The land was initially owned and operated by a coalition of ship building firms known as the Emergency Fleet Corporation which was operating under the name of Pacific Marine Construction. With World War 1 coming to a close, the outlook was bleak for PMC. One of the coalition companies, Schofield Engineering held an option to purchase the existing plant, but was delaying a decision as the rest was negotiated back to the city of San Diego. The Navy wanted the area to establish a west coast ship repair facility. They, too, were dragging their feet by not having passed an appropriations bill for the project. In June of 1920, however, Congress passed an appropriations bill that included 750,000 dollars for the Navy. Still, Schofield hesitated. Roger Welles, then the commandant of the 11th Naval District grew tired and threatened to pull the plug and seek land elsewhere. His threat worked, Schofield relented, and the Navy had her yard.
The base expanded consistently for the next 16 years, functioning as a Destroyer Base, adding torpedo and radio schools and adding land and around 30 buildings. At the outbreak of World War Two, the base expanded heavily, adding expanded fleet training schools and an amphibious force training unit. By October of 1943, it had dramatically outgrown its basic function of a Destroyer Base. It was then re-designated U.S. Repair Base, San Diego. It held that title and function though WW2.
Between 1943 and 1945, conversion, overhaul, maintenance and repairs from damage taken in battle became a primary focus. During this time, over 5100 ships came into port for these reasons. A large part of this process was the construction of 155 dry docks. They were delivered to various bases and also utilized heavily at San Diego. Included in these were seven large floating dry docks from 900 tons up to 3000 tons. These became the central repair and training facilities and were absolutely crucial to the mission of the base during World War 2.
Post war, the mission changed again. This time to providing logistical support (including repair and dry-docking) to the active fleet. With this transition, the base continued to grow, adding buildings, berthing space and land. The barracks grew to accommodate more than 18,000 men. The galley grew large enough to be able to feed 3,500 men in a single siting.
In the 1990's the Long Beach Naval Yard closed. Naval Station San Diego was re-aligned under Commander, Navy Region Southwest and became the hub for all Navy port operations for the region. It was at this time, it became Naval Base San Diego, with the change, assuming all logistical responsibility for the region as well as for Naval Medical Center San Diego.
This base has been an integral part of Navy operations for almost 100 years. It has been home to countless men and women who have put their lives on the line in combat in every engagement since World War 2. During WW2, it was an absolutely vital part of the effort that won the war. It remains no less vital today in its mission. Taken from the website of NBSD:
Everything you could possibly want to know about the Naval Base San Diego can be found at the Navy's website: NBSD Website.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to deliver the highest standard of support and quality of life services to the Fleet, Fighter and Family.Our Vision
We will continually pursue excellence and be the best in all that we do. Working as one team with one mission, we will be responsive to the needs of the Fleet, Fighter and Family and efficiently deliver top quality capabilities. We exist to serve and support; our labors will demonstrate effective stewardship of the resources entrusted to us to support the fleet.Our Philosophy
Lead by example! Don't give up the base!
The people that have passed through the gates, into and out of the harbor, or had anything at all to do with this base have been a part of something excellent. They are what make it so. We can never thank them enough for the role they have played in securing our freedoms, tending to the needs of those in combat, and helping the families of everyone involved. An incredible team effort headed up by some of the best leadership in the history of naval warfare has made an impact on the world that can not be stated strongly enough.
Thank you to all who have served, in any capacity at the Naval Base San Diego. Our flag flies proudly because of your service and sacrifices.
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