During World War II, San Diego, California, was home to a great complex of Navy bases. This page features the activities of African-Americans at various Navy facilities in the San Diego area.
Included are views of a visit there by Lester B. Granger, a prominent African-American leader of the day, who was serving as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy.

For other pictorial coverage of African-Americans during World War II, see African Americans and the U.S. Navy - World War II

For pictorial coverage of other eras, see African Americans and the U.S. Navy

Click photograph for a larger image.

Photo #: 80-G-333981 Naval Air Station, San Diego, California While inspecting facilities for African-American personnel at NAS San Diego, Lester B. Granger stops to chat with Seaman First Class Rofes Herring, Seaman Second Class Walter Calvert and civilian employee Nollie H. Million, 20 June 1945. The officer at left is Lieutenant Roper. Mr. Granger served as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy during World War II. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 93KB; 740 x 605 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-333978 Naval Air Station, San Diego, California During his inspection tour of African-American personnel at NAS San Diego, Mr. Lester B. Granger confers with Rear Admiral Wilhelm Lee Friedell, 20 June 1945. The officer at right is Lieutenant Roper. Lester B. Granger (1897-1976) was Executive Director of the National Urban League from 1941 to 1961. During World War II, he served as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 97KB; 740 x 605 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-333975 Naval Athletic Field, San Diego, California Dance for African-American servicemen and their friends, held in the Field's big ballroom, 20 June 1945. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 107KB; 740 x 605 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-333974 Naval Athletic Field, San Diego, California Band plays at a dance for African-American servicemen and their friends, held in the Field's big ballroom, 20 June 1945. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 105KB; 740 x 605 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-333977 Naval Athletic Field, San Diego, California The Field's African-American dance band, the "Melomen", furnishes the musical attraction at a War Bond drive in San Diego's Plaza. Photograph was received by the Naval Photographic Science Laboratory on 27 July 1945. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 104KB; 740 x 610 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives
Photo #: 80-G-333976 Naval Operating Base, San Diego, California The Base's African-American "WAVES" meeting with a group of visiting civilians, 21 June 1945. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, National Archives. Online Image: 94KB; 740 x 610 Reproductions may be available through the National Archives

For higher resolution images see: Obtaining Photographic Reproductions