BUILDING BLUE JACKETS

This official U.S. Navy recruiting film dates to the 1930s (:13). It shows a tour of a training station and details the new students’ training courses prior to being assigned to sea duty. Its not clear where it was shot, although the architecture of some buildings is reminiscent of the U.S. Naval Station at San Diego. (The large domed building at :58 is hard to identify however.) The film opens with a young sailor introducing the film (:31). The new sailors are shown on the field for early morning drill practice (:58) led by the Navy band. The sailors are provided with complete uniforms which they are responsible for washing (2:08). A drill is then conducted as sailors lined in two rows pack and unpack their supplies (2:34). Experienced boating instructors watch over as the sailors learn to operate small row boats (3:07). One sailor blows a horn as another rings a bell (4:06) to announce the beginning of church ceremonies as the Navy Chaplin is available to provide the men with religious services (4:49). The young sailor whom had introduced the film returns to inform viewers after just a few weeks of training they are ready to pass in review as they head out to join the fleet (6:03). The new Blue Jackets are seen marching led by the Navy band (6:21). The American flag is seen alongside the men’s battalion flag as they pass in review (7:37) as the film concludes shortly after (9:24).