News Summary
A construction team at the Port of Long Beach uncovered a World War II-era explosive device, prompting evacuation and safety measures. Local authorities, including the Long Beach Police Department and U.S. Coast Guard, responded swiftly to ensure safety. The device was deemed safe to transport and was deactivated by a specialized team from the U.S. Marine Corps. Cargo operations at the port resumed quickly following the incident, highlighting the port’s importance in international trade and its historical background of naval operations.
Long Beach – A construction team uncovered a World War II-era explosive device at the Port of Long Beach on Wednesday afternoon, prompting immediate action from local authorities. The device was located at Pier G, one of the port’s six container terminals, raising safety concerns and halting cargo operations at the affected terminal.
Initially discovered by construction workers, the explosive device is believed to be approximately eighty years old. In response to the potential threat, the Long Beach Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard quickly evacuated the terminal and established a safety perimeter to protect both workers and the public.
To ensure thorough assessment and management of the situation, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad was called to the scene. Additionally, a specialized ordnance disposal team from the U.S. Marine Corps was summoned to assist with the investigation and handling of the explosive device.
While operations at Pier G were suspended, the remaining five container terminals at the Port of Long Beach continued to function normally, ensuring that overall port activities were not significantly disrupted. Cargo operations were briefly affected but resumed swiftly as the situation was managed efficiently by the involved authorities.
Upon arrival, the Marine Corps ordnance disposal team conducted a thorough examination of the device. After assessing the conditions, they determined that the explosive was safe to transport. The team subsequently moved the device off-site, where it was deactivated without incident.
By Wednesday night, normal operations at the Port of Long Beach resumed, allowing the port to continue its vital role in the movement of goods. The Port of Long Beach is known for being one of the busiest ports in the United States, crucial for international trade and commerce.
Historical Context
The discovery of the explosive device is a reminder of the Port of Long Beach’s historical significance. The complex formerly housed a major U.S. Navy base from 1919 until its closure in 1997. Over the decades, the presence of naval operations has left behind various unexploded military ordnance, making incidents like this not entirely uncommon.
The area where the device was found may have once been utilized for wartime activities, contributing to the presence of leftover explosive materials. Authorities are continuing to monitor and investigate the port area to ensure the safety of ongoing construction and shipping operations.
The prompt actions taken by emergency responders on Wednesday not only ensured the safety of personnel at the port but also highlighted the importance of preparedness in dealing with historical remnants left from previous conflicts. Regular safety checks and thorough investigations like this one are crucial to mitigating risks associated with unexploded ordnance in active shipping and construction environments.
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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 BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore 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 Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
