USS Recruit

USS Recruit is a two-thirds scale landlocked Dealey-class destroyer escort commissioned in 1949 to train US Navy recruits in San Diego. Built from sheet metal and wood framing over a concrete foundation, this historic structure now serves as a preserved naval artifact within Liberty Station. Visitors can view the ship up close and explore an iconic piece of San Diego's military history.

History

Commissioned in 1949, the USS Recruit was built as a landlocked training vessel at the United States Naval Training Center in San Diego, California. Its purpose was to provide new recruits with hands-on experience of shipboard life and operations, serving as an invaluable training tool for decades before the base's closure in 1997.

Expert notes

• Best viewed during daylight hours for optimal photos.
• Respect the surrounding area as it is part of a historic district.

Features

• Historic Significance
• Photo Opportunities
• Public Access