PORT CHICAGO

• USPZH
• Latitude: 38.0594
• Longitude: -122.022
• US West Coast
• Port in US

Location: US

Port Chicago, California, USA: Overview and Specifications

General Information

• Location: Port Chicago is located on Suisun Bay, northeast of San Francisco, California. It falls within the jurisdiction of Contra Costa County.
• Coordinates: Approximately 38.0567° N latitude, 122.0339° W longitude.
• Ownership and Operation: Historically, it has been significant as a maritime logistics center, particularly for the United States Navy.

Historical Significance

• World War II: Port Chicago is historically noted for the Port Chicago disaster during World War II on July 17, 1944, when two ships exploded while loading munitions, leading to significant casualties and influencing Navy munitions handling procedures.
• Military Use: It has been crucial for military logistics and transportation, particularly during wartime for handling munitions and other military cargo.

Facilities and Infrastructure

• Berthing and Docking: The port includes multiple berths capable of handling various sizes of vessels. Historically, it was equipped to accommodate naval ships, including transport and supply vessels.
• Cargo Handling: Initially designed for munitions, the facilities are tailored to handle sensitive and hazardous materials with specialized loading and unloading equipment and procedures.
• Storage: The port featured extensive storage facilities for munitions, including magazines and warehouses designed to safely store explosive materials.

Modern Usage and Redevelopment

• Environmental and Safety Regulations: Following the Port Chicago disaster and subsequent changes in regulations, any usage of the port adheres to stringent safety and environmental standards.
• Current Status: The port area has seen varied uses over recent years, including considerations for redevelopment for commercial purposes, though parts of it still maintain restricted access due to its legacy as a military installation.

Accessibility and Connectivity

• Road Network: Accessible via local highways and roads, facilitating the transport of goods and personnel to and from the port.
• Rail Connections: Historically connected to the rail network to ensure efficient transport of munitions and heavy goods.

Governance and Management

• Local and Federal Oversight: Overseen by various government entities, including local county authorities and federal agencies, reflecting its strategic importance.
• Environmental Management: Managed under stringent environmental guidelines to mitigate any impacts from its historical usage as a munitions handling facility.

Key Coordinates and Points of Interest

• Port Geography: Situated within the estuarine complex of Suisun Bay, often characterized by tidal flats, marshlands, and navigable channels pivotal for maritime operations.

Additional Notes

• Transport and Logistics Hub: Continued to serve critical roles in both military and commercial maritime logistics, leveraging its strategic positioning along key waterway routes.
• Community and Heritage: The legacy of Port Chicago lives on in local heritage, with memorials and historical accounts commemorating the events and its significance during World War II.

This summary should provide a foundational understanding of Port Chicago's maritime port specifications and its historical and current significance within the maritime and local community context.