Merriam Press Military Memoir. For 14 years, from 1919 to 1933, the US Navy stopped recruiting Blacks, and worked to phase out those who still remained, their duties taken over mostly by Filipinos. When, in 1933, Blacks were finally allowed back into the Navy, Lloyd Prewitt was one of the first to volunteer. His dedicated service, from 1933 to 1955, proved that Black sailors could perform whatever was asked of them in peacetime and combat, and paved the way for future generations of Black sailors. 33 photos.