Naval Photographic Center

• Origins in WWII: The Naval Photographic Center (NPC) traces its roots to World War II, when the U.S. Navy recognized the critical need for dedicated photographic documentation and intelligence. • Location: The main facility was based in Anacostia, Washington, D.C., and included specially designed vaults, studios, and processing labs. • Presidential and VIP Coverage: The NPC was responsible for filming and photographing presidential events, senior military leaders, and major naval ceremonies. • Hollywood Collaboration: The Center worked closely with Hollywood studios, providing footage and technical expertise for feature films and training reels, notably during and after WWII. • “Victory at Sea”: The Emmy and Peabody award-winning documentary series "Victory at Sea" was crafted using extensive footage archived at the NPC. • Classified Missions: Many NPC cameramen were deployed on classified missions, capturing images of atomic bomb tests, submarine launches, and covert operations. • Technological Innovation: The NPC pioneered the use of color film, aerial photography, and underwater cinematography within the U.S. Navy. • Vietnam War Documentation: The Center played a major role in documenting naval operations during the Vietnam War, including riverine warfare and carrier operations. • Massive Archives: The NPC amassed one of the world’s largest collections of military film and photographs, much of which is now stored at the U.S. National Archives. • Legacy and Transition: In the 1970s and 1980s, the NPC’s functions were gradually absorbed into the Defense Visual Information Center (DVIC), but its historical footage remains invaluable for researchers and filmmakers.