Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
11/11/2015 - Video made with Snapchat for the US Interior account of and around Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial in Concord, California, USA.
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, California, October 2016
Visiting the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, near Concord, California. The memorial is dedicated to the victims of the Port Chicago Disaster of 1944, in which munitions stored onboard US Navy ships exploded and killed many sailors.
The memorial is on the site of an active military ocean terminal. To visit the site, you have to first register on the memorial's website and provide some personal information for the required background checks. Once scheduled, the visit can only proceed if there are no ongoing military operations at the military ocean terminal. If there are operations commencing after your registration that coincide with the dates of your visit, the visit will be cancelled.
It's not an easy or convenient place to visit. We succeeded on seeing this place on our third attempt.
The wooden supports seen at the 1:00 mark are the remains of the old pier that was destroyed in the 1944 disaster.
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial | Wikipedia audio article
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Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
00:01:00 1 History
00:01:43 2 Plans
00:02:15 3 See also
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- Socrates
SUMMARY
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The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is a memorial dedicated in 1994 recognizing the dead of the Port Chicago disaster, and the critical role played by Port Chicago, California during World War II, in serving as the main facility for the Pacific Theater of Operations. The memorial is located at the Concord Naval Weapons Station near Concord, California, in the United States.
The 1944 Port Chicago disaster occurred at the naval magazine and resulted in the largest domestic loss of life during World War II. 320 sailors and civilians were instantly killed on July 17, 1944, when the ships they were loading with ammunition and bombs exploded. The majority of the deaths were African American sailors working for the racially segregated military. The explosion and its aftermath led to the largest Naval mutiny in US history, and it and the subsequent trial became major catalysts for the United States Navy to desegregate following the war.
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, California, October 2016
Visiting the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, near Concord, California. The memorial is dedicated to the victims of the Port Chicago Disaster of 1944, in which munitions stored onboard US Navy ships exploded and killed many sailors.
The memorial is on the site of an active military ocean terminal. To visit the site, you have to first register on the memorial's website and provide some personal information for the required background checks. Once scheduled, the visit can only proceed if there are no ongoing military operations at the military ocean terminal. If there are operations commencing after your registration that coincide with the dates of your visit, the visit will be cancelled.
It's not an easy or convenient place to visit. We succeeded on seeing this place on our third attempt.
On this video, we are actually leaving the memorial on the same bus that brought us in. The bus would return us to the John Muir National Historic Site in nearby Martinez, which is where we initially met up for the visit.
At the 1:29 mark, the berm-shape structure seen in the middle(covered by dried yellow grass) is a weapon storage facility.
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, California, October 2016
Visiting the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, near Concord, California. The memorial is dedicated to the victims of the Port Chicago Disaster of 1944, in which munitions stored onboard US Navy ships exploded and killed many sailors.
The memorial is on the site of an active military ocean terminal. To visit the site, you have to first register on the memorial's website and provide some personal information for the required background checks. Once scheduled, the visit can only proceed if there are no ongoing military operations at the military ocean terminal. If there are operations commencing after your registration that coincide with the dates of your visit, the visit will be cancelled.
It's not an easy or convenient place to visit. We succeeded on seeing this place on our third attempt.
On this video, we are actually leaving the memorial, riding on the same bus that brought us in. In order to visit the place, we had to go to the John Muir National Historic Site, which is located in nearby Martinez. There, a bus would pick us up and bring us to the Port Chicago Memorial. Afterwards, the same bus would return us to the John Muir National Historic Site.
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, California, October 2016
Visiting the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, near Concord, California. The memorial is dedicated to the victims of the Port Chicago Disaster of 1944, in which munitions stored onboard US Navy ships exploded and killed many sailors.
The memorial is on the site of an active military ocean terminal. To visit the site, you have to first register on the memorial's website and provide some personal information for the required background checks. Once scheduled, the visit can only proceed if there are no ongoing military operations at the military ocean terminal. If there are operations commencing after your registration that coincide with the dates of your visit, the visit will be cancelled.
