Treasure Island Naval Base and Museum

During the tensions of World War II, Treasure Island became part of the Treasure Island Naval Base and operated as a communications training school for electronics and radio. The base was also used as the Navy's main departure and receiