond memories there (and some not so fond memories).
  • Company 592 October '58 to December '58. Company Comander was SMC Newkirk. Tough guy but was good for all of us recruits. It was a great experience. Spent 4 months mess cooking at the Destroyer Base on 32nd street awaiting CT school in Imperial Beach after boot camp. After CT school sent to Karamursel Turkey for 19 months, then aboard USS Oxford (AG-159) until discharge in '62.
  • Company 241, October 25, 1979 to December 20, 1979. I believe that I was in Barracks 68 or 69. They are still standing. Could use a bit of Brasso. GMC Walter\'s was my CC. Very fond memories.
  • Company 067 april 88 to june 88. Then after A school at NTC was stationed on the USS Ranger CV61 north island naval air station.
  • Was there also in 1984 company 030
  • Michael "Mick" Owens, from Houston, TX; Co. 210, May-July 1963, Company Commander CPO J.J. Vickers. Served as Recruit Education Petty Officer; then on to Hospital Corps School, Balboa Naval Hospital; then to Neuropsychiatry Technician School, Bethesda Naval Hospital, Maryland. Enlisted when I was 17 years old.
  • Jack Zukowski, Jan, 1966. I remember the fog! Left and was sent to Connecticut and became a barber on the Fulton AS-11
  • USS Recruit? Company commanders referred to it as the USS Neversail. 1965. Had to lose step crossing the little bridge (Camp Nimitz) because marching companies supposedly caused structural damage. My boondockers left plenty of skidmarks on the grinder at Nimitz.
  • Enlisted in Aug 73 company 235 CC BMC Tooman
  • Yes --- I crossed that bridge any number of times when I was in 1965's company 348
  • I crossed that bridge many times as well, November & December of 1965. I graduated Jan. 1966, Company 905 C.C. was Ist class Raymond Hester.
  • Same here Company 930, Sept 87
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This article was last modified 8 years ago