Explosive WWII Relic Unearthed at Port of Long Beach during Recent Construction Works

World War II-era explosive was discovered at the Port of Long Beach, prompting a temporary evacuation and response from multiple agencies. Here's a full report.">

World War II-Era Explosive Uncovered at Port of Long Beach

Long Beach, CA – A Construction Crew at the Port of Long Beach made an unexpected discovery on Wednesday afternoon: a decades-old explosive ordnance. The incident triggered a swift response from local and federal authorities, briefly disrupting operations at one of the nation’s busiest ports.

Discovery and Initial Response

The antiquated shell was located at a Container Terminal within the expansive Port complex, according to a statement released by Port Officials. Immediately upon identification, a coordinated effort was launched involving the Long Beach Police Department, the Long Beach Fire Department, and the United States Coast Guard. A safety perimeter was quickly established to safeguard personnel and the surrounding area.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad was dispatched to evaluate the situation and determine the nature of the device. Fortunately, the remaining terminals at the Port where able to continue operating without interruption during the emergency response.

Safe Removal and Deactivation

Following a thorough assessment, a specialized team from the U.S. Marine Corps Ordnance Disposal unit arrived on the scene. They steadfast that the explosive could be safely moved. The ordnance was carefully transported to an offsite location where it was successfully deactivated on Wednesday evening. Authorities confirmed there was no public safety risk during the removal and deactivation process.

Port Operations Return to Normal

By Wednesday night, the Port of Long Beach had fully resumed its regular operational schedule. The incident highlights the potential for uncovering remnants of past conflicts in areas with a rich historical presence, like the California coastline, which played a crucial role during World War II.

Did You Know? The Port of Long Beach is one of the busiest seaports in the Western Hemisphere, handling over $200 billion in trade annually. Source: Port of Long Beach

The discovery serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of World War II and the continued need for vigilance in identifying and safely handling unexploded ordnance. Similar discoveries have occurred in other coastal areas and former military training grounds across the United States.

Agency	Role in Response
Long Beach Police Department	Initial perimeter security and support.
Long Beach Fire Department	Emergency response and support.
U.S. Coast Guard	port security and coordination.
L.A. County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad	Initial assessment of the device.
U.S. Marine Corps Ordnance Disposal	Safe removal and deactivation.

What precautions do you think are necessary when working in areas with a history of military activity? Do you think there should be more frequent scans of port facilities for potential unexploded ordnance?

Understanding Unexploded Ordnance

Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) refers to any explosive war remnants, including bombs, shells, grenades, and mines, that have not detonated when initially used. Thes items can remain dangerous for decades, even centuries, and pose a significant risk to public safety.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains a robust program for identifying and remediating UXO sites throughout the country. Learn more about the USACE UXO program.

Frequently Asked Questions about Explosive Ordnance

1. What is unexploded ordnance? Unexploded ordnance is any explosive material that did not explode during its intended use and remains a potential hazard.
2. How common are UXO discoveries? While not frequent, discoveries of UXO occur in areas with a history of military activity.
3. What should you do if you find a suspected explosive? Do not touch it! Immediately contact local law enforcement.
4. Is the Port of Long Beach safe? The Port of Long Beach is generally safe, and authorities respond quickly to incidents like this.
5. What is the role of the Marine Corps in UXO disposal? The U.S. Marine Corps has specialized teams trained to safely handle and dispose of explosive ordnance.
6. How does the discovery of a World War II explosive impact port operations? While causing temporary disruptions, protocols are in place to minimize these impacts and ensure the safety of personnel.

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What specific safety protocols where implemented instantly following the revelation of the 155mm artillery shell at the Port of Long Beach?

Discovery Disrupts Operations, Highlights Ongoing WWII Legacy

Construction crews working at the Port of Long Beach on October 8th, 2025, unearthed a meaningful piece of World War II ordnance – a highly corroded but possibly explosive artillery shell. The discovery prompted a temporary halt to construction activities in the affected area and the immediate deployment of a specialized Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team from the Naval Base San Diego. This incident underscores the continued presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the war era, even decades after the conflict ended, notably in areas with heavy military activity during WWII.

Details of the WWII Relic

Initial assessments by the EOD team indicate the relic is a 155mm artillery shell, commonly used during the Second World War. The shell was discovered approximately 15 feet below the surface during excavation for a new container storage facility.

* Condition: The shell is heavily corroded, making identification of specific markings arduous. This corrosion also increases the risk associated with handling and disposal.

* potential Hazard: Despite its age, the shell is believed to still contain explosive material. Movement or impact could potentially detonate the ordnance.

* Location: The discovery site is near Berth F, an area historically used for military loading and unloading during WWII. The Port of Long Beach served as a crucial staging point for troops and supplies heading to the Pacific Theater.

* Immediate Response: A 300-foot safety perimeter was established around the discovery site, and all non-essential personnel were evacuated. Port operations continued in other areas, but with heightened security measures.

Historical Context: WWII and the Port of Long Beach

The Port of Long beach played a vital role in the United States’ war effort during WWII. It was a major embarkation point for soldiers and equipment destined for the pacific.

* Military Transport: Millions of tons of cargo and hundreds of thousands of troops passed through the port between 1941 and 1945.

* Naval Activity: The port also served as a base for naval vessels and a repair facility for damaged ships.

* Bombing Concerns: While the mainland US wasn’t directly targeted with large-scale bombing campaigns, there were concerns about potential attacks, and anti-aircraft defenses were stationed around the port.

* UXO legacy: The intense military activity significantly increased the likelihood of unexploded ordnance being left behind, buried or lost during transport and handling. Similar discoveries have been made at other ports and military installations along the West Coast.

EOD Procedures and Safe Disposal

The EOD team is currently working to safely remove and dispose of the artillery shell. The process involves several critical steps:

1. Assessment: A thorough assessment of the shell’s condition and stability is conducted using specialized equipment, including X-ray imaging.
2. Stabilization: If necessary, the shell is stabilized to prevent accidental detonation during transport.
3. Transportation: The ordnance is carefully transported to a designated disposal range, typically a remote location at sea.
4. Detonation/Disposal: The shell is either detonated in a controlled surroundings or rendered safe through a specialized disposal process.

The entire operation is being conducted in accordance with strict safety protocols established by the Department of Defense and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Similar Incidents & Ongoing Risks

This isn’t an isolated incident. Throughout the United States, and particularly in areas with a significant WWII military presence, unexploded ordnance continues to be discovered.

* Pearl Harbor: Ongoing UXO removal efforts continue at Pearl Harbor, decades after the attack.

* California Coast: Numerous discoveries have been made along the California coastline, including shells, grenades, and other military artifacts.

* Construction Sites: Construction projects frequently uncover UXO, leading to delays and safety concerns.

* Public Awareness: Authorities urge the public to report any suspicious objects that resemble ordnance to local law enforcement immediately. Do not attempt to handle or move the object.

Port of Long Beach Mitigation strategies

The Port of Long Beach has implemented several measures to mitigate the risk of encountering UXO during construction projects:

* Historical Records Review: Prior to any excavation, a review of historical records is conducted to identify areas with a higher probability of containing ordnance.

* Geophysical Surveys: Geophysical surveys, using technologies like ground-penetrating radar, are employed to detect buried objects.

* EOD Consultation: The port maintains a close working relationship with EOD teams and consults with them on all major construction projects.

* Worker Training: Construction workers receive training on identifying potential UXO and reporting procedures.