Marine Corps Supply Forwarding Annex, Islais Creek

• World War II Origins: The Marine Corps Supply Forwarding Annex at Islais Creek was established during World War II to support the rapid deployment and logistical needs of U.S. Marine forces in the Pacific Theater. • Strategic Location: Situated on Islais Creek in San Francisco, the annex utilized the city’s major port facilities, making it an ideal location for receiving, storing, and forwarding critical military supplies overseas. • Massive Storage Capacity: At its peak, the annex included over 200,000 square feet of warehouse space, enabling the storage of ammunition, rations, vehicles, uniforms, and medical supplies. • Women in the Workforce: Like many military installations during WWII, the Islais Creek annex employed hundreds of women in supply and logistics roles, supporting the war effort on the home front. • Secret Shipments: The annex was known for handling classified and high-priority shipments, including components for amphibious vehicles and specialized equipment for the island-hopping campaigns. • Supporting the Pacific Campaign: Supplies routed through Islais Creek played crucial roles in major battles, including Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the Philippines. • Postwar Role: After WWII, the annex continued to serve as a vital supply hub during the Korean War and early Cold War years, adapting to changing military needs. • Integration with Local Industry: The annex worked closely with San Francisco’s railroads and shipping companies, streamlining the movement of goods from factories to the front lines. • Closure and Legacy: The annex was decommissioned in the 1960s as military supply operations consolidated, but its warehouses and piers remain a testament to San Francisco's wartime contributions. • Historic Landmark: Parts of the former annex area are now recognized as historic industrial sites, preserving the memory of this critical logistical operation that supported the Marines in some of their toughest campaigns.