Naval Chaplains School History

The Naval Chaplains School began during World War II when large numbers of civilian clergy, most of whom had no prior military service, were required to minister to the religious needs of millions of young men and women who entered the Navy for the war-time emergency. This school was first located at Naval Station Norfolk the relocated to William and Mary College, Williamsburg, Virginia. The school was disestablished at the close of World War II.

In 1951, after the outbreak of Korean hostilities, the increased requirement for Chaplains dictated the need once again for an indoctrination course for newly procured Chaplains. The school was reestablished at Newport, Rhode Island, as part of the Naval Schools Command. It has remained in Newport since that time, becoming a school of the Naval Officer Training Center when this command was established on 15 July 1971. On 1 July 1974 the Training Command became Naval Education and Training Center Newport.

On 8 Aug 2000, after extensive building renovation and technological improvements the Naval Chaplains School was renamed "Brett Hall" in honor of the Chaplain Raymond Brett. Chaplain Brett was killed in combat action on 22 Feb 1968 on Hill 861-A (Khe Sanh Combat Base) along with his Chaplain Assistant Lance Corporal Alexander Chin. Brett Hall represents all those who have dedicated their lives to self-less service as spiritual leaders in the United States Navy, Marine and Coast Guard.

Whether on land or thousands of miles out to sea, members of the Chaplain Corps are the spiritual and emotional guides for a large and diverse group of Sailors, Marines, Coastguardsmen, and their families. Members of the clergy play a vital role in helping their fellow sea service personnel negotiate the crucial moments of their lives. They provide moral support for young people away from home for the first time, lend advice to individuals facing personal or emotional difficulties and provide spiritual assistance to people from all walks of life.