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[[image: photo of 4 men sitting in cylindrical  chamber]]
[[caption]]
in sub training. Gooch and Steward C. Gibson (far right) await turn.
[[/caption]]

[[headline]] today calls for stepping-up Negro recruiting. [[/headline]]

[[column 1]]
In April, 1942 the Navy announced its experiment to train Negro volunteers as seamen. And in June, 1942 it followed through by opening Great Lakes Naval Training Station to Negro apprentice seamen. In September of the same year, 150 of these trainees arrived at Hampton Institute for advanced training in such general service ratings as machinist mates, electricians, metalsmiths, cooks, bakers and carpenters. Subsequently, the Seabees division (similar to the Army's engineers) was opened to Negroes. And in November, 1943 the Navy began using Negro seamen and rated men aboard ships.

Today its policies for equality
[[/column 1]]

[[column 2]]
of treatment and opportunity are fully approved by the Secretary of Defense. Implementing this policy, it has stepped-up recruiting among Negroes and encouraged college students to enroll in the Naval ROTC. Also, the stewards branch has lost its "for minority's only" label.

Faced with unprecedented orders some ship and station commanders required several reminders before they adopted the equality program. But enlisted men accepted it and there were no "incidents." Tan faces, once the symbol of the Navy's servant caste, now are recognized as skilled craftsmen on battlewagons, carriers and subs.
[[/column 2]]

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[[footer]] OUR WORLD  June    PAGE 23 [/footer]]