Submarine Chaser Training Center, Miami

History

US Navy Small Craft Training Centers (SCTC) were United States Navy training bases used to train sailors in the operation of the many small wooden crafts used in World War II. These crafts were given the nickname Splinter Fleet. There was a shortage of steel and steel shipyards during World War II, so there was a need for a vast wooden fleet of crafts. The Small Craft Training Centers had classrooms and crafts for training. The bases had barrack housing and mess halls. To get the men and crafts out into the field quickly, at many of the bases men trained on new ships. The new ships were at the center for about 4 weeks as part of the vessel's sea trial. Tugboats, Minesweepers, Net laying ships, Crash boats, PT boats and other crafts built near the center were taken to the Small Craft Training Centers for testing.

Text adapted from Wikipedia: US Navy Small Craft Training Center (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Timeline

1. 1942–1945
   Crews for subchasers, patrol craft and destroyer escorts train here, often on the new ships themselves; the small craft earn the nickname 'Donald Duck Navy'.
   Wikipedia: US Navy Small Craft Training Center
2. 10 June 1943
   USS Andres arrives at Miami as a school ship
   NHHC DANFS: Andres (DE-45)
3. March 1942
   Submarine Chaser Training Center founded at Miami, Florida.
   Wikipedia: US Navy Small Craft Training Center