News Summary
A historic explosive device dating back to World War II was uncovered by a construction crew at the Port of Long Beach. Authorities swiftly executed emergency protocols, including evacuating personnel and establishing a safety perimeter. The explosive was confirmed to be safe, thanks to the rapid response of local and federal agencies. Cargo operations resumed without incident later that night, illuminating the port’s deep military history and the importance of safety measures during construction activities.
Long Beach, California — World War II-Era Explosive Discovered During Port Construction
A construction crew at the Port of Long Beach uncovered a historic explosive device on Wednesday afternoon, prompting emergency protocols and safety measures. The discovery took place at one of the port’s six container terminals, specifically at Pier G, a key area used for cargo handling and transportation.
Details of the Discovery
The device, believed to date back approximately eight decades to the World War II era, was identified during routine construction work. The exact nature of the explosive was not specified, but authorities confirmed it was an ordnance likely deployed during wartime activities.
Immediate Response and Safety Measures
Upon discovery, the Long Beach Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard collaborated to secure the area, evacuating personnel and establishing a safety perimeter around the site. Cargo operations at Pier G were immediately halted to prevent any risk of detonation or damage.
In addition, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad was summoned to assess the potential threat and examine the explosive device. This specialized unit has expertise in handling and safely disposing of old ordnance.
Further Action and Investigation
While investigators evaluated the device, port authorities ensured that the remaining five container terminals continued their operations without interruption. The safety zone created around Pier G helped minimize any risk to surrounding workers and infrastructure.
The U.S. Marine Corps ordnance disposal team arrived to assist with the assessment and handling of the device. Their team carefully examined the explosive and determined it was safe to transport for disposal.
The device was then moved off-site using specialized equipment and methods designed to neutralize its threat. Following transportation, the Marine Corps team successfully deactivated the explosive, rendering it safe.
Resumption of Normal Operations
By Wednesday night, the Port of Long Beach had fully resumed its usual cargo handling operations, with no further disruptions reported. The port officials confirmed that all safety protocols had been diligently followed and that the incident was contained without incident.
Historical Context
The Port of Long Beach has a deep military history, previously hosting a major U.S. Navy base from 1919 until its closure in 1997. This history increases the likelihood of discovering old military ordnance in the area, especially during ongoing development projects and construction activities.
Conclusion
The discovery of the WWII-era explosive did not result in injuries or damage, thanks to prompt response and coordinated efforts by local and federal agencies. Authorities continue to monitor and manage the site, ensuring safety as construction and port operations proceed normally. Such incidents highlight the importance of careful inspection and swift action when dealing with historical military artifacts found in active commercial areas.
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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 WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
