U.S. Navy Booklets, Brochures and Pamphlets
The GG Archives has an excellent collection of United States Navy and Naval Brochures from the Twentieth Century. Many have been transcribed in their entirity including photographs.
Aviation Brochures
Our Jets of the United States Navy
In Our "Jets" are presented the most interesting of our fighting aircraft, the products of the minds and skills of a really free people. Although military restrictions limit the information that the author may give about some of these aircraft, rest assured that there are none better. (1950)
Wings For The Fleet. When the advanced courses in all training are completed, the student aviators and naval flight officers receive their Navy "Wings of Gold"—the final achievement after extensive, and at times exhaustive training. (1972)
Career Related Brochures
The Navy As A Peacetime Career
In this booklet you will find information that may help you decide. It gives you something to think about. Frankly, our aim is selfish. We're still going to need good men to man the Navy. And we want you to know the facts about that Navy—the peacetime Navy—as an inviting permanent career. Armed with the facts, you will be in a better position to make your big decision. (1945)
Everything you want to know about Life in the peacetime Navy. Expert Training, 80 Skilled Jobs, Steady Pay, Good Food & Quarters, Exciting World Travel, Opportunities for Promotion & Early Retirement. (1945)
What Kind of Job Can I Get In The Navy?
The United States Navy is an organization of experts. Almost every man is trained to become a specialist in his specific job. If you have had previous training or experience in a trade when you enlist, you will be given a chance to continue in the same type of work. If you have not had previous experience, you may qualify for training under skilled Navy instructors for the kind of job for which you are best fitted. (1950s)
Life in the United States Navy
The Navy today is the same exciting life it has always been. It offers adventure. It offers travel. It offers education and training. This brochure describes everything you want to know about life in the Navy today . . . and your opportunities as a sailor.(1956)
The Surface Nuclear Power Program offers one of the best educations available anywhere. The program offers a full year of nuclear power training leading to duty aboard nuclear powered aircraft carriers, cruisers, or destroyer leaders. (1966)
Naval Facilities
Visitor Guide to the United States Naval Academy
Situated on the Severn River, where it flows into the Chesapeake Bay, the Naval Academy adjoins the old Colonial City of Annapolis. The many fine examples of Georgian architecture, the quaint, narrow streets and cobblestone walks have been safeguarded by the citizens of Maryland's capital against the disenchantment of modernization.
Naval Reserves Brochures
The Naval Reserve of the United States Navy
The purpose of this pamphlet is to acquaint newly appointed Naval Reserve officers with certain basic information in regard to the Navy and Naval Reserve as an aid to them in adapting themselves to the Naval Service and increasing their proficiency as Naval Reserve officers. (1942)
Naval Reserve: Cruise To Faraway Places
By joining the Naval Reserve on your 17th birthday (while you're still in high school or a college freshman), you can work off some of your 'participating' time before you ever go on active duty: If you make ROC or NROTC or stay at the top of your college class, you can sometimes work off as much as five years of your participating time before going on active duty. (1950s)
Women in the Navy / WAVES / SPARS
Facts About The WAVES and SPARS - Women’s Vital Role in WWII Military Support (1943)
The brochure Facts About The WAVES and SPARS (1943) offers a detailed overview of the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) and the Coast Guard Women's Reserve (SPARS) during World War II. This pamphlet is a crucial resource for historians studying the role of women in the military, as it outlines how these organizations were created to free up male personnel for combat roles by allowing women to take over essential positions at shore stations.
For teachers, this brochure serves as an informative and engaging resource for discussions on gender roles in the military during the war, highlighting how women’s contributions were formalized and expanded. This is also an excellent piece for students studying U.S. military history and World War II, as it emphasizes the significance of these units in supporting the war effort.
For genealogists, the document can provide helpful context for understanding the type of roles women played in the military, which could aid in tracing family members who served in the WAVES or SPARS.
