News Summary
A World War II-era explosive device was uncovered during construction at Pier G of the Port of Long Beach, prompting immediate evacuation and intervention by local authorities. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad and a U.S. Marine Corps ordnance disposal team were dispatched to ensure safety. The explosive was deemed safe to transport after inspection and was successfully deactivated, allowing normal port operations to resume. This incident highlights the historical significance of the port and the importance of safety measures regarding old military ordnance.
Long Beach – A World War II-era explosive device was discovered on Wednesday afternoon at the Port of Long Beach during construction activities at Pier G, one of the port’s six container terminals. The explosive shell was unearthed by a construction team, prompting immediate intervention from local authorities to ensure the safety of workers and the surrounding area.
Authorities estimate that the explosive device is approximately eight decades old, raising concerns about its potential danger if not handled properly. 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 to protect employees and nearby operations. Cargo handling operations at Pier G were halted during the response to the incident, allowing responders to focus entirely on determining the safety of the explosive device.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad was dispatched to the scene to assess the situation. Their evaluation confirmed the need for specialized bomb disposal expertise, leading to the involvement of a U.S. Marine Corps ordnance disposal team. The Marine Corps specialists arrived promptly to investigate the potential threat posed by the shell.
While the situation at Pier G was being handled, operations continued as usual at the remaining five container terminals within the Port of Long Beach, minimizing disruptions to the overall port activities. The port complex, significantly busy with cargo processing, was able to maintain its workflow amid the unfolding event.
After thorough examination by the Marine Corps ordnance disposal team, it was determined that the explosive device was safe to transport. The immediate plans were made to move the shell off-site for deactivation. This action was executed carefully to ensure no further risks were posed to the surrounding community or to those involved in the port operations.
By Wednesday night, the explosive was successfully deactivated, and normal port operations resumed. The quick and coordinated response by local law enforcement, the Coast Guard, and the Marine Corps team demonstrated efficiency in handling potentially dangerous situations, ensuring the safety of all personnel involved.
The discovery of this explosive device serves as a reminder of the historical military significance of the Port of Long Beach. The port complex once housed a major U.S. Navy base from 1919 until its closure in 1997, making it a site where unexploded munitions could potentially remain buried in the ground. The port’s historical activity during World War II and beyond has not only shaped its infrastructure and operations but may also contribute to occasional discoveries of older military ordnance during construction and other projects.
As the Port of Long Beach continues to operate as one of the busiest ports in the United States, authorities also remain vigilant about the potential risks associated with its past military use. Proactive measures, such as routine evaluations before construction projects, can help ensure safety and mitigate any unforeseen situations that may arise from historical artifacts.
The event highlighted the need for immediate action when encountering unexploded ordnance and the importance of collaboration among various agencies to address public safety efficiently. The professional response from law enforcement and military teams ensured that the situation was resolved without incident, allowing for a swift return to normal operations for the vital trade hub.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
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