The first three chapters recount the impact of segregation on Black Navy servicemen. What are some of the ways that segregation and racism impacted life in the Navy?​

Small, Percy Robinson, DeWitt Jameson, and other blacks were segregated from the whites in their own hastily built training center. Policy would not allow black troops to train in specialized areas, such as electricians, radiomen, and mechanics, believing blacks were not smart enough to do so. Even the blood supply was segregated, though military leaders knew there was no difference between the blood of whites and blacks – yet no one would challenge the practice. When Secretary Knox visited Great Lakes, he did not come to the black camp, as he and others did not consider the blacks “real” sailors.

The men were also disappointed that they would not be stationed on ships according to the policy. Their job would be to load ammunition and explosives onto naval ships. While white officers gave the orders, blacks would be handling the explosives.