Oak Knoll Naval Hospital Tribute

UPDATE: Oak Knoll's buildings are disappearing fast and I started a petition on Facebook to get a memorial placed on site. Save the memories of Oak Knoll Naval Hospital! Don't let its rich history be forgotten! Let's try and make a difference.

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=104523082927707

This video is a tribute to Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in Oakland, CA. The song is "Happy Home" by Garbage and is copyright of its respective owner(s). I tried to capture the spirit of this abandoned naval base and I think the song fits well. The recent photographs were taken by me and a companion of mine, and the older, historical pictures were the results of Google searches. Most of the photos are of the main concrete nine-story hospital building, which was opened in 1968, and some are of the other buildings on the grounds as well, which are WWII-era. The entire base was closed in 1996 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure Act to close "surplus" US bases. In 2005 the land was bought up and demolition began on the buildings, but the project ran out of funds and the structures were left behind, some partially torn down. The hospital itself only has the two bottom floors left with walls; the remaining seven floors are cleaned out to the concrete. Asbestos sits in the hospital basement in plastic bags. Me and some of my closest companions adore this hospital and the history it holds. The future of Oak Knoll is up in the air right now.

"Happy Home" lyrics:

In my happy home I barely breathe
In my lovers arms I find relief
And there's a sky that's changing and a bird that sings
I never once in my wayward life was heading to run out

In my lovers arms I wait for morning
I beg my god to speak and tear me apart
I'd lay down my body I'd lay down my arms
I never once in my sweet short life meant anybody harm

In my happy home I read the signs
In my lovers arms I move in time
There's no more crying and there's no more lies
I never once in my sweet short life was waiting for desire

And there's no more crying
And there's no more pain
I never thought for one second I'd have nothing left but shame

In my happy home I barely breathe
I never once in my wayward life was heading to run out
Lyrics credit goes to azlyrics.com

For more information on Oak Knoll Naval Hospital, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_Hospital_Oakland

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Oak
• Knoll
• Naval
• Hospital
• Oakland
• CA
• naval
• 1968
• Vietnam
• War
• World
• Two
• Garbage
• Happy
• Home
• Base
• Realignment
• and
• Closure
• Act
• 1996
• Medical
• Center
• California
• abandoned

[CosmasNDamian]

I was a medical student at Oak Knoll in '83. I came back again in 83-84 for my Internship, returning again in '87-'92 for my surgical training and one year a staff surgeon. Lived on base in the housing above the O'Club. My third child was born there. We used to go to mass in the chapel, and go to movies in the base theater.

Had the honor of taking care of some of the finest Sailors, Marines, Soldiers and Airmen, and all their families.

Fair wind, and a following sea. Dr. Lappert

[sexyjefflynne72]

@CosmasNDamian I thank you for your service to our country and for commenting on this video. I love reading about Oak Knoll's past, and the people that made it such a life-changing, great place to work and live.

[MrDavidDan]

I will remember Oak Knoll for what it was a place o healing and redemption for staff and patients alike. through WWII, Korea and Vietnam , through the Cold War and Desert Storm 1 we were there, our Docs, Nurses, Corpsman, MSC's and Dental were the best...all of our staff was No 1. Our theme song going out should have been Queens we are the Champions cause were were. Damn thew Base Closure movement. God bless America we will raise to greatness again lets form a assocation Daviddan1@comcastq.net

[sexyjefflynne72]

@MrDavidDan I love your comment! Oak Knoll should not be forgotten. I've started a petition to try and get a memorial in place on the former base site. If you'd like to check it out, the link is in the video description above. Thanks for your comment. :)

[georgecwilliamsjr]

I was born there in February 1985- Navy dad.

[sexyjefflynne72]

@georgecwilliamsjr Thank you for watching and commenting... this place is teeming with memories. A salute to your father for his service!

[amagjr2003]

Dang! You were my first duty station...What did they do to you? What a waste...

[farone100]

I was stationed there from oct. 1960--may 62 before they biult the Big hospital ramps---ward 45b E.N.T. Hi to anyone else there at that time----

[ScoutForest]

i too was born here: 1961

[Melissalc1108]

I got clean and sober in the rehap there 30 years ago, this place saved my life and the lives of many others. I just found this out as I wanted to return to speak there for my 30th aa birthday

[realcurve]

This is where I was born

[sexyjefflynne72]

@coxjam12 And thanks for watching my tribute, and for sharing your own memories with us. :)