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San Clemente Island
Chronological Military History (1934-2000)
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1930's
The control of San Clemente Island was transferred from the Department of Commerce to the Navy for the development of fleet training facilities. 1 During 1935-1936, twenty-two (22) major administrative, utility, and personnel support facilities were constructed at Camp Tarrant (Wilson Cove) which included the communications and operations building (60101), headquarters building (60102), the galley-messhall (60103), the fire station (60143), the pier (60145), several personnel berthing facilities, and a number of utility support structures (Appendix A). In 1936, the Navy tugboat USS Koko, while towing a barge, went aground in a dense fog at the southern end of Northwest Cove. Her navigator mistakenly thought this was the entrance to Wilson Cove. She was unsalvageable and remained on the rocks for years. 2 U. S. Fleet Landing Exercises No. 1 & 2 were conducted during this period. Exercise No. 2 conducted in 1936 consisted of heavy naval gunfire and bombing on the island. (Note: One of the converted-battleships, the USS Utah (AG-16) was to become one of the victims at Pearl Harbor five years later). 25 & 27 The island was now named "The U.S. Fleet Training Base, San Clemente Island" 23 and the support facilities area at Wilson's Cove was named Camp Tarrant (for Vice Admiral W. T. Tarrant, Commander Attack Force). 40 The "racetrack" mobile targets range was constructed on the west coast south of West Cove and the sand dunes area. This range was used for gunfire support training from offshore boats to the west, and the Machine Gun School Range and weapons emplacements located on the bluff to the east. Target balloons were released from a station near the west shore. The U.S. Fleet Landing Exercise No. 3 was conducted during the period January 30- February 16, 1937 IAW U.S. Attack Force Operation Plans 1-37 and 2-37. Participants included the FMF 1st Marine Brigade from Quantico, 2nd Marine Brigade, San Diego; the U.S. Army 1st Expeditionary Brigade, and various naval elements including Battleship Division One, Cruiser Divisions 4 & 5, and Destroyer Divisions 4, 5, and 11. Two aircraft squadrons, from Quantico, VA. and North Island, comprised of VF, VO, VB, and VJ aircraft, also participated. The mission: "To capture SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND". Mission information: "The hostile land force consists of a reinforced regiment, supported by light artillery, 155 MM guns, anti-aircraft artillery, and aviation not exceeding twenty planes. The UNITED STATES FLEET will provide protection against attack by enemy surface vessels. Attack by submarines is possible". The total amphibious landing force was comprised of ~4700 Army and Marine Corps personnel. Figure 1 depicts the areas of aerial bombardment and gunnery practice. (Note: The USS Houston (CL-81) of this exercise, would later be lost in 1942 in the battle of Sunda Strait off Java). 25 & 27
The second largest shark tooth ever found, was located at an altitude of 611' in Chalk Canyon by Corporal William E. Davis, Battery D, 10th Marines. It measured 4-1/2" in length by 2" in width. It was estimated that this shark must have been at least 60 feet in length. 2 Several additional berthing structures were constructed, including the two (2) ocean-front cottages (60134 & 60135) in Wilson Cove, presently used for VIP and visitor housing. The small arms target butts were constructed one-mile southwest of Camp Tarrant (Wilson's Cove) and included 200, 300, 500, 600, 800, and 1000 yard firing positions. These butts can still be seen to the west of San Clemente Island Ridge Road enroute to the airfield from Wilson Cove. Also, a pistol range was installed 0.6 miles southwest of the camp across from the recreation area presently called "Billy Mills Field".
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Forward 1930's 1940's 1950's 1960's 1970's 1980's 1990's References About the Author Bibliography