Mare Island Naval Hospital ,Vallejo,ca.

• Historic Origins: The Mare Island Naval Hospital was established in 1869 on Mare Island, Vallejo, California, making it one of the earliest naval hospitals on the West Coast. • Civil War Connections: Though the hospital opened after the Civil War, Mare Island Naval Shipyard itself was active during the war, providing ships and support for the Union Navy. • World War I Expansion: During World War I, the hospital expanded to handle the influx of wounded sailors and Marines, becoming a key West Coast medical facility. • Spanish Flu Response: In 1918-1919, the hospital played a critical role in treating Navy personnel during the deadly Spanish Influenza pandemic. • World War II Peak: At its height during WWII, the hospital’s capacity reached over 1,000 beds, treating casualties from the Pacific Theater. • Innovations in Medicine: The hospital was known for pioneering treatments in surgery and rehabilitation for wounded sailors, especially those suffering from amputations and burns. • POW Care: After WWII, the hospital cared for American POWs returning from Japanese camps, helping them recover from years of deprivation and injury. • Women in Uniform: The hospital was an early site for the integration of Navy nurses, including members of the Navy Nurse Corps and WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). • Cold War Role: During the Cold War, Mare Island Naval Hospital provided medical support for nuclear submarine crews based at Mare Island Shipyard. • Closure and Legacy: The hospital closed in 1996 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, but several of its historic buildings remain and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.