United States Navy Pre-Flight School (University of North Carolina) Photographic Collection, 1942-1945

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United States Navy Pre-Flight School (University of North Carolina) Photographic Collection, 1942-1945

United States Navy Pre-Flight School (University of North Carolina) Photographic Collection, 1942-1945

http://www2.lib.unc.edu/ncc/pcoll/inv/P0027/P0027.html

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. The United States Navy Pre-Flight School Photographic Collection consists of approximately 6,000 negatives made by United States Navy photographers. The images document the work of the Pre-Flight School, including both training and social activities. Included are photographs of the Pre-Flight School's African American band that played at campus and community events. The band toured in the Pacific in 1944.

6,000; 7.5

eng,

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library. North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives.