Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

Port Chicago Naval Magazine was dedicated as a national memorial to honor the courage and
commitment of the 320 Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, Merchant Mariners, and workers killed
and injured there during World War II. It recognizes the critical role they and the survivors of the explosion played in winning the war in the Pacific. Port Chicago was dedicated in 1994 by the survivors of that tragic incident. The tragedy and its aftermath was a catalyst -- one of many that helped persuade the U.S. Navy and military establishment to begin the long journey on the road to racial justice and equality following WWII. An aerial view of a cargo ship being loaded with munitions at Port Chicago in 1944.

National Park Service
P.O. Box 280
Danville, CA 94526
(925) 838-0249 - Headquarters

By Plane
The Memorial is about 45 minutes to one hour drive from the Oakland and San Francisco. From Interstates 80/880/580/980 Oakland or I-80 (toll bridge) San Francisco, take highway 24 east, to Walnut Creek. Exit to Interstate 680 North, towards Sacramento. Exit Highway 242 North, to Concord. Exit Port Chicago Highway to the main gate 1 mile north.

By Car
Concord is easily accessible from the Oakland and San Francisco Bay Area by car.

From Sacramento take I-80 West to I-680 (toll bridge) to Martinez. Exit Hwy. 4 East to Concord. Exit Port Chicago Highway to the main gate. Drivers will need a valid license, registration and insurance verification to get a base visitor pass.

Getting Around
An excellent historical tour along with interpretative information is available.

The inland riverfront climate tends to be windy and warm. Months of July, August and September are especially warm, with the best weather in the Spring. Comfortable attire is suggested. Appropriate civilian or military attire is requested when visiting the memorial and chapel.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Wildlife Viewing
• Bird Watching

Recommended Activities
The chapel, museum and memorial are open to the public by appointment only. There a memorial ceremony is held annually in mid July for the survivors and their families. It is open to the public by reservation only.

A large portion of the base was designated as a wildlife preserve. Deer, Tule Elk, golden eagles, quail, pheasants, and foxes are just some of the many animals.