US Navy Salutes San Francisco
on Veterans Day

Photo(s) by Luke Thomas

By Luke Thomas

November 12, 2005

USS Abraham Lincoln - The US Navy made another dramatic entrance into San Francisco on Veterans Day. This time, the Nimitz-class nuclear powered aircraft carrier (CVN 72) steamed into San Francisco to honor veterans and the fallen, mooring her 100,000-ton hull within a few nautical miles off Treasure Island and Hunters Point.

According to observers attending a reception aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, the US Navy chose San Francisco to honor veterans and the fallen to make a statement.

"San Francisco was once home to a large naval shipping base and the US Navy wants to leave a symbolic impression that they're still here," stated Bill Stephens, Director, Historic Ship Memorial at Pacific Square.

The US Navy's rich history with San Francisco began in 1906 when the US Navy responded in the aftermath of the 1906 earthquake, sending ships from as far as San Diego to help extinguish fires that raged for days after the estimated 7.8 magnitude temblor struck.

In 1912, Mare Island became home to the decommissioned Independence, the oldest ship in the Navy's fleet at the time.

In 1942, the Navy seized Treasure Island claiming federal jurisdiction over navigable waters and remains party to present day transfer negotiations. The US Navy also seized Hunters Point citing, "Military necessity must come before other considerations."

Military budget cuts led to the eventual closing of Treasure Island and Hunter's Point, spelling the end of the US Navy's physical presence in San Francisco.

But, despite the base closures, the US Navy has not forgotten San Francisco. Next year will be the centennial of the 1906 earthquake. The Navy is expected to fully participate in the commemorative events and to remain closely connected to San Francisco's past, present and future.

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