How Do I Find Someone That Was in the Navy?
Finding someone who has served in the Navy can be a challenging task, especially if you don’t know where to start. However, with the right resources and strategies, you can increase your chances of locating the individual you’re looking for.
Why Find Someone Who Served in the Navy?
Before we dive into the methods of finding someone who served in the Navy, it’s essential to understand why you might want to do so. Here are a few reasons:
- Reconnect with a lost friend or family member: You may have lost touch with a friend or family member who served in the Navy, and you want to reestablish contact.
- Research a historical event or project: You may be a historian, researcher, or journalist looking to gather information about a specific event or project that involved the Navy.
- Find a veteran for a project or business: You may be looking for a veteran with specific skills or experience to work on a project or business venture.
Where to Start
Before you begin your search, you should have some basic information about the person you’re looking for. This includes:
- Name: The person’s full name, including any nicknames or aliases.
- Service dates: The years they served in the Navy.
- Rank: Their rank or rate in the Navy.
- Ship or unit: The ship or unit they served on or with.
With this information, you can start your search using the following methods:
Contents
Online Resources
- National Archives and Records Administration (NARA): NARA maintains records of military personnel, including those who served in the Navy. You can search their online database, Access to Archival Databases (AAD), for information on Navy personnel.
- National Personnel Records Center (NPRC): The NPRC is responsible for maintaining records of military personnel, including those who served in the Navy. You can submit a request for information through their online portal.
- Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC): The NHHC maintains records and archives of the Navy’s history, including personnel records. You can search their online database for information on Navy personnel.
Social Media and Online Communities
- Facebook groups: Join Facebook groups dedicated to Navy veterans, such as Navy Veterans or Navy Reunions, and post a message asking if anyone knows the person you’re looking for.
- Reddit: Share your search on Reddit’s r/Navy community, and ask for help finding the person.
- Navy veteran forums: Look for online forums or discussion boards dedicated to Navy veterans, and post a message asking for help.
Local Libraries and Archives
- Local libraries: Visit local libraries in the area where the person served, and ask if they have any records or archives related to the Navy.
- Local archives: Contact local archives or historical societies in the area where the person served, and ask if they have any records or information related to the Navy.
Directories and Databases
- Veterans’ directories: Search online directories, such as Veterans’ Administration (VA) directories, for information on Navy veterans.
- Navy directories: Search online directories, such as Naval Directory, for information on Navy personnel.
Tips and Tricks
- Be patient: Finding someone who served in the Navy can take time, so be patient and persistent in your search.
- Be thorough: Make sure you have as much information as possible about the person you’re looking for before starting your search.
- Use multiple resources: Don’t rely on just one method or resource – use a combination of online resources, social media, and local libraries and archives to increase your chances of finding the person.
- Verify information: When you find information about the person, verify it through multiple sources to ensure accuracy.
Conclusion
Finding someone who served in the Navy requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to use a variety of resources. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of locating the individual you’re looking for. Remember to be thorough, patient, and thorough, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way.
Appendix
- Additional resources:
- Navy Personnel Records: www.archives.gov/st-louis/military-personnel
- Naval History and Heritage Command: www.history.navy.mil
- Veterans’ Administration: www.va.gov
Note: The above article is a general guide and may not be applicable to all situations. It is recommended to consult with a professional researcher or expert in the field for specific guidance and assistance.
