Submarine Research Center - African-Americans in the Submarine Force

AFRICAN-AMERICANS IN THE SUBMARINE FORCE

Since 01-12-05

Your attention is invited to a new book written by Glenn A. Knobloch on a little considered subject: the role of the African-American in submarine history. The book is titled, "Black Submariners in the United States Navy" and covers the period from 1939 to 1970. It is being printed by McFarland Publishing Company.

African-Americans have a distinguished record in American submarines particularly during the Second World War. That record stands in contrast to the difficulties imposed on them by decades of intolerant official government policy. Before the war the government prohibited African-Americans from joining the Navy. When it finally lifted the ban the only rate available to black applicants was in food service, variously called mess attendant, steward, steward mate or officers' cook. During the Second World War these men in the basic rate of steward qualified without difficulty. Here was the irony of their situation - they were officially condemned to what was thought to be a simple rate yet they qualified in submarines which meant that they had to know the complexity of every system on the boat. In actual practice these men served in a variety of submarine jobs including helmsmen, planesmen, gunners, and torpedomen. Officially, they were qualified stewards, but they served their boats in whatever way was needed.

Edward Beach and others cited Joseph Cross of Halibut, Walter Pye Wilson of Trigger, George Lytle of Drum and Jim Stallings of Haddock for their contributions in combat. James Pruitt and James Patton of Puffer were instrumental in saving their boat when she was kept down for over 38 hours while Japanese destroyers pounded her with depth charges.

Once President Truman lifted the ban on rate application in 1947 the way was clear for advancement into technical rates and into officer ranks. Carl Kimmons and Kilraine Newton were the first two African-American submarine mustangs. They became competent submarine officers and served their country honorably until their retirement. Peter Tzomes became the first African-American to command a nuclear submarine when assumed command of the USS Houston (SSN-713).

In November of 2004 Submarine Research Center had the pleasure of interviewing Rear Admiral Melvin G. Williams Jr., Commander, Submarine Group NINE at the Submarine Base, Bangor, Washington. Ideas of advanced submarine systems technology and management theory in the van of organizational development burst from him in a torrent of information. His dedication to the American submarine force eclipsed all other considerations including rank, personal heritage or professional background. His vitality and enthusiasm for submarines are in the finest traditions of those who have come before us- Swede Momsen, Mush Morton, Carl Trost and many others.

American submarine history is inclusive of every crew member in every rate and every officer of every rank, irrespective of personal heritage. Success in submarines at every level is only dependent upon a person's drive, commitment and intelligence. The African-American's history in submarines is burdened by policies of intolerance and indifference, but those days are just that - history. Any lingering vestiges of prejudice have melted away and today's Navy depends on the talents of all those who serve.

Anderson Royal, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, pictured above right, made seven war patrol during World War Two, four aboard the Silversides and three on Dragonet. After the war, he changed his rate from Steward to Electronics Technician and made chief in that rate. He was instrumental in developing the rate of Electronic Warfare Technician.

Albert Rozar of Macon, Georgia, pictured above left, made the first war patrol in December of 1941 as a late addition to the crew of Gudgeon. He would later attend gunnery school before making four more war patrols on Pargo.

Rear Admiral Melvin G. Williams Jr, Commander Submarine Group NINE, photographed during an informal lunch and subsequent explanation of advanced submarine technology.