News Summary
A construction team at the Port of Long Beach unearthed a World War II-era explosive device, prompting immediate action from local and federal authorities. The device was detected during routine work at Pier G, leading to the evacuation of the terminal and the establishment of a safety perimeter. Experts from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad and U.S. Marine Corps quickly assessed and safely disposed of the explosive, allowing port activities to resume without long-term disruption. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges posed by historical military remnants in urban areas.
Long Beach, California — WWII-Era Explosive Discovered at Port During Construction
A construction crew working at the Port of Long Beach uncovered a World War II-era explosive device on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a swift response from local and federal authorities to ensure safety and proper disposal. The discovery was made at one of the port’s six container terminals, specifically at Pier G, which is a key point of cargo activity in the area.
Details of the Discovery and Immediate Response
The explosive device, believed to be approximately eighty years old, was spotted during routine construction activities. Once identified, authorities took immediate action to secure the area, including evacuating the entire terminal where the device was located. The Long Beach Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard collaborated to establish a safety perimeter around the site to prevent access by unauthorized personnel and to protect nearby residents and workers.
Assessment and Handling of the Explosive Device
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad was called in to assess the item. Their experts quickly arrived and examined the device to determine its nature and the safest way to handle it. In parallel, the U.S. Marine Corps ordnance disposal team was summoned to assist with the situation, bringing specialized equipment and experience in dealing with historical explosives.
Impact on Port Operations
During the investigation, cargo operations at the affected terminal were temporarily halted to ensure safety and facilitate thorough examination. However, to minimize disruption, the other five container terminals at the port continued their operations normally. This allowed cargo movement and logistics activities to proceed with minimal delay while authorities managed the situation at Pier G.
Disposal and Resumption of Normal Activities
After closely inspecting the device, the Marine Corps team confirmed that it could be safely transported. The explosive was carefully moved off-site to a secure location where it was subsequently deactivated and safely disposed of. Following this procedure, port officials confirmed that normal operations resumed by Wednesday night, restoring full functionality to the port complex.
Historical Context of the Port of Long Beach
The Port of Long Beach has a long history linked to military activity. The port complex previously served as a major U.S. Navy base from 1919 until its closure in 1997. This historical connection contributes to the occasional discovery of old munitions and military remnants during construction or maintenance work in the area.
Safety and Precautionary Measures
The incident underscores the importance of safety protocols when dealing with unidentified objects found in areas with historical military activity. The rapid coordination among local, state, and federal agencies was crucial in preventing injury or damage. Experts emphasized the importance of leaving such objects undisturbed until trained personnel can assess and handle them properly.
Conclusion
The discovery of a World War II-era explosive at the Port of Long Beach highlights the ongoing challenges posed by historical military remnants in urban and port environments. Authorities’ prompt and coordinated response successfully neutralized the threat and allowed the port activities to resume without long-term disruption. Ongoing vigilance remains essential in areas with historical military presence to ensure public safety and operational continuity.
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 RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake 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 the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