How to Serve Your Country in WAVES or SPARS - A Women’s Role in WWII Military Support (1943)
The pamphlet How to Serve Your Country in the WAVES or SPARS from January 1943 offers an insightful view into the role of women in the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard during World War II. It serves as a vital historical document for historians, genealogists, and educators studying the war effort from the perspective of women’s contributions to the military. This brochure helps illuminate the opportunities available to women who joined the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) and SPARS (Coast Guard Women’s Reserve), showcasing their importance in maintaining the U.S. military’s operational effectiveness during the war.
For teachers and students, this brochure provides an excellent teaching tool to discuss gender roles, military history, and the Homefront efforts during World War II. Genealogists may find this particularly helpful when researching female ancestors who served in these pivotal military roles, and it serves as a historical snapshot of the type of service women could pursue.
WAVES: Women of the U.S. Navy – A Tribute to Their Service and Contribution (1944)
The recruitment brochure, The Story of You in Navy Blue, offers an insightful and compelling look into the role of Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) during World War II. It provides vital historical context, especially for historians and genealogists researching women’s roles in military history, and students studying the evolution of gender in the military. This document emphasizes the significant contributions of women in non-combat roles during wartime, supporting the Navy's operations and freeing men for combat duties.
For teachers, it serves as a unique teaching tool that highlights the diverse opportunities for women in the military during a time of national crisis, providing a snapshot of the social and economic conditions of the period. The brochure is also invaluable for genealogists tracing the military service of female ancestors, as it offers specific details on ranks, uniforms, and the scope of work that WAVES were involved in.
Wave Quarters D: Life and Legacy of the WAVES in Washington, DC (1945)
This 1945 brochure offers a unique historical snapshot of the daily life and activities of women in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) at Wave Quarters D, Washington, D.C. For historians and genealogists, this resource provides invaluable insights into the living conditions and responsibilities of women in the U.S. Navy during World War II. The brochure highlights not only the recreational activities but also the vital roles played by WAVES in supporting the war effort.
For teachers and students, it offers a window into the social history of wartime America, particularly for female service members. It is a fascinating example of the ways women balanced military duty with personal and professional development. It is also highly useful for those researching the evolution of women's military roles, as it highlights the growth of the WAVES and the structured, supportive environment that was created for them during the war.
WAVES: A Guide to Separation and Transition (1945)
This 1945 separation pamphlet serves as a critical resource for anyone researching the post-service life of women who served in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) during World War II. It provides a comprehensive guide on the separation process for WAVES, addressing both the administrative and personal steps required for their transition from military service back to civilian life. For historians and genealogists, it offers valuable insight into the veterans' benefits available to women after their military service and outlines the post-service support network they could rely on.
For teachers and students, the pamphlet helps understand the roles of women in the Navy during the war, emphasizing their contributions and the efforts to reinstate them into civilian roles with dignity and respect. It also provides a glimpse into the military-to-civilian transition process, which is often overlooked in discussions about the post-war period. Additionally, the pamphlet could be an essential tool for understanding the veterans' benefits and rights that women in the WAVES had access to, alongside their service records and reduced benefits based on their service status.
There's Something About a Navy Wave - 1967
This 1967 WAVES enlistment brochure provides a transitional phase where the World War II era moves toward full integration into the regular US Navy. The emphasis on fashionable uniforms reflects the period from which this brochure represents.
