Battery Point Loma (San Diego, California)

 Second World War 1939-1945, military, place with historical importance

In 1939, four 155 mm guns were brought to Fort Rosecrans. Emplacements for the guns were begun on the west side of Point Loma in 1941 when funds became available. The mounts were completed in January of 1942. The guns were emplaced on Panama mounts with a traverse of 360 degrees, located 90 feet apart from center-to-center. An underground communications trench connected the four guns. The guns were actively used during 1941-42, staffed by Battery E of the 19th Coast Artillery. This battery served as the examination or "challenge" battery for ships approaching the water areas to the west and northwest of San Diego Harbor. Following Pearl Harbor, they served as the primary anti-submarine battery. The guns were abandoned in 1943 with the completion of the 90mm AMTB Battery Cabrillo installation. Although three of the mounts are no longer visible, archaeologists uncovered the mount of gun number four during the mid-1980s.

Also associated with the site are the former bunker complexes and reserve magazine, which are partially buried and built from corrugated metal, wood, and concrete.

Panama mounts: www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/cabr3/hsr3m.ht...
Bunkers: www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/cabr3/hsr3n.ht...