News Summary
A construction crew at the Port of Long Beach uncovered a World War II-era explosive device at Pier G. Authorities evacuated the terminal and established a safety perimeter. The device was evaluated and safely transported and deactivated, allowing cargo operations to resume without delays. This incident highlights the historical significance of the area and the importance of safety protocols in managing such discoveries.
Long Beach: World War II-Era Explosive Device Discovered During Construction
A construction crew unearthed a World War II-era explosive device at the Port of Long Beach on Wednesday afternoon. The explosive device was located at Pier G, one of the port’s six container terminals. Authorities estimate that the shell is approximately 80 years old, prompting immediate safety concerns.
In response to the discovery, the Long Beach Police Department, along with the U.S. Coast Guard, evacuated the terminal and established a safety perimeter around the area. This precaution was taken to ensure the safety of workers and nearby maritime activity. Cargo operations at Pier G were temporarily halted as authorities continued to assess the situation.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad was called to the scene to evaluate the explosive device further. As the situation unfolded, the U.S. Marine Corps ordnance disposal team was also summoned to assist with the investigation and any necessary removal operations.
Despite the incident at Pier G, the remaining five container terminals at the Port of Long Beach continued to operate normally. This development helped to mitigate the impact of the evacuation on the overall port operations, which is a critical hub for cargo shipping.
After a thorough examination by the U.S. Marine Corps team, it was determined that the explosive device was safe to transport. Following their assessment, the explosive was moved off-site and successfully deactivated. Normal operations at the port resumed by Wednesday night, allowing cargo shipping activities to proceed without further delay.
Historical Context of the Port
The Port of Long Beach has a significant history, having previously housed a major U.S. Navy base from 1919 until its closure in 1997. The presence of military installations in the area contributes to the likelihood of finding unexploded ordnance, as such devices may remain buried from the time of World War II.
Discoveries like this serve as a reminder of the lasting impact of the war on American soil and the ongoing importance of safety precautions in areas with historical military significance. The efficient response by local authorities and military teams in handling potentially dangerous situations is vital for maintaining safety in critical infrastructure like the Port of Long Beach.
As the community reflects on the historical implications of such discoveries, the prompt actions taken by law enforcement and military personnel showcased the importance of ensuring public safety in response to potentially hazardous materials. The Port of Long Beach continues to play a pivotal role in global trade and shipping, underscoring the importance of continuous oversight and safety protocols in the bustling maritime environment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NBC Los Angeles
- Wikipedia: World War II
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: World War II explosive device
- CBS News Los Angeles
- Google Scholar: World War II explosive devices
- Long Beach Post
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Explosive Devices
- AOL News
- Google News: Long Beach Port explosive device
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
