Long Beach, October 9, 2025
News Summary
A construction crew at the Port of Long Beach discovered a World War II-era explosive device, prompting immediate evacuation and response from authorities. Located at Pier G, the device is believed to be around 80 years old from the port’s history as a military hub. The Long Beach Police Department and U.S. Coast Guard evacuated personnel and established a safety perimeter. After examination, an ordnance disposal team determined the device was safe for transport and deactivated it without incident, leading to a swift return to normal port operations.
Long Beach
A construction crew discovered a World War II-era explosive device at the Port of Long Beach on Wednesday afternoon, prompting an immediate evacuation and response from local and federal authorities.
The explosive shell was located at Pier G, one of the port’s six container terminals. Officials believe the device is approximately 80 years old, originating from a time when the port served as a major hub for military and naval activities.
In response to the discovery, the Long Beach Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard evacuating personnel and established a safety perimeter around the terminal to ensure public safety. Cargo operations at Pier G were immediately halted while authorities assessed the situation.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad was summoned to examine the find. Ultimately, the U.S. Marine Corps ordnance disposal team was called in for additional expertise and assistance with the investigation.
While action was taken at Pier G, the remaining five container terminals at the Port of Long Beach continued operating normally, avoiding significant disruption to port activities overall.
After a thorough examination, the Marine Corps team determined the explosive device was safe for transport. It was subsequently moved off-site and deactivated without incident.
By Wednesday night, normal operations at the port had resumed, ensuring that the incident had minimal long-term impact on the busy port activities.
Background Context
The Port of Long Beach has a rich history, notably serving as a major U.S. Navy base from 1919 to 1997. This historical significance contributes to the likelihood of discovering remnants of military ordnance, especially during construction or excavation work in the area.
Discoveries such as this highlight the importance of safety protocols in potentially hazardous environments, especially in locations with a military history. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring safety for both workers and nearby communities in the face of such discoveries.
FAQs
What was discovered at the Port of Long Beach?
A World War II-era explosive device was discovered during construction at Pier G.
How old is the explosive device?
The device is believed to be approximately 80 years old.
What actions were taken after the discovery?
Authorities evacuated the area, established a safety perimeter, and called in the bomb squad and Marine Corps ordnance disposal team for assistance.
Did operations at the port continue?
Yes, the remaining five container terminals at the port continued their operations normally while the situation at Pier G was being addressed.
What happened to the explosive device after it was examined?
The device was determined to be safe for transportation and was moved off-site and deactivated without incident.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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 PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
