About this Unit
Naval Ammunition Depot (NAD) Concord, located in Concord, California, was established in 1942 as a critical supply point for the U.S. Navy during World War II. Serving as a major ammunition storage and shipping facility, the depot played a vital role in supporting Pacific theater operations throughout the war and continued to be active during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Over the decades, NAD Concord expanded its infrastructure and capabilities, becoming one of the largest ordnance depots on the West Coast. In 1999, the facility was renamed Concord Naval Weapons Station and its military mission was gradually reduced, with large portions later transferred for civilian reuse.
Historical Facts
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Naval Weapons Station Concord: The military unit referred to as "NAD Concord" is more formally known as the Naval Weapons Station Concord, located in Concord, California. It was a major U.S. Navy munitions depot.
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Established During WWII: The base was commissioned in 1942, during World War II, to meet the urgent need for munitions storage and shipping on the West Coast.
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Massive Storage Capacity: At its peak, the facility covered over 12,800 acres and included more than 300 storage bunkers for ammunition, making it one of the largest such depots in the U.S.
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Port Chicago Disaster: In July 1944, the nearby Port Chicago Naval Magazine suffered a catastrophic explosion, killing 320 people—many of whom were African American sailors—and leading to a historic mutiny trial and ultimately contributing to desegregation in the U.S. military.
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Vietnam War Support: The station played a significant role during the Vietnam War, shipping vast quantities of munitions and supplies to Southeast Asia.
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Cold War Operations: During the Cold War, NAD Concord was a secure site for the storage and transport of advanced munitions, including nuclear weapons components.
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Environmental Cleanup: Following years of heavy use, the site was designated for environmental cleanup under the Base Realignment and Closure Act (BRAC) due to contamination from military activities.
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Partial Closure: The inland area of the base was closed in 2007, with some functions continuing at the Tidal Area (Concord Naval Weapons Station Tidal Area), which is still operated by the U.S. Army as Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO).
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Redevelopment and Open Space: Sections of the former base are being converted for civilian use, including plans for parks, open space, and new housing developments, while preserving history and wildlife habitats.
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Community and Historical Importance: The history of NAD Concord is commemorated in local museums and memorials, and it remains a significant chapter in both military logistics and civil rights history due to the events of the Port Chicago Disaster.
