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I was there in...1978. Had to think a moment. I believe the yard was...decommissioned?...in '74 and a private contractor was utilized for overhaul of naval ships. The Glomar Explorer pulled in when we were there and they did some work on it, renamed it, and sent her off. We called the area outside the gate 'the combat zone'. They left us alone and we left them alone. A smaller contractor was tearing buildings down when we were there, but there were still quite a few of the large warehouse-type structures left, as well as the newer several story-high barracks building. So I take it that no more drydock work goes on at the site?

They also tested whatever apparatus it is/was that launches missiles from subs. I recall being handed a baton and being asked to "guard" a fence--I don't know what for--I guess against the rats. The quarterdeck watch was within view and I heard this ringing, turned to look toward the sound and saw a nose-cone whosh up out of the area 200-yards away. The quarterdeck watch thought it was a hoot as my eyes must have bugged out or something. The rats were unaffected.

Always thought it strange that a dairy cow was always feeding on the grass near the gate. I've since been told that one way to detect a certain kind of leak or decontamination is to find it in diary milk.

1978?
Wow, you must be an old man by now. :o):o)

You wouldn't recognize the entire area that was previously shipping. There MIGHT be one or two REAL piers left for the incoming/outgoing cruise ships. Out of some 80 piers, all but a few are gone, and they are at Fisherman's Wharf in the north/west and in the south/east between the Bay Bridge and Hunter's Point, for the cruise ships.

The rest are changing into a PALM-TREE lined embarcadero with restaurants, condos, the Giants baseball park (almost beneath the bay bridge) and so on.
Amazing what jacked-up-beyond-belief property prices can do.