It's not an easy or convenient place to visit. We succeeded on seeing this place on our third attempt.
Concord Naval Weapon Station
Concord Naval Weapons Station was a military base established in 1942 north of the city of Concord, California at the shore of the Sacramento River where it widens into Suisun Bay. The station functioned as a World War II armament storage depot, supplying ships at Port Chicago. Concord NWS continued to support war efforts during the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Gulf War, processing and shipping thousands of tons of materiel out across the Pacific Ocean.[2] During World War II it also had a Naval Outlying Field at its southern edge of the base. It ceased being an operating airfield after World War II.
More info: Https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concord_Naval_Weapons_Station
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, Revetment, Rail Car, California, October 2016
Visiting the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, near Concord, California. The memorial is dedicated to the victims of the Port Chicago Disaster of 1944, in which munitions stored onboard US Navy ships exploded and killed many sailors.
The memorial is on the site of an active military ocean terminal. To visit the site, you have to first register on the memorial's website and provide some personal information for the required background checks. Once scheduled, the visit can only proceed if there are no ongoing military operations at the military ocean terminal. If there are operations commencing after your registration that coincide with the dates of your visit, the visit will be cancelled.
It's not an easy or convenient place to visit. We succeeded on seeing this place on our third attempt.
There were a lot of old veterans visiting the place during our trip.
At the 1:43 mark, the two large white cranes seen in the distance is a part of the still-active Military Ocean Terminal.
At the 2:38 mark, the large berm seen in the background that is covered by vegetation is a revetment that is used to stored munitions. Train cars filled with explosives and munitions would be parked in the revetments for safety.
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, Revetment, rail car, California, October 2016
Visiting the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, near Concord, California. The memorial is dedicated to the victims of the Port Chicago Disaster of 1944, in which munitions stored onboard US Navy ships exploded and killed many sailors.
The memorial is on the site of an active military ocean terminal. To visit the site, you have to first register on the memorial's website and provide some personal information for the required background checks. Once scheduled, the visit can only proceed if there are no ongoing military operations at the military ocean terminal. If there are operations commencing after your registration that coincide with the dates of your visit, the visit will be cancelled.
It's not an easy or convenient place to visit. We succeeded on seeing this place on our third attempt.
There were a lot of old veterans visiting the place during our trip.
A tour of the Concord Naval Weapons station
Concord's Director of Reuse Planning Guy Bjerke, center, gives a community and city employee tour of the Concord Naval Weapons Station in Concord, Calif., on Wednesday, May 23, 2018. The city and the chosen reuse developer, Lennar Concord LLC, have agreed to extend by a year the initial studies for development of the 2,300-acre area.
Read the story:
Video by Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group
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Remembering Port Chicago
A tragedy from World War II’s home front: over 300 African-American sailors perished at Port Chicago. This film documents how they served and sacrificed for their country. Produced for NCA’s Veterans Legacy Program by students and faculty from San Francisco State University.
NCA is proud to support local filmmakers, storytellers, and students engaging with the stories of Veterans in their local national cemeteries. They may raise issues of local interest or even controversy. We hope this encourages all viewers to learn more about the Veterans and their circumstances. The views expressed by parties in the films are not those of NCA, but presented as part of the plurality of perspectives and views surrounding the life and service of American Veterans.
Clip- What happened at Port Chicago?
Student reporter Maceo discusses the massive explosion at Port Chicago during World War II with National Park Service Ranger Kelli English.
A featured clip from the Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in WWII Electronic Field Trip. Watch the entire program:
WWII Port Chicago Disaster 75th Anniversary Memorial 17JUL2019 NPS Ranger Kelli English
Chief of Interpretation Kelli English from the National Park Service.
PORT CHICAGO NAVAL MAGAZINE NATIONAL MEMORIAL: The 7Sth Anniversary of the Port Chicago Explosion July I7, 20I9
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial was established in 1992 to mark the site of the Port Chicago explosion, the worst stateside (or home front) disaster in the United States during World War II. The Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial successfully advocated for establishment of the memorial, and remain the park's primary partner. Located on the shore of Suisun Bay, in Concord, California, the memorial was an NPS-afflliated area from its establishment until 2009, when it was designated a unit within the national park system. Three themes-the role that the naval magazine played in the Pacific Theater war effort, the loss of life caused by the tragic explosion, and the poignancy of the social justice struggles that ensued after the explosion-compelled the nation to set aside Port Chicago as a place of national remembrance.
Commemoration Program
July 17th, 2019 10-11am
Master of Ceremonies: Superintendent Tom Leatherman Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem: Andoni Panici
Invocation: U.S. Navy Chaplain John Tarr USN
Welcome: Superintendent Tom Leatherman and U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Curtis L. Yankie , Commander of 834th Transportation Battalion
NPS Speaker: Chief of Interpretation Kelli English
Thanks & Recognition: Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial, Rev. Diana McDaniel
Closing Benediction: U.S. Navy Chaplain John Tarr USN Closing remarks: Superintendent Tom Leatherman Funeral Honors with Taps: Paul Campbell
We invite participants to join us for a reception following the ceremony where there will be light refreshments and an opportunity to share stories.
In Honor and Memory of
211 Navy Officers and Enlisted
1 Marine Corps Enlisted
30 Navy Armed Guardsmen
5 Coast Guard Enlisted
67 Merchant Marine Crewmen
3 Navy Civil Service
3 Civilians
394 military and civilians who were injured
208 Navy seamen who returned to segregated labor battalion duties
And the 50 Navy seamen convicted of mutiny
Special Thanks to
Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial
United States Army, 834th Transportation Battalion/Military
Ocean Terminal Concord
City of Concord
Andoni Panici (National Anthem)
Paul Campbell (The Bagpiper)
We also remember all those who served at this base and all who lived in the town of Port Chicago. A portion of the Port Chicago Naval Magazine was dedicated as a National Memorial in 1994. In October 2009, the National Memorial became the 392nd unit of the National Park System.
PORT CHICAGO EXPLOSION
The tragic event of 1944 may not have been an accident
Video Links
WWII Port Chicago Disaster 75th Anniversary Memorial 17JUL2019 National Anthem Andoni Panici
PORT CHICAGO NAVAL MAGAZINE NATIONAL MEMORIAL: The 7Sth Anniversary of the Port Chicago Explosion July I7, 20I9
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial was established in 1992 to mark the site of the Port Chicago explosion, the worst stateside (or home front) disaster in the United States during World War II. The Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial successfully advocated for establishment of the memorial, and remain the park's primary partner. Located on the shore of Suisun Bay, in Concord, California, the memorial was an NPS-afflliated area from its establishment until 2009, when it was designated a unit within the national park system. Three themes-the role that the naval magazine played in the Pacific Theater war effort, the loss of life caused by the tragic explosion, and the poignancy of the social justice struggles that ensued after the explosion-compelled the nation to set aside Port Chicago as a place of national remembrance.
Commemoration Program
July 17th, 2019 10-11am
Master of Ceremonies: Superintendent Tom Leatherman Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem: Andoni Panici
Invocation: U.S. Navy Chaplain John Tarr USN
Welcome: Superintendent Tom Leatherman and U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Curtis L. Yankie , Commander of 834th Transportation Battalion
NPS Speaker: Chief of Interpretation Kelli English
Thanks & Recognition: Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial, Rev. Diana McDaniel
Closing Benediction: U.S. Navy Chaplain John Tarr USN Closing remarks: Superintendent Tom Leatherman Funeral Honors with Taps: Paul Campbell
We invite participants to join us for a reception following the ceremony where there will be light refreshments and an opportunity to share stories.
