About this Unit
Concord Naval Weapons Station, located in Concord, California, was established in 1942 as a vital munitions storage and shipping facility for the U.S. Navy during World War II. Throughout the war and into the Cold War era, the station played a key role in supplying ammunition and explosives to the Pacific Fleet, making it a crucial logistical hub. In 1944, the site was the scene of the tragic Port Chicago disaster, where a massive explosion killed 320 sailors and civilians, highlighting the dangers faced by ordnance workers. The station continued to operate through the Vietnam War and beyond, eventually being closed for military use in 2008, with portions transferred for public and commercial redevelopment.
Historical Facts
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World War II Munitions Hub: The Concord Naval Weapons Station (CNWS) was commissioned in 1942 and rapidly became one of the U.S. Navy’s most important munitions depots during World War II, shipping thousands of tons of ammunition and supplies to the Pacific Theater.
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Port Chicago Disaster: On July 17, 1944, the Port Chicago Disaster—one of the largest domestic military disasters—occurred at the station when two munitions ships exploded, killing 320 sailors and civilians, mostly African-American enlisted men.
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Civil Rights Impact: The aftermath of the Port Chicago Disaster led to the Port Chicago Mutiny, where 50 African-American sailors refused to load munitions under unsafe conditions. This event was pivotal in the eventual desegregation of the U.S. Navy.
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Cold War Role: During the Cold War, the station played a key strategic role in storing and shipping ordnance and nuclear weapons for use in potential conflicts, supporting U.S. naval operations worldwide.
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Sprawling Facility: At its peak, CNWS covered over 12,800 acres, including the Inland Area and the Tidal Area (now known as Military Ocean Terminal Concord), with more than 70 miles of railroad tracks and hundreds of bunkers.
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Environmental Cleanup: Designated for closure in 2007 under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) program, the site has been undergoing extensive environmental cleanup due to decades of munitions storage and handling.
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Protest History: The station was a focal point for anti-nuclear and anti-war protests in the 1980s, notably the 1987 protest where activist Brian Willson was severely injured by a train during a demonstration against arms shipments to Central America.
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Wildlife Refuge: Portions of the former base are now being converted into the Concord Hills Regional Park, providing habitat for endangered species like the California red-legged frog and the Alameda whipsnake.
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Cinematic Connection: The CNWS’s rugged, industrial landscapes have been used as filming locations for movies and television, including the 2008 film “Milk” and several action films.
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Future Development: The site is currently the subject of ambitious redevelopment plans, including proposals for thousands of new homes, commercial space, and open parkland for the Bay Area community.
