United States. Navy. Pre-Flight School (Chapel Hill, N.C.)

In February 1942, the United States Navy announced the establishment of a pre-flight school to train naval pilots on the campus of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C. The University hosted the second stage of a one-year training program for the servicemen. Cadets began arriving in May 1942 at the rate of about 300 every two weeks until a quota of 1,875 was reached. The program graduated its first class in October of that year. To accommodate the influx of servicemen, the University renovated ten dormitories, expanded Woollen Gymnasium, and built a new infirmary, recreation center (Navy Hall), and athletic field. The Pre-Flight School closed in 1945.

From the description of United States Navy Pre-Flight School (Chapel Hill, N.C.) photographic collection, 1942-1945. WorldCat record id: 43026542

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