Events Today to Mark Closing of Naval Shipyard
Shipyard workers and Long Beach residents will say goodbye today as the 54-year-old Long Beach Naval Shipyard closes its gates.
The shipyard will open to the public at 9 a.m. Speeches and musical tributes are scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with entertainment and picnics to continue into the afternoon. The event is expected to draw about 4,000 people, organizers said.
In a solemn farewell Thursday, the American flag was lowered for the last time during the Navy’s official disestablishment ceremony.
Established as the Naval Dry Docks Feb. 23, 1943, and later renamed the Long Beach Naval Shipyard, the facility employed more than 16,000 employees at its peak and repaired more than 1,200 naval and civilian vessels.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
