Don Taub
Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project
The Port of Los Angeles celebrated its Centennial on December 9, 2007. As part of the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project, these interviews feature various members of the Los Angeles Harbor Area community who were interviewed in 2007 to document different eras in Port history.
National Capital Contracting
Captain Don Taub was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Captain Taub, a retired U.S. Coast Guard officer, provides insight into his career, including his role as Captain of the Port of Los Angeles, a position he held from 1976 until his retirement in 1982. Born in Lorain, Ohio, in 1932, Taub grew up in a steel mill and shipbuilding town, experiences that shaped his career in maritime and port operations. The interview delves into Taub’s extensive responsibilities as Captain of the Port, focusing on his involvement with major political and environmental developments in the Los Angeles harbor area. He discusses his oversight of dangerous cargo, offshore oil drilling, and environmental regulations, highlighting the challenges posed by competing interests in the development of the port. Taub reflects on the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach being ranked as the sixth largest economy globally during his tenure, underscoring its economic significance. One of the most significant events discussed is the December 17, 1976, explosion of the supertanker Sansinena at the Union Oil Terminal. Taub recounts the explosion's causes, the resulting oil spill, and the cleanup efforts, which lasted nearly a year. He also describes the various maritime operations under his command, including rescues, inspections, and port security, noting the challenges faced due to budget cuts and the changing maritime landscape. Throughout the interview, Taub reflects on the complexities of managing the port, including environmental concerns, security issues, and the confluence of competing interests in the harbor. He emphasizes the strategic importance of the Port of Los Angeles and his pride in overseeing its operations during a critical period of growth and change.
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