United States Naval Disciplinary Command

• Origins in WWII: The United States Naval Disciplinary Command (USNDC) was originally established during World War II to manage and reform naval personnel convicted of crimes, reflecting the Navy’s growing need for a formal correctional system. • Located in Portsmouth: One of the most well-known USNDC facilities was located at Portsmouth Naval Prison, also known as the “Castle” due to its imposing granite architecture. • Rehabilitation Focus: The USNDC emphasized rehabilitation over mere punishment, instituting training, education, and work programs designed to prepare prisoners for successful reintegration into naval service or civilian life. • Strict Discipline: The command was known for its strict discipline, with daily routines, inspections, and military drills forming a core part of inmate life. • Notable Inmates: Over the decades, the USNDC housed a variety of inmates, including high-profile court-martialed personnel and even a few German and Italian POWs during WWII. • Use of the "Brig": The term "brig" is synonymous with naval prisons, and the USNDC helped popularize this term throughout the U.S. military. • Closure and Legacy: The Portsmouth facility, a key part of the USNDC, was closed in 1974. Its closure marked the end of an era, but the Navy continues to run smaller brigs and correctional commands. • Famous Escape Attempts: The Portsmouth Naval Prison was the site of several daring escape attempts, though most were unsuccessful due to the prison’s isolated location and strict security. • Training for Guards: Personnel assigned to the USNDC received special training in military law, corrections, and psychology, helping to professionalize military corrections. • Architectural Landmark: The imposing Portsmouth prison structure, built in 1905, still stands today and is considered a historic landmark, though it is no longer used for its original purpose.