Guided tours take visitors onto an active military base to see the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial , erected to honor the 320 military personnel and civilians (more than 200 of whom were African Americans) killed on July 17, 1944, in the largest homeland disaster during World War II. The incident, which occurred when a full munitions ship exploded during loading operations, was one of the catalysts that spurred the U.S. military to look into racial justice and equality after World War II. Reservations are required 2 weeks in advance; phone (925) 228-8860 for information. Learn More...