Los Angeles Port of Embarkation in the context of San Pedro, California

The San Francisco Port of Embarkation (SFPOE) was a United States Army command responsible for movement of supplies and troops to and from the Pacific during World War II with extensive facilities in the San Francisco area. SFPOE was established 6 May 1932 and disestablished 1 October 1955. It was originally composed of the long term Pacific terminal at Fort Mason that had been the home port and terminal for the Pacific Army Transport Service ships. That facility was far too limited to serve the requirements of a full port of embarkation. In 1940 the port began expansion to include Army owned and leased facilities throughout the San Francisco Bay area and for a time sub ports at Seattle and Los Angeles. Those eventually became separate commands as the Seattle Port of Embarkation and Los Angeles Port of Embarkation.

Sea transportation was a responsibility of the United States Army Quartermaster Corps but World War II requirements showed weakness in the corps' transportation role. The Army reorganized in March 1942 creating a Transportation Division under the United States Army Services of Supply with a Chief of Transportation. In July the U.S. Army Transportation Corps took over surface transport responsibilities including the ports of embarkation.