BLUEJACKET PARK THEN AND NOW, NTC Orlando 

I went to boot camp there in 1986, Company K062. Wow! I am overwhelmed with emotion and memories thanks to this video! Wonderful job! Thank you so much!! I tried to share that part of my life with my daughters several years ago while on vacation in Orlando. I was so disappointed that it was gone. Now, I am able to share a smidge of that time with them through this video. Thank you again for this!! I hope someone from K062 sees this and gets in touch....I'd love to reunite with my sisters!!

Frankly I find it pretty sad the City of Orlando didn't leave one trace of RTC Orlando when designing this new project. No telling how many hundreds of thousands of sailors (like myself) went thru their rights of passage at that location and the only reminder of this milestone in their lives was naming some lame assed park. One building could have been saved, maybe the chapel or something, maybe a street or the walk down between the barracks. It was all brand new construction not that long ago so there is really no excuse. Too late now. The City of Orlando could have done better.

Thanks for the memories. I was there in 1969. Sure has changed from then to now

I went to boot camp at RTC Orlando in 1988; I was in company K101. Thanks for making this video. I think it's kind of sad that RTC Orlando doesn't exist anymore.

Thank you for bringing back the memories of RTC, Orlando FL! Sad to see that it's gone replaced with real estate.

Company 024 Feb-Apr 1970 CC BMC Mimna. Thanks for the video. I still have my company picture and Rudder.

I was in company K076 in 1984. I graduated and went on to serve 7 1/2 years. What is really sad is that almost every base that I served on is gone: RTC Orlando, NAS Treasure Island, NAS Adak, IS "A" school at Lowery AFB, Naval Station Naples, Italy, and US Space Command at Peterson AFB .

Lots of memories watching this. Co 3037D Jan - Mar 76. Retired DPSC 20 years later. I'd do it again. Go Navy!

I was there October, 1972 until graduation. Coming from California, I really remember the humidity and heat on the grinder. Since I was RCC, I had to duplicate all PT handed out as punishment for infractions. I passed out on a number of occasions. I'll also never forget the 10gallon hats of the locals at the airport, the full haircut, the air gun vaccinations in both arms simultaneously, and the empty trash can alarm clock every morning. It couldn't have been any more fun! Hard to believe that was 44years ago! Thanks for the video, and thanks for the memories.

Thanks for the memories, I went to RTC Orlando during the Summer of 1974, the heat and humidity was a real killer but somehow I made it through basic and I'm now retired USN. I'd do it all over again!

Company c030 jan 1989 Orlando. I visited the park recently and it brought me to tears. The memories and great bonds I still have to this day with some of those men is amazing.

Navy boot camp in Orlando started for me on Aug. 18, 1977. All of us new arrivals were bombarded with the question, was it true, Elvis had died two days prior. My training unit was 330 with Frames in charge. All the Navy women went to boot camp in Orlando. It was nice to smell perfume on the women so early in the morning while waiting to go into the mess hall. A few years ago when I could not find the base on Google Maps, I knew developers had gotten a hold of it. It's a shame a barracks and the chapel could not be saved. It's hard to believe the other warm weather RTC in San Diego is also closed. My older brother went to boot camp there before being sent to Vietnam. The only RTC left is Great Lakes. My father was there in the winter and almost froze before being a cook aboard ship during Korea. Dad was also in the Army 82nd Division during WWII. Thanks for the video and all who have served our nation faithfully in the armed services. God bless each and every one.

My wife loves this video. She went through there from December 1990 through February 1991, before "A" school in San Diego.

I was in C043 and graduated in February 1984. Retired in 2004. I just went to Orlando and visited the park. Thank you for doing this!!! I always wondered what happened to the base.

I trained at NTC Orlando November 1978. Thank You for the memories.

I attended RTC Orlando Company 065 in 1978. I remember the very early arrival at around 0200 hours and being exhausted when they woke us up a couple hours earlier. A certain sadness comes over me seeing that grinder gone, the mess hall, and the other places-Chapel.....that I frequented. I didn't notice the commissary. Thank you for sharing shipmate. I remained enlisted working right alongside my Marine Corps brothers and sisters in the aviation field up until 1987. Semper Fidelis

the screen is all blurry for some reason, thank you for the memories!! Feb 71 - Apr 71

I spent about 5 months on that base back in 1985 - Two months of Boot Camp, then about 3 months of BE&E ("Basic Electronics and Electricity") on the other side of the base. Our barracks then was across the sidewalk from the Nuke School. Our barracks on that side of the base was "quads" - each building was three floors with 4 or 5 (I don't remember the exact number) quads per floor. Each quad had a common lounge area with 4 rooms off, and each room housed 4 people. A lot different than the barracks we had thereon the RTC side of base.

