Naval Photographic Center

The Naval Photographic Center (NPC) was established during World War II as a key unit within the United States Navy responsible for the creation, processing, and distribution of photographic and motion picture materials. Located in Anacostia, Washington, D.C., the center played a vital role in documenting naval operations, producing training films, and providing reconnaissance imagery for intelligence purposes. Throughout the Cold War and into the Vietnam era, the NPC continued to innovate in photographic technology, supporting both operational and public relations efforts of the Navy. Its legacy endures in the vast archives of visual documentation that continue to serve as an important resource for military history and research.