Welcome to the Navy - Women at Orlando Naval Training Center
This 1978 brochure offers a glimpse of life at the Orlando Naval Training Center in the late 1970s before women were allowed to serve on most ships except for submarines. (1978)
Recruits, Naval Training and Special Programs
Men Make The Navy - The Navy Makes Men
Never in all history has the call for defenders of freedom been so urgent as at this moment. Brave men are needed — stout-hearted men —men who would rather fight to stay free than live to be slaves. NOTE: The Gjenvick-Gjønvik Archives has two versions of this booklet: 1942-10-05 and 1942-08-06. (1942)
"Study-And How!" is a Comic book style, tongue-in-cheek look on how to manage time and learn the materials required to transform yourself from recruit to seaman. Issued during World War II in 1943. (1943)
Hit Da Deck ! Cartoons of Life at the Naval Training Center
On the pages of the book may be seen the way that many Recruits look upon their first eight weeks in the Navy. However, these cartoons reflect the lighter side of Recruit Training. Includes Autographs collected by the original owner at boot camp. (1944)
U.S. Naval Training Center: Farragut, Idaho
History and scenes of the Farragut USNTC including buildings, receiving new recruits, daily activities, recreation building, Shops, Cobbler, Tailer, Photograph, Mess Hall, Physical Exercises and Drills, Dispensary, Dentist, Sick Bay, U. S. Naval Hospital, Operating Room, Hospital Ward; Outgoing unit; Signalman School; Radio School; Quartermaster School; Main Post Office, Hostess House, Rifle Range, C.P.O. Recreation, Central Auditorium. (1944)
The Story of the Naval Air Training Center at Pensacola
This was a pamphlet put out by the U.S. Navy in February 1944 and titled "Story of the Naval Air Training Center, Pensacola, Florida [The Annapolis of the Air]". The book was limited to 30,000 copies and has 44 pages and has information about officers and history of the base.There are pictures on all the pages
Because of the tremendous turnover of personnel and the rapid pace of training prompted by the exigencies of the war, altogether too few officers, cadets and enlisted personnel have the time to absorb the history, color and traditions that abound in Pensacola, the old Navy Yard, the Naval Air Station and the Naval Air Training Center. This Brochure Tells the Story. (1944)
Helpful Hints To The Navy Recruit
Distributed by U. S. Navy Recruiting and Induction Service. 28 Pages provide an introduction and good things to know for the new recruit - what to expect on arrival and frequently asked questions. (1945)
This booklet shows only one part of Navy training, the basic indoctrination you receive in Boot Camp. Throughout your naval career you will receive other valuable training which will help you to become a skilled specialist and Navy-man. Sea duty, service school, on-the-job training, will all play a vital part in your transition from civilian to sailor. Good Luck . . . and Good Sailing.(1957)
Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) of the U.S. Navy
The Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) was federally chartered as a non-profit organization in 1962. It is a volunteer youth training program for young men 14 through 17 years of age. Sea Cadets are afforded the opportunity to train in the Seaman, Airman, Fireman and Constructionman rates, (E-1 through E-3). (1971)
Other Brochures
USS Shangri-La (CVA-38) Welcome Aboard - 1950s
Your new ship is a mobile air base that can move rapidly on offense and defense. Our air group gives us a tremendous striking power that can be projected great distances with conventional or special weapons. In time of war this striking power would present a devastating threat to any enemy. In time of peace it forms a powerful deterrent to any aggressor.
Directory of Officers, Fifth Naval District, Naval Station, Norfolk VA
Listing of US Navy Officers assigned to the Fifth Naval District includes File No, Name, Rank, Duty. Office Phone, Residence Address and Residence Phone.. Published June 1946.
A Report to the Secretary of the Navy, Covering our Peacetime Navy and our Wartime Navy and including combat operations up to March 1, 1944 By ADMIRAL ERNEST J. KING, U.S.N. Commander in Chief U. S. Fleet, and Chief of Naval Operations. (1944)
Submarine S-49, decommissioned, 15 pages. Photographs of S-49 Running on the surface; Motor Room; Engine Room; Control Room; Battery Room; and Torpedo Room. (1940)
The United States Navy Illustrated. A New Series of Over Fifty Reproductions from Original Photographs. New York: The Continent Publishing Company © 1898 by W. J. Lawrence
1972 Unofficial Directory & Guide, U.S. Naval Training Center, Bainbridge, Maryland.
The booklet was prepared by the Public Affairs Office of the U.S. Naval Training Center, Bainbridge, Maryland and published by Boone Publications, Inc
2003-03 USS Nimitz: Friends and Family Day Cruise CVN-68
