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Photo Ops - USS OAKLAND mast, flag raising ceremony, guest speakers, U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, Pleasanton Community Concert Band, World War II Shipmates of the USS OAKLAND.

PORT OF OAKLAND HONORS VETERANS OF USS OAKLAND ON SHIP’S 60th ANNIVERSARY

Oakland, Calif. (July 17, 2003) - The Port of Oakland has invited former shipmates of USS OAKLAND, along with their family and friends, to a special ceremony dedicating the ship’s restored mast Thursday, July 17th at the new Middle Harbor Shoreline Park in Oakland.

The former Navy sailors and their relatives will travel from around the United States to reunite and reminisce with their fellow veterans on the 60th anniversary of the anti-aircraft cruiser's commissioning.

As the first United States Navy ship to bear the name of the city of Oakland, USS OAKLAND earned nine battle stars in duty. Commissioned on July 17, 1943, USS OAKLAND joined the Pacific Fleet and traveled with the fast carrier strike force. The ship accommodated 802 men and officers, suffering only three casualties during its service earning it the name “the lucky ship.”

For many men, their tour of duty aboard USS OAKLAND has remained a significant part of their lives and memories. “I shall always treasure the duty 50 years ago aboard the OAKLAND,” said Lee Roy Burnett, in a letter to one of his fellow shipmates.

The mast dedication ceremony will recognize the service of the crew of USS OAKLAND who will be honored by local political and military dignitaries. The Navy veterans will begin their day with a 90-minute Port of Oakland harbor tour at 10 a.m., (departure is at 10:30 a.m.). The dedication ceremony, to begin at 2 p.m. at the par, will include the formal dedication of the USS Oakland mast, as well as music by the Pleasanton Community Concert Band and speakers from USS Oakland, USS Hornet and the Port of Oakland.

Middle Harbor Shoreline Park (directions to the park are available) is on the site of the former Fleet and Industrial Supply Center in Oakland. After being placed in Jack London Square for 30 years, the USS OAKLAND mast now has a permanent home in the park.

“The location of Middle Harbor Shoreline Park is both physically and symbolically fitting for the USS OAKLAND mast due to the military history of the land; and it will now serve as a fine memorial to the crew of USS OAKLAND,” said Tay Yoshitani, executive director of the Port of Oakland.

The various crews that sailed the ship have proudly demonstrated both courage and excellent service to America and are fine examples of dutiful citizens who have defended peace throughout our nation’s history. Guest speakers will include former Oakland City Councilman Dick Spees who was responsible for the City of Oakland creating a resolution in 2000 to honor USS OAKLAND shipmates; Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown is issuing another proclamation this week in honor of the dedication.


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