Published: August, 2003
The Port of Oakland dedicated the USS Oakland Mast at its new home in Middle Harbor Shoreline Park on Thursday, July 17. USS Oakland, a World War II anti-aircraft cruiser was the first, and to this date, the only United States Navy ship to bear the name of the City of Oakland. The ceremony honored the shipmates of USS Oakland and celebrated the 60th anniversary of the ship’s commissioning. Shipmates traveled from many locations across the United States to reunite with their fellow crewmembers and their families.
After its commissioning in 1943, the USS Oakland joined the Pacific Fleet and traveled with the fast carrier strike force (capable of 30 knots per hour) earning nine battle stars in duty. The ship accommodated 802 men and officers, and suffered three casualties during its service in World War II, earning it the nickname "the lucky ship." USS Oakland was present in Tokyo Bay alongside the battleship Missouri to witness the surrender ceremonies that ended World War II. After six years of service, the ship was decommissioned and its mast was salvaged and given to the City of Oakland. It was installed at Jack London Square for 30 years and was recently restored at the Port of Oakland’s new Middle Harbor Shoreline Park.
