Port of Oakland welcomes WWII vet for a look at his Navy past

Oakland, Calif. – Jan. 10, 2019: A retired 30-year Navy veteran visits the Port of Oakland tomorrow for a look at his World War II legacy.  Wisconsin native Robert Almquist, 95, is making a pilgrimage to the Port’s Middle Harbor Shoreline Park.  He’ll pay his respects at 11 a.m. to the mast of his late ship, the light cruiser USS Oakland.

Mr. Almquist spent the years 1942 to 1946 aboard the 542-foot vessel in the Pacific.  He helped load the cruiser’s anti-aircraft guns.  Now he’s returning to honor the only remaining relic of the ship that was scrapped back in 1959.

The USS Oakland’s mast has welcomed visitors to Middle Harbor Shoreline Park for the past 15 years.  Before that it was a fixture in the Port’s Jack London Square.

Mr. Almquist’s visit to the Port is part of a 2,000-mile journey from his home in Wisconsin Rapids.  The retired mill worker spent yesterday in San Diego viewing a plaque bearing his name at the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial.  Today he’s scheduled to receive a proclamation from Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf.  Tomorrow at 1 p.m., he’ll be honored at a luncheon in Alameda aboard the decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Hornet.

About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland Seaport, Oakland International Airport, and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square. The Port's 5-year strategic plan - Growth with Care - pairs business expansion with community benefits, envisioning more jobs and economic stimulus as the Port grows. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in Northern California. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.

Media Contacts

Mike Zampa
Port of Oakland
Communications Director
(510) 627-1565
[email protected]

Marilyn Sandifur
Port of Oakland
Port Spokesperson
(510) 627-1193
[email protected]

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