Frequently
Asked Questions 
Frequently
Asked Questions For release following Secretary of
the Navy's press conference, Tuesday, April 7, 1942
The Navy Department today announced that Negro volunteers will
be accepted for enlistment for general service in the reserve
components of the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S.
Coast Guard.
All ratings in those three branches of the Naval Service will
be opened to them, and recruiting is to be begun as soon as a
suitable training station is established. A public announcement
will be made when actual recruiting gets under way.
In making this announcement officials stated that the same physical
and mental entrance standards required of all Navy personnel is
to be required of Negroes.
It was added when Negro sailors are to be utilized for duty in
District craft of various kind, in maritime activities around
shore establishments, in Navy Yards, and in the Navy's new construction
crews and companies which will be employed in developing bases
outside the United States' continental limits.
Recruiting of Negroes for service in the Messman Branch is to
continue without change or interruption.
2010