In Honor and Memory of
211 Navy Officers and Enlisted
1 Marine Corps Enlisted
30 Navy Armed Guardsmen
5 Coast Guard Enlisted
67 Merchant Marine Crewmen
3 Navy Civil Service
3 Civilians
394 military and civilians who were injured
208 Navy seamen who returned to segregated labor battalion duties
And the 50 Navy seamen convicted of mutiny
Special Thanks to
Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial
United States Army, 834th Transportation Battalion/Military
Ocean Terminal Concord
City of Concord
Andoni Panici (National Anthem)
Paul Campbell (The Bagpiper)
We also remember all those who served at this base and all who lived in the town of Port Chicago. A portion of the Port Chicago Naval Magazine was dedicated as a National Memorial in 1994. In October 2009, the National Memorial became the 392nd unit of the National Park System.
Port Chicago Dedication Ceremony
Dedication and Commemoration ceremony of the Port Chicago Naval Magazine
WWII Port Chicago Disaster 75th Anniversary Memorial 17JUL2019 WWII Veteran Malcomb Boyd
PORT CHICAGO NAVAL MAGAZINE NATIONAL MEMORIAL: The 7Sth Anniversary of the Port Chicago Explosion July I7, 20I9
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial was established in 1992 to mark the site of the Port Chicago explosion, the worst stateside (or home front) disaster in the United States during World War II. The Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial successfully advocated for establishment of the memorial, and remain the park's primary partner. Located on the shore of Suisun Bay, in Concord, California, the memorial was an NPS-afflliated area from its establishment until 2009, when it was designated a unit within the national park system. Three themes-the role that the naval magazine played in the Pacific Theater war effort, the loss of life caused by the tragic explosion, and the poignancy of the social justice struggles that ensued after the explosion-compelled the nation to set aside Port Chicago as a place of national remembrance.
Commemoration Program
July 17th, 2019 10-11am
Master of Ceremonies: Superintendent Tom Leatherman Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem: Andoni Panici
Invocation: U.S. Navy Chaplain John Tarr USN
Welcome: Superintendent Tom Leatherman and U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Curtis L. Yankie , Commander of 834th Transportation Battalion
NPS Speaker: Chief of Interpretation Kelli English
Thanks & Recognition: Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial, Rev. Diana McDaniel
Closing Benediction: U.S. Navy Chaplain John Tarr USN Closing remarks: Superintendent Tom Leatherman Funeral Honors with Taps: Paul Campbell
We invite participants to join us for a reception following the ceremony where there will be light refreshments and an opportunity to share stories.
In Honor and Memory of
211 Navy Officers and Enlisted
1 Marine Corps Enlisted
30 Navy Armed Guardsmen
5 Coast Guard Enlisted
67 Merchant Marine Crewmen
3 Navy Civil Service
3 Civilians
394 military and civilians who were injured
208 Navy seamen who returned to segregated labor battalion duties
And the 50 Navy seamen convicted of mutiny
Special Thanks to
Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial
United States Army, 834th Transportation Battalion/Military
Ocean Terminal Concord
City of Concord
Andoni Panici (National Anthem)
Paul Campbell (The Bagpiper)
We also remember all those who served at this base and all who lived in the town of Port Chicago. A portion of the Port Chicago Naval Magazine was dedicated as a National Memorial in 1994. In October 2009, the National Memorial became the 392nd unit of the National Park System.
WWII Port Chicago Disaster 75th Anniversary Memorial 17JUL2019 US Navy Chaplain John Tarr
PORT CHICAGO NAVAL MAGAZINE NATIONAL MEMORIAL: The 7Sth Anniversary of the Port Chicago Explosion July I7, 20I9
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial was established in 1992 to mark the site of the Port Chicago explosion, the worst stateside (or home front) disaster in the United States during World War II. The Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial successfully advocated for establishment of the memorial, and remain the park's primary partner. Located on the shore of Suisun Bay, in Concord, California, the memorial was an NPS-afflliated area from its establishment until 2009, when it was designated a unit within the national park system. Three themes-the role that the naval magazine played in the Pacific Theater war effort, the loss of life caused by the tragic explosion, and the poignancy of the social justice struggles that ensued after the explosion-compelled the nation to set aside Port Chicago as a place of national remembrance.
