Treasure Island

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About Treasure Island

**Treasure Island** was established in 1941 as a United States Navy facility located in the San Francisco Bay, California. Originally constructed on an artificial island for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition, it was quickly converted into a naval base with the outbreak of World War II. During the war, Treasure Island served as a crucial center for naval training, processing, and embarkation, handling hundreds of thousands of sailors headed for the Pacific Theater. After the war, the base continued to operate as a communication, administrative, and training hub until its closure in 1997, leaving behind a legacy as a key logistical and personnel support site for the U.S. Navy.

Unit Members

James Martin Mcnu

U.S. Navy

Treasure IslandView Profile

Glen Peroutka

U.S. Navy

Treasure IslandView Profile

Photos

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

About Treasure Island

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Man-Made Island: Treasure Island is not a natural formation—it was constructed in 1936–1937 from fill dredged from the bay for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition. • World's Fair Connection: The island was originally created to host the 1939–1940 Golden Gate International Exposition, showcasing San Francisco’s role as a gateway to the Pacific. • Naval Takeover: After the exposition, the U.S. Navy took control of Treasure Island in 1941, converting it into a naval station and training facility during World War II. • Gateway for Troops: During WWII, Treasure Island served as a major processing and embarkation point for over 4 million military personnel heading to the Pacific Theater. • Hollywood Ties: Several Hollywood movies, including The Matrix Reloaded and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, filmed scenes on Treasure Island. • Treasure Island Naval Station: The station housed the Naval Technical Training Center, where thousands of sailors trained in electronics, radar, and radio communications. • Cold War Role: Treasure Island played a crucial part in the Cold War, being home to the U.S. Navy’s West Coast electronic and communications training. • Decommissioning: The base was officially closed in 1997 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, ending over 50 years of continuous military use. • Environmental Legacy: Decades of military use left some areas contaminated with radioactive waste and hazardous materials, leading to ongoing cleanup and remediation efforts. • Urban Redevelopment: Today, Treasure Island is undergoing a massive transformation, with plans to turn the former military installation into a new San Francisco neighborhood with housing, parks, and commercial spaces.