If you went to NTC/RTC San diego then the TDE-1 holds a special meaning to you! Even if you went to GLakes or Orlando, your "Neversail" is gone and the TDE-1 represents you as well! A number of us on here are starting a movement and group to work towards having the Recruit serve as a museum of all the memories that millions of young men and women shared during boot camp.
We are in communication with a retired Master Chief in San Diego and his organization, the San Diego Naval Historical Assoc. He/they have worked tirelessly and for years to have a museum at NTC. We are hoping and planning on this group we put together to work with the Chief and the SDNHA to restore that dream and see it happen! There are many of us and many of us can get it done!
So, shout out here and let us know you are on board! We want whatever time and support(not money) you can give, even if only moral support! Do you know someone of position and influence that you think could help? If you are in the San Diego area and want to be on the front lines, then you are someone we need now!
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San Diego Region, US Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) restoration framework plan submitted to the City of San Diego.
TFFG1 & NSCC Framework.pdf
USS RECRUIT underwent at "yard period" in 1982 to transform her into a more contemporary warship of the 80s, as she was originally based on a WWII-era Dealey-class destroyer escort. Her 80s upgrade transformed her into a near mockup of an FFG-7/Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate, and new designation: TFFG-1.
Negotiations are currently pending with RECRUIT's current owners, the Corky McMillin Companies (the San Diego developer of former NTC/SSC/RTC real estate into Liberty Station) with the San Diego's US Naval Sea Cadet Corps for use as a training facility for unit drills and an eventual museum.
As she is no longer Navy property, there are numerous hurdles in the local permit process. I will try to keep this thread advised on progress.
Even if you don't need an ST onboard,,, you've got my support!!
Since she's sitting on a foundation, if we can find a "ground penetrating sonar" unit, we would need an ST!
You have my support . Larry Anderson FA/HT 1974 Georgetown California
One item I have added to the list is to get the Destroyer Escort Sailors Assoc(DESA) to adopt her into the fold! She was after all, commissioned into the service as a DE! Then also try to get the Tin Can Sailors to recognize her as well!
I'm not sure about the MSO guys David. The hull is all metal. Sounds like that part is more up your alley! The only termites I think we need to worry about is the political kind! But, I'm sure her ribs are a little like mine, brittle!
Without her hull number she looks like one of those abandoned cars you see siting n the field with no plate, registration or identity! At least she got a coat of paint not long ago, thanks to the Sea Cadets!
RECRUIT's "hull" is NOT ALL METAL...it's thin SHEETMETAL attached to plywood with rivets...her frame is mostly wood, with some structural steel bracing. RECRUIT is a BUILDING that happens to look like a ship...
I'm still here somewhere as well.
I am told things are a little worse in the structural department! But hey, there ain't nothin there that can't be taken care of by a bunch of skilled and dedicated Navy vets. Too many efforts fail because the plan is always based on spending the most money! One way or another we are going to see something happen. Luckily, she is protected as a historical asset. We will need a bunch of guys that are in the area. Yes, Chief Williams we'll be lookin for your number! Ha
This is how I think the first step in her restoration should be done!
Then that would be considered TRESSPASSING... It's NOT the Navy's property any more (hasn't been since the gates closed in 1997), and The Corky McMillin Companies (a major San Diego real estate developer) owns RECRUIT - lock, stock & barrel...
As in ANY civilian community, there is a PERMIT PROCESS to have the job properly done -- RECRUIT is a BUILDING...and as such she needs permits from the city for occupancy and fire safety, as well as structural integrity. Things the Navy could easily bypass because they were the 500-lb. gorilla in the room that could do as it pleased. Not so when you have to take occupancy, handicapped, fire safety, electrical, and sanitation safety issues into account in her restoration...
RECRUIT will need to meet ALL federal, state, county and city permit requirements before Visitor #1 steps foot aboard her...
J.K. There is apparently some confusion about the status of a lot of what remains of the former NTC. The property was transferred to the City of San Diego with a number of conditions attached. The Recruit is not owned by McMillin. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. Since the transfer of "custody" to the Sea Cadets did not happen, the City, McMillin Cos. and the Midway museum are working on a plan for preservation. Recruit's future is back in limbo again! Until some bonified "non-profit" group (veteran related) is able to come up with a plan and take custody, not much will be happening.
Yes, the building codes and every other related ordinance will have to be a part of any work or restoration. But, as has been the case in almost every other historical preservation those requirements can be worked with. As an example, if a Navy veteran owned contacting company were to donate some structural repairs they would certainly be held to the code and be able to,
As for "Trespassing". you could read some of the available information related to the Recruit. Such as those conditions included in the NTC Final Documents adopted by the City of San Diego and specifically as an example, RESOLUTION NUMBER R-30025 1 ADOPTED ON MARCH 15, ^05 (related to the hotel development) where "public access" to the Recruit and the proerty it is on must be maintained.
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