Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

My big goal of 2023 was to explore at Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial. My 6th attempt was the charm and I toured on December 7, 2023, the same day that Peal Harbor was bombed … which was a really unique coincidence as it is the primary reason Port Chicago was created to service the War in the Pacific. And it was Ranger Hillary’s first time giving the tour and she did an awesome job!

I encourage everyone to educate themselves about the history of the Port Chicago Disaster and pay tribute to those that perished here. To prepare for my tour, I read The Port Chicago 50 by Steve Sheinkin and highly recommend the book!

“On July 17, 1944, a massive explosion rocked the segregated Navy base at Port Chicago, California, killing more than 300 sailors who were at the docks, critically injuring off-duty men in their bunks, and shattering windows up to a mile away. On August 9th, 244 men refused to go back to work until unsafe and unfair conditions at the docks were addressed. When the dust settled, fifty were charged with mutiny, facing decades in jail and even execution.”

As Port Chicago is on an active military base, it is not an easy one to experience. Actually, less than 1,000 visitors per year are lucky enough to visit. I am super excited to share that finally on my 6th attempt, I was able to explore and learn at this powerful memorial. My first attempt was in November 2022 for a weekend trip with Paola to do a roots tour for her in Berkeley, but she got sick and couldn’t travel. Then I moved it to December 2022 with Mak, but we had an ice storm in Portland … and we could have flown there, but PDX shut down and we would not have made it back for the Holidays, so we proactively cancelled. Then I booked again for June 23rd 2023 with Mak when I was driving him back down to LA, but that time was moved to July 7th and it was too on the heals of our 4th of July Holiday and our big East Coast Adventure. Then I was scheduled for October 14th with James and I was hoping my 5th attempt will be the charm. I was so excited to finally meet Ranger Eric who has been so helpful in my planning … however, that was cancelled too due to extended military activity. Next up was December 7th, which was cancelled once, then offered again. I booked my flights and hotel and then cancelled my flights and hotel, only to book my flight and hotel again … plus a rental car to make sure I arrived everywhere on-time to not miss out on this unique experience! And I did not get to meet Ranger Eric as he was at Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historic Park for a joint event with Pearl Harbor on this historic day.

Thank you to President Obama for dedicating this park and encouraging everyone to learn this significant, yet surprisingly mostly unknown, history.