About this Unit
Naval Hospital Long Beach was established in 1941 in Long Beach, California, to support the rapid expansion of the U.S. Navy during World War II. The hospital played a critical role in treating wounded service members returning from the Pacific Theater, quickly growing to accommodate thousands of patients. In the postwar years, it continued to provide medical care for Navy personnel and their families, serving as a key medical center during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The original facility was eventually closed in the 1990s, with its operations moved to the new Naval Hospital at the nearby Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
Historical Facts
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Origins During World War II: Naval Hospital Long Beach was originally established in 1941, as the United States anticipated involvement in World War II, to address the growing need for medical facilities to care for wounded sailors and marines.
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Massive Expansion: At its peak during World War II, the hospital comprised more than 100 buildings and had a capacity of over 2,000 beds, making it one of the largest military hospitals on the West Coast.
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Polio Epidemic Response: In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Naval Hospital Long Beach was at the forefront of treating polio patients, using the then-innovative iron lungs and supporting research efforts.
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Korean War Service: The hospital played a significant role during the Korean War, receiving and rehabilitating thousands of wounded service members evacuated from the Pacific theater.
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Vietnam War Era: During the Vietnam War, Naval Hospital Long Beach again served as a primary receiving hospital for casualties, providing advanced surgical and rehabilitative care.
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Presidential Visits: The hospital was visited by several notable dignitaries, including President Harry S. Truman, who toured the facility in the 1940s to honor wounded veterans.
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Innovations in Medicine: The hospital was known for pioneering treatments in reconstructive surgery and physical therapy, particularly for amputees and burn victims.
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Integration with the Community: The hospital maintained strong ties with the city of Long Beach, hosting community blood drives, disaster response training, and public health initiatives.
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Closure and Legacy: Naval Hospital Long Beach was officially closed in 1994 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. The site is now home to the Long Beach Towne Center, but a memorial garden commemorates its history.
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Historical Recognition: The hospital’s contributions during wartime and peacetime are remembered in local museums and historical records, highlighting its role in advancing military medicine and supporting American service members for over five decades.
