Eigth Naval District,New Orleans,LA

• Established in World War I: The Eighth Naval District was originally established during World War I in 1917 to coordinate naval activities in the Gulf Coast region. • Geographic Coverage: The district’s area of responsibility included Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Alabama, the western part of Florida, and parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas. • World War II Expansion: During World War II, the Eighth Naval District became a critical hub for naval operations, overseeing shipyards, training centers, and coastal defense installations. • Naval Air Stations: The district oversaw several important facilities, such as Naval Air Station New Orleans and Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, which trained thousands of pilots. • German U-Boat Threat: During WWII, the Gulf of Mexico became a battleground with German U-boats sinking Allied shipping; the Eighth Naval District coordinated anti-submarine patrols and convoy protection. • Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES): The district played a role in integrating women into the Navy through the WAVES program, with many serving in administrative and technical positions in New Orleans. • Historic Headquarters: The district’s headquarters was located at the old U.S. Custom House in downtown New Orleans, a historic 19th-century building. • Postwar Role: After WWII, the district managed reserve units, decommissioned ships, and maintained readiness during the Cold War era. • Disaster Response: The Eighth Naval District coordinated Navy support during natural disasters, such as hurricanes, providing relief and logistics in the Gulf region. • Disestablishment: The Eighth Naval District was disestablished in 1971 as part of a Navy-wide reorganization, with its functions absorbed by other commands, but its legacy remains central to naval history in the Gulf South.