News Summary
A World War II-era explosive shell was found by a construction team at the Port of Long Beach, prompting immediate evacuation and response from local authorities. The device, believed to be around 80 years old, was safely assessed and transported by military experts, allowing cargo operations to resume quickly. The incident showcases the ongoing need for vigilance regarding unexploded ordnance in historically significant areas like the port.
LONG BEACH, CA – A World War II-era explosive device was discovered by a construction team at the Port of Long Beach on Wednesday afternoon, prompting immediate action from local law enforcement and military authorities. The explosive shell was found at Pier G, one of the six container terminals within the port complex.
Authorities believe that the shell is approximately 80 years old and may have been left over from the time when the port was an active site for U.S. naval operations. In response to the discovery, the Long Beach Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard quickly evacuated the terminal and established a safety perimeter around the area.
Cargo operations at Pier G were suspended as teams worked to manage the situation. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad was called in to assess the device further. Given the historical context of the port, having served as a major U.S. Navy base from 1919 to 1997, the finding was treated with urgency and caution.
While the situation at Pier G unfolded, the remaining five container terminals at the port continued to operate normally, ensuring minimal disruption to overall port activities. The U.S. Marine Corps ordnance disposal team was eventually summoned to assist with the investigation and provide expertise in handling the hazardous situation.
After a thorough examination, the Marine Corps team determined that the explosive device was safe for transport. Following this assessment, the shell was carefully moved off-site and subsequently deactivated. By Wednesday night, normal operations resumed at the port, alleviating concerns over the impact of the incident on shipping and cargo transit.
This incident highlights the importance of responding swiftly to potential hazards and underscores the historical significance of the Port of Long Beach. With its lengthy association with military operations, the port remains vigilant in addressing risks associated with unexploded ordnance, especially as construction continues to evolve in the area.
The Port of Long Beach serves as a critical hub for international trade, and maintaining its operational efficiency is paramount for local and regional economies. Thanks to the coordinated response from law enforcement and military personnel, the potential threat was neutralized without incident, allowing for a quick return to business as usual.
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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
