Ron Reddick
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
Ron Reddick was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Born in 1944 in Long Beach, California, Reddick grew up near the Port of Los Angeles, where his early exposure to the port influenced his eventual career as an engineer. After initially working for the City of Los Angeles in the Department of Public Works, Reddick became intrigued by the variety of engineering tasks required at the port and chose to transfer to the Port of Los Angeles, where he spent his career. The interview covers Reddick’s extensive experiences working as an engineer at the Port of Los Angeles, highlighting the dynamic and multifaceted nature of engineering work at the port. Reddick discusses his involvement in numerous large-scale projects, including the comprehensive rebuilding of Terminal Island from 1988 to 1994, a $750 million capital improvement program. He reflects on the challenges and excitement of designing and constructing complex infrastructure, such as container terminals, railroads, and bridges, which were crucial for the port’s competitiveness. Reddick also shares insights into the collaborative efforts required for engineering projects at the port, including negotiations with international clients and coordination with other ports like Long Beach. He describes the innovative engineering solutions developed to address the evolving needs of the port, such as the transition to containerization, the design of greener terminals, and the construction of Pier 400, which involved advanced dredging techniques and environmental considerations. Throughout the interview, Reddick emphasizes the significance of continual learning and adaptation in engineering, particularly in response to technological advancements and environmental challenges. He concludes by discussing the future of the Port of Los Angeles and the ongoing need for engineering innovation to ensure the port's success in a rapidly changing global environment.
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