Overview

This is a detailed history of the harbor defenses of San Diego on the West Coast of United States. The heavily illustrated work tells the story of these extensive fortifications for this important naval harbor which reached their apex during World War II. Drawing on years of in-person research while assigned to these former defenses and many primary sources, this book describes the various fortifications built by the US Army between 1896 and 1945. It also chronicles the use of these former defenses during the post-war period, Cold War, and continuing to today's use. This book gives the reader an unparalleled view to the current state of the San Diego's former harbor defenses. As nearly all these military reservations are still in use by the US Navy, access to many of the former fortifications are restricted. The author's access to these structures gives the reader an unparalleled view of their current use by the US Navy and the US National Park Service. This book is as close as the general public will get to visiting these structures. This book is simultaneously a technical history (the weapon systems and their supporting infrastructure) and a guide book (where the former defenses are located and their current status/ownership). This 538-page, hardcover book is thoroughly supported with footnotes, a bibliography, three appendixes, and over 950 illustrations (black and white photographs, maps, and plans for many of the structures). The author, Commander (Ret.) H.R. (Bart) Everett, USN, has invested over 30 years of research into the WWII Harbor Defenses of San Diego , making it the primary source on these historical defenses and a must for any serious student of these fortifications and the fascinating military history of San Diego.