Piercing the California sky, Naval Base San Diego stands as a testament to naval power. It is more than just a base. Naval Base San Diego is the second-largest surface ship naval base on Earth.
Naval Base San Diego history began in 1918. A coalition of concrete shipbuilding firms occupied this land. They were known as the Emergency Fleet Corporation. After World War I, Pacific Marine Construction lost profits. They negotiated a return of the land to San Diego. The Navy then sought a west coast ship repair facility.
In 1920, the Navy and Emergency Fleet Corporation negotiated a land transfer. But three obstacles remained. Schofield Engineering Co. had an option to purchase the plant. A local shipping board had not granted construction permission. Congress had not yet authorized funds.
By June 1920, Congress appropriated $750,000. It was earmarked for the navy repair base. Admiral Roger Welles threatened to move to San Pedro due to delays. On February 21, 1921, Welles took formal custody of the property. In May 1921, Commander H.N. Jensen established repair operations. On February 23, 1922, the facility became the U.S. Destroyer Base, San Diego.
The base expanded rapidly. Repair facilities grew. Torpedo and radio schools were established. In 1924, the base decommissioned 77 destroyers and commissioned seven. By 1937, the Destroyer Base had grown. Its buildings and improvements cost over $3.2 million.
During World War II, the base expanded heavily. By 1942, fleet training schools and amphibious force training were added. On October 7, 1943, it was re-designated the U.S. Repair Base, San Diego. Between 1943 and 1945, the base repaired over 5,117 ships. Floating dry docks were crucial to this mission.
After World War II, operations reorganized. The mission was logistical support for the active fleet. On September 15, 1946, it became Naval Station, San Diego. By the end of 1946, the base had 294 buildings. Berthing facilities included five piers. Land totaled more than 921 acres.
In the 1990s, Naval Station became the principal homeport of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Naval Station San Diego became the hub of all Navy port operations. It was re-designated Naval Base San Diego.
Today, Naval Base San Diego covers 1,926 acres. Naval Base San Diego is home to approximately 54 ships. This includes U.S. Navy ships, Coast Guard cutters, and Military Sealift Command ships. The base has approximately 150 tenant commands. It employs about 26,000 military, civilian, and contract personnel. The base has rooms to house over 4,000 men and women.
Support services include waterfront operations and security. There are also Navy Exchange and Commissary shopping centers. Other services include family services, medical care, and childcare. The base has a plant value of $4.5 billion.
Naval Base San Diego stands as a powerful symbol. It represents the strength and readiness of the U.S. Navy in the Pacific. Its history echoes through the ships. Its impact resonates through the community. As you stand here, remember the dedication. Remember the sacrifice that defines Naval Base San Diego.