U.S. Navy Exonerates Black Sailors 80 Years After Port Chicago Disaster

The U.S. Navy exonerated 258 Black sailors on Wednesday, overturning unjust court-martials following an explosion that killed over 300 people at a California port 80 years ago. The explosion on July 17, 1944, at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine near San Francisco, had a force akin to an atomic bomb, destroying two ships and a train, and killing 320 people, most of whom were Black sailors loading weapons.

In the aftermath, white sailors were given leave, while Black sailors were forced to handle ammunition without adequate training or equipment. Their refusal led to the largest mutiny trial in Navy history.

The conviction of 50 men triggered a public outcry over military injustice and racism. “The Port Chicago 50, and the hundreds who stood with them, remain a symbol of courage and justice,” said U.S. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro. The Navy acknowledged significant legal errors in the trials, including denial of proper legal counsel. President Joe Biden stated, “Today’s announcement concludes a long fight for these sailors and their families, who were denied equal justice under law.”

(With inputs from agencies.)