About this Unit
USNR Whitestone, NY, refers to a United States Naval Reserve unit historically located in Whitestone, Queens, New York. Established during the mid-20th century, the unit served as a critical training and mobilization center for Navy Reservists in the greater New York City area. Throughout its operational years, USNR Whitestone provided essential support for fleet augmentation, particularly during periods of heightened military activity such as the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The unit fostered strong ties with the local community and played a vital role in maintaining naval readiness until its eventual closure and consolidation with other reserve facilities in the region.
Historical Facts
• Historical Significance: The US Naval Reserve Center (USNR) Whitestone in Queens, New York, was established during World War II to support the growing need for naval personnel and training facilities.
• Strategic Location: Situated near the East River, the Whitestone center provided easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, making it a strategic site for naval operations and logistics.
• World War II Contributions: The center played a vital role in training reservists and processing naval personnel for deployment during World War II, supporting both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.
• Cold War Operations: During the Cold War, USNR Whitestone was involved in preparing reserve units for rapid mobilization in case of conflict, reflecting the era’s heightened military readiness.
• Community Engagement: The center hosted numerous public events, including open houses, parades, and Navy Days, fostering strong ties with the Queens and greater New York community.
• Home to Multiple Units: Over the decades, Whitestone hosted various Navy Reserve units, including Seabees, intelligence units, and surface warfare detachments, broadening its operational scope.
• Training Innovations: The facility was among the first Reserve centers to implement modern simulation technologies and advanced training programs for reservists in the 1970s and 1980s.
• Notable Alumni: Many reservists who trained at Whitestone went on to achieve high ranks and receive commendations for service, both in active duty and reserve capacities.
• Base Closure and Legacy: USNR Whitestone was closed in the mid-1990s as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, but its legacy continues through the veterans and reservists who served there.
• Commemorative Efforts: Former service members and local historians have worked to preserve the memory of USNR Whitestone through reunions, oral history projects, and online archives, ensuring its stories are not forgotten.