Commemoration Program
July 17th, 2019 10-11am
Master of Ceremonies: Superintendent Tom Leatherman Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem: Andoni Panici
Invocation: U.S. Navy Chaplain John Tarr USN
Welcome: Superintendent Tom Leatherman and U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Curtis L. Yankie , Commander of 834th Transportation Battalion
NPS Speaker: Chief of Interpretation Kelli English
Thanks & Recognition: Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial, Rev. Diana McDaniel
Closing Benediction: U.S. Navy Chaplain John Tarr USN Closing remarks: Superintendent Tom Leatherman Funeral Honors with Taps: Paul Campbell
We invite participants to join us for a reception following the ceremony where there will be light refreshments and an opportunity to share stories.
In Honor and Memory of
211 Navy Officers and Enlisted
1 Marine Corps Enlisted
30 Navy Armed Guardsmen
5 Coast Guard Enlisted
67 Merchant Marine Crewmen
3 Navy Civil Service
3 Civilians
394 military and civilians who were injured
208 Navy seamen who returned to segregated labor battalion duties
And the 50 Navy seamen convicted of mutiny
Special Thanks to
Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial
United States Army, 834th Transportation Battalion/Military
Ocean Terminal Concord
City of Concord
Andoni Panici (National Anthem)
Paul Campbell (The Bagpiper)
We also remember all those who served at this base and all who lived in the town of Port Chicago. A portion of the Port Chicago Naval Magazine was dedicated as a National Memorial in 1994. In October 2009, the National Memorial became the 392nd unit of the National Park System.
WWII Port Chicago Disaster 75th Anniversary Memorial 17JUL2019 US Army Lt Col Curtis L Yankie 834th
PORT CHICAGO NAVAL MAGAZINE NATIONAL MEMORIAL: The 7Sth Anniversary of the Port Chicago Explosion July I7, 20I9
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial was established in 1992 to mark the site of the Port Chicago explosion, the worst stateside (or home front) disaster in the United States during World War II. The Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial successfully advocated for establishment of the memorial, and remain the park's primary partner. Located on the shore of Suisun Bay, in Concord, California, the memorial was an NPS-afflliated area from its establishment until 2009, when it was designated a unit within the national park system. Three themes-the role that the naval magazine played in the Pacific Theater war effort, the loss of life caused by the tragic explosion, and the poignancy of the social justice struggles that ensued after the explosion-compelled the nation to set aside Port Chicago as a place of national remembrance.
Commemoration Program
July 17th, 2019 10-11am
Master of Ceremonies: Superintendent Tom Leatherman Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem: Andoni Panici
Invocation: U.S. Navy Chaplain John Tarr USN
Welcome: Superintendent Tom Leatherman and U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Curtis L. Yankie , Commander of 834th Transportation Battalion
NPS Speaker: Chief of Interpretation Kelli English
Thanks & Recognition: Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial, Rev. Diana McDaniel
Closing Benediction: U.S. Navy Chaplain John Tarr USN Closing remarks: Superintendent Tom Leatherman Funeral Honors with Taps: Paul Campbell
We invite participants to join us for a reception following the ceremony where there will be light refreshments and an opportunity to share stories.
In Honor and Memory of
211 Navy Officers and Enlisted
1 Marine Corps Enlisted
30 Navy Armed Guardsmen
5 Coast Guard Enlisted
67 Merchant Marine Crewmen
3 Navy Civil Service
3 Civilians
394 military and civilians who were injured
208 Navy seamen who returned to segregated labor battalion duties
And the 50 Navy seamen convicted of mutiny
Special Thanks to
Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial
United States Army, 834th Transportation Battalion/Military
Ocean Terminal Concord
City of Concord
Andoni Panici (National Anthem)
Paul Campbell (The Bagpiper)
We also remember all those who served at this base and all who lived in the town of Port Chicago. A portion of the Port Chicago Naval Magazine was dedicated as a National Memorial in 1994. In October 2009, the National Memorial became the 392nd unit of the National Park System.