I went thru basic training here in July Aug Sept of 1970. Company 116. Basic lasted 12 weeks then. Beautiful base. Thank you very much for posting.

C195 in July - September1987. Stayed at NTC until August 1988 (A school and Power School). I drove by the property in July 2001, hoping to show my wife a little bit of my history. Was sad to see that it was all gone by then... thanks for the memories!

Thanks for posting this; wish I had found your video before I visited the site 5-6 years ago - it was tough trying to picture where everything was. Wish they would have kept the USS Bluejacket 1, especially given the park name. Worth a visit, and just being back on the same patch of land brought back some memories that I thought were long gone. RTC for boot camp, then NTC for EM A-School and Nuke School.

I never thought I'd look back on that place with such fondness. I reported there for training on Jan. 9th, 1991. Just a few days later Desert Storm began. The bombing continued for weeks and all we knew of it was what our CC's told us. The ground war started and ended very quickly and not long after my company (C056) graduated. I was awarded the National Defense ribbon because I was in during a time of war. Never felt right about wearing it and didn't until my chief told me that he understood my sentiment but it was a part of my uniform and I had to put the ribbon on. Anyway, all these years later, I'm sad that RTC Orlando is gone but it's good to see the land has been put to good use.

Thanks for the memories.. Nicely done. I was in Company 232, from Feb 3, 1976 to graduation a couple months later, in early April 1976... spent many hours on that grinder.

You can still see my "grinder reminder" faintly in my forehead to this day!

I was there in the summer of 1988, thanks for the memories.

Great Job on this! I was there in 1985. 4 years enlisted, Honorable Discharge. Back around 2001 or 2002, I tried to sneak in there but only got as far as the grinder. Again, thanks for your research on this.

1987, C096. Awesome memories!

What great memories. Company 430F Graduated April 1975. I met a bunch of wonderful guys. I've never been able to track any of them down.

Thanks for this video. I went to NTC Orlando in November of 1988. I was RCPO of C026. I visited Blue Jacket Park a couple years ago and according to your map placements, I correctly estimated where the north grinder and the Blue Jacket 1 were situated (I had Google maps and a picture to help).

Thanks for the memories! This was boot camp for me in spring of 1977. Then two years later for IC school.

I’m so chocked up right now...1988/ K062...memories indeed.

Reported to RTC Orlando in Sept. 84, C243. Had the best CCs, CPO Rivas and PO1 Washington. I still remember when they woke us up early one morning, took us on the roof of the barracks, then Chief Rivas pointed in one direction and told us to look that way. A few minutes later we saw the Space Shuttle climbing after lift off. Chief Rivas and PO Washington were two truly wonderful leaders. I remember Chief Rivas telling us on our first or second day in the barracks, "We know you've all heard the stories about how we're just going to mess with you and make things as hard as possible for you, but forget that. We've got too much to teach you to waste time doing that". That's not a verbatim quote but it was along those lines. If by chance Chief Rivas or PO Washington should happen to see this, thank you gentlemen for putting me on a successful path in life.

Went to boot camp there in 1969, company 127. Was American Spirit Award winner. Remember the grinder well!

This brings back memories. Bootcamp and BE&E in 84 and early 85. Thanks for keeping it alive.

I was there in 73 also. It looked like a college campus & I always thought what incredible development potential it had. I never dreamed it would be razed to the ground & homes & condos put up. But it's such a "Florida" thing to do.

Wanted to convey my sincere gratitude. Graduated early 1982. Brought back many memories. Best Regards

Was there end of Feb 84' to 1st week of May (CO95), we were awarded the White Flag of Excellence, and one gig away (one guy's dog tag was out on our final personal inspection) from winning the Red HOF Flag. Was at Disney this week and made it a point to drop by Blue Jacket Park and walk around for 30 minutes or so before getting back on the highway. Glad I did as it brought back special memories.....mostly of youth. It started raining so I jogged back to the car and it suddenly dawned on me, "I'm running on the grinder again"!!!

Graduated December 1972 Company 333 Crews Crew and then QM A School Newport Rhode Island. Thanks for the memories

I went there in 1977 I didn't realize it was Gone This was kinda a shock to me. So Sad

I was in the Corps back in '88. I went to Naval Aviation Ordnance(NAS Memphis) school and many of my classmates were sailors from RTC Orlando. When I just recently moved to Orlando I sought it out. I knew it was closed but had no idea it was so dismantled. Such a shame. Good video though. Thanks.

Yup, went to Glenridge Jr high. Was across from Bluejacket. Every other Friday, BOOM BOOM BOOM big gun salute for graduations. I remember the trainer pilots flying low overhead and the B-52s heading into McCoy annex.

I attended RTC Orlando from December 10, 1970 to graduation on February 26, 1971 in Company 214. Our Company Commander was CS1 Gilbert Twitty. What great memories. After graduation I had 14 days leave and then back to Personnelman Class A school for 8 weeks and then to the fleet on the USS INDEPENDENCE CVA-62. Loved Sunday afternoons going to the exchange and the "roach coach" to buy gedunks!

I was at RTC Orlando in 1986, and it was one of my great regrets in life that, on the second "P" day, after asking for permission to go to the head, I ran for the fence. I was later discharged (RE-4, but not before first being sent to "Sleepers" unit - does anyone know what that is? Be glad you don't), and I have regretted that day for the rest of my life (I am now 49, I was 17 at the time). Some people have told me that no matter how bad I feel about myself for failing, better it be that I failed at bootcamp, and not during actual service, or while at war, as that kind of failure could cost lives, not just mine. Great video, thanks.

I went to NTC Orlando for boot camp in 1992. I was prior service coming over from the Army Reserves and a year before was in Saudi Arabia for Desert Shield/Storm. The first time the severe weather siren went off I had a flashback and dove under a bunk because it was the same siren for when a SCUD was inbound. Needless to say I got pulled into the CC's office to explain myself.

Awesome! I was in Company 223 in 1973. U.S.S. Never Sail on the Grinder. We were told the previous 5 Company 223's were military and brigade winners.......well, we were the 6TH CONSECUTIVE company 223 to win the whole shebang! Wow!

Went to boot camp there in August 78, hot, humid, wishing for Black Flag Days. Like your video we were held at the airport till after dark so we couldn't see where were going and taken to RIF. Probally got to sleep around 2 with garbage can reveille at 4. Did my 20 and retired, glad I went in when it was a work hard play hard mentality...

Very nice to see this footage brought back memories from Spring 92. Can't wait for RTC Reunion 2016! I live in Deltona Florida and go to Lake Baldwin VA so I get to see it more often than others.

Nov 78-Jan 79. So happy not to have gone to Great Lakes! Went back for NAVET in 1985. That was much more fun ;)

Arrived at RTC Orlando 18AUG81 Company C217. Remember it all so well. Back then everyone couldn't wait until it was over. Looking back at this video brings back the Great Memories. Hard to believe it is all gone. A little piece of each of us that Trained at RTC Orlando died with it once it was gone.

I was in CO 042, graduated February of 1984. Excellent video thanks for the memories.

Awesome video. I was there in "84". Wish it was still there. It is ashame we closed down some nice bases.

Brought back some memories. Company 527 sir...arrived 18 June 1975.

Awesome footage and comparing then to now! Thank you brother! I was there in spring of '88

I arrived there in July 1973. Boot camp was great! (Must be hind sight saying that!) Thanks for the memories!

Thank you for this! It's sad that the base is no more. C-182, 1984.

Was stationed at then Orlando AFB from Oct ‘64 to end of June 68 when the Navy took over. Hot, humid backwater back then..then DISNEY WORLD! So glad I got my transfer to Travis AFB, Calif. !!!

Graduated December, 1986 C003 Great Video! Thanks for the upload and all the work put into it. Unreal to see the area today!

Wow.. Company C090 March 12, 1991. We were in the barracks at the far left, and they were infested with Brown Recluse spiders. One guy got bit, finger swelled up pretty good. I almost got bit by one, a good shipmate squashed it as we were "on the line" as it crept towards my shower shoe wearing feet. I remember having night watch in the barracks and the compartment upstairs being so dark and a fair amount of spiders... yea we just checked that compartment off as SAT. Thank you for the video!! This is awesome.

That was a great video. I arrived one month after you did. 1 November 1973.

C089 1979. I guess throwing the trash can down the barracks must be a tradition because that was what we were treated on our first night when our company was formed. The company after us, 090, had a company commander who was a retiring Master Chief, so his company was allowed to Pass in Review in crackerjacks versus the blazer. Damn the luck!

The new park is beautiful, but they should have kept "Bluejacket 1". When they leveled the San Diego base, they kept the ship simulator as a tourist attraction

November 1982. CPO Miller + PO1 Lokey. Division Yeoman. Ran errands delivering paperwork. Had to walk past several 'motours' on division sidewalk. Puddle of sweat survival mode for those guys. Anyway. Onward to Meridian, MS and Pacific Fleet, San Diego. Two Westpacs then forward deployed in Yokosuka. All in 4 years time. 7th Fleet. Many weeks in R.P. Philippines. Wild stuff during our youth. Merica strong!

I did my basic training there. I thought it was a good place, but I don't miss that grinder.

thanks for the memories.. My son graduated Navy basic in great lakes Il in 1995... the first I learned that Orlando had closed the base!

Thanks for the video. CO65 1982. Never any seagulls on the grinder on days they served chicken. Hmmm...

Great video. Arrived there 10-5-77 Lots of Memories

I also served here. Thanks for the video and good memories.

Was there July and august of 77 Boot Camp. 4 yr hitch. 7th fleet CV-62. It was scrapped a while back. It’s sad for me.

C201 1989 I still have my boots with the heels ground off from those grinders. Great memories.

This is really, really well made. Thank you. When you took that drone down the grinder I looked up at the sky, just like I did lying on my back in 1976 doing sit ups, wishing I was on one of those airplanes heading out of Orlando on my way home. Brought back some great memories - thank you. Beautifully done. I was in Company 395, August-October 1976 under Company Commander TM1(SS) Ernie Goodwin, USN. I went on in the Navy to retire in 1999 after 23 years service. I'll NEVER forget Orlando and the experiences I had in boot camp there. Fantastic. Thanks again.

Nice to see it as it was and now is.

Ohhh...the lake! What a Liberty that was!

Nice footage... I went through in January 1989, K046. I heard they built condos on the area, but was not aware of the park. I will visit the area later this year. Thank you again for sharing :))

Jul - Sep 73. Company 173. Our barracks was next to the Blue Jacket.

Was RCPO of C176 in 1980 I now go there for clinic appointments.

great video. I was There in August 87 c221 thanks for making it.

I attended NTC Orlando in 1981. KO91

Thanks for the memories 1982 RTC, NTC Orlando C 232 Company Commander Chief Lyons ,Chief Sullivan the best got us ready for the challenge and life in the Navy .

C072 1989. I'm sad to see WS&PT is gone. I did my workweek there, as well as got permission to swim before normal PT. I spent many hours swimming, cleaning it, and training recruits in remedial swim.

Arrived RTC Orlando 18Aug81, as an AR striking for AMS. Never in my life did I think four years later I would be in AOCS, Flight Schools, and Retire a Naval Aviator in 2010.

Thanks

Company 144. CC was BMC Padgham(?) May 1974 to August 1974

054th 1975. My boot camp best friend went to the Eisenhower About Jan 76

I left there in Nov 1981 and mm2 hamm was our cc I served for 10 years in the navy and 11 years in the tx army national guard

Awesome thanks for memories

K109 ! 1987 . NTC Orlando , great memories .

This is great, thanks! I was there August 1983-?? , C171.

8:16 I reported to RTC Orlando Nov 19, 1970. Was RCPO of Co 201, the Flag Company. Excellent training location. Made no sense for it to close. Politics involved!

C-219!!. graduated November 1988

I went to boot camp there in 1981 company C011 so many great memories thanks for this video I actually try to see if I can visit the area but not sure what is the address of the park now in 2023

I was there as the RCPO prior service for company 035 I had senior chief ziegenbein and first class petty officer corlette what a good time

Graduated July 6th, ‘79

Was there Sept. 1977 T.U. 371, we won the torch and cheerio flags. Couldn't march worth a damn but boy we were a athlete bunch.

I attended TM A School here. I remember the TM Barracks were the least desirable on base but we made do. I admit I was very excited during Boot Camp in Great Lakes to learn about the 'Zumwalt' uniform as an alternative to the Crackerjacks but they were deleted after 10/82. Loved that Combo Cap!

C062 1991, many memories of this and how it turned me from a boy into a man.

I went there From December 1990 to 1991 I forget what month I left.

Would love to see someone post a video showing a then and now of ALL the places at RTC then and now. I like this video very much but would love to see more than just barracks, BJ and north grinder. Graduated 1978

C024 "meatheads" Arrived Oct31st 1987, Looking back at this reminds me of so much.

I was there in 1990. I was in C-197, we won the "Cheerio" flag in the Recruit Olympics. I was elected to carry the company flag.

Wow! Thanks Shipmate! Yup, we were all RIFF's once. RCPO Russell Carson TU342 Aug-Oct 1977