U.S. Navy Recruits in San Diego in 1917 -- (Not So) Wordless Wednesday #918

This is a priceless (to me) image in my computer file folders from the Carringer family collection:

This photo is from 1917 in Balboa Park in San Diego, California.  I thought that this might have  been my maternal grandfather Lyle Carringer's Marine recruit company, but the MyHeritage Scribe AI tool told me the uniforms were for the United States Navy.  So my grandfather is not in this photograph, which was in my collection of Lyle Carringer photographs.  

Here is more information from the MyHeritage Scribe AI feature:

a)  Key findings:

A wide-angle, black-and-white photograph capturing a large platoon of men in white naval uniforms conducting rifle drill on a broad, sunlit paved plaza. The men are arranged in precise formations, with an instructor directing them. The background features elaborate Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, characteristic of an exposition or grand public space, surrounded by mature trees and manicured landscaping. The mood is disciplined and militaristic, typical of wartime training.

b)  Historical background:

The photograph depicts US Navy recruits undergoing basic training (drill) during the rapid military expansion following the United States' entry into World War I in April 1917. Because permanent facilities were overwhelmed, the Navy leased space in Balboa Park, San Diego, utilizing the empty pavilions from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition as barracks and training grounds. This temporary Naval Training Camp operated until the permanent Naval Training Station (NTC) at Point Loma was completed in 1923. Researchers looking for individuals in this photo should consult WWI US Navy muster rolls and enlistment records for the San Diego training camp.

c)  Estimated date:

Date: 1917. 

Confidence: High. 

Reasoning: The provided context suggests May-July 1917, which aligns perfectly with historical facts. The US entered WWI in April 1917, prompting a massive influx of naval recruits. The Navy utilized Balboa Park for training starting in 1917 before moving to the permanent Naval Training Center (NTC) at Point Loma in 1923. The uniforms and rifles are consistent with the WWI era.

d)  Estimated location:

Location: Plaza de Panama, Balboa Park, San Diego, California, USA. 

Confidence: High. 

Reasoning: The highly distinctive Spanish Colonial Revival architecture in the background matches the buildings constructed for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park. During WWI, the US Navy took over parts of the park for a training camp.

c)  Visual Clues:  

People: Dozens of men wearing US Navy enlisted summer white uniforms, including the iconic white canvas 'Dixie cup' hats, white jumpers, and trousers. They are equipped with dark cartridge belts and bayonet scabbards. 

Objects: Bolt-action rifles (likely M1903 Springfields) used for drill. 

]Environment: The background architecture is distinctly Spanish Colonial Revival, featuring ornate facades, arched walkways, and a prominent tower with intricate relief work. This perfectly matches the structures built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park, San Diego.

I requested MyHeritage to colorize this photograph. 

This event is part of my family history!!

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