Submarine crews were typically very close, and despite the dangers they faced, they had high esprit de corps. However, life was much different on a submarine compared to a warship in the surface fleet. Stewards in the submarine fleet also served as ammunition passers, were assigned to gun crews, manned the helm, bow, or stern planes, and assisted with reloading torpedoes. For African American stewards serving on submarines, there were many additional responsibilities. This included Black Sailors, which in turn motivated many stewards to volunteer for submarine duty. ![]() Due to the hazardous nature of submarine duty, those who volunteered received additional pay. In addition to the surface fleet, the Navy’s submarine force was comprised only of volunteers, and it became an option for Black Sailors. ![]() Even with recruitment policy changes, the Navy was still heavily segregated, and African Americans serving on combat vessels were still primarily stewards. Joseph Cross, a steward who made eight war patrols during WWII and received the Bronze Star ( Naval Undersea Museum)Īfter June 1, 1942, African Americans could enlist for jobs outside of service ratings, although their options were again limited.
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