Every Friday we post something on social media that is either a fact or is fiction. People can comment which they think it is before heading here to find the correct answer. Here is Friday Fact or Fiction #26!
Today’s Post: The Naval Training School at Grove City College operated from 1942 – 1945. In recognition of its services to the United States, a Victory Ship, the SS Grove City Victory, was named for Grove City College.
Answer: FACT! As can be found via the Grove City Area Historical Society and Museum’s website. Here are excerpts:
The Naval Training School at Grove City College was the first of the Navy’s primary EE and RM training to be organized in the East. There were seven of these schools established in the United States.
The school was authorized in early February 1942. Its commanding officer was Lt. Commander William F. Grogan. With the help of Dr. Weir C. Ketler, College President, and Russell P. Smith, educational director, Grogan the training program was organized and under way in less than one month.
On March 1st the first hundred RT2c reservists started training and on May 1st a Marine training detachment was authorized.
Memorial Dormitory was converted into barracks to house the men. The college gymnasium and athletic field were available to the enlisted men. Local facilities were also used. The local community swimming pool was reserved for the men of the naval school on Sundays. A local USO provided varied entertainment – dances, picnics, lounges, and reading rooms.
Courses in mathematics and communications training for radar, sonar, and radio were taught. Through classroom, laboratory, and shop instruction, the Navy’s radio technicians received a thorough grounding in basic electrical principles, including radio, uhf and cathode-ray tubes.
The Navy contract ended in 1945.
In recognition of its services to the United States, a Victory Ship, the SS Grove City Victory, was named for Grove City College.
Note:
On March 17, 1945 construction was begun on Victory Ship Hull # 750 at the Permanente/ Kaiser Shipyard, Yard #2 in Richmond, California, It was a 6,000 hp (4.5 MW) general cargo vessel.
Victory ships were produced in large numbers to meet the cargo shipping needs of World War II.
On April 28, 1945 this ship was launched as the SS Grove City Victory. Hull Number 750; VC2-S-AP2/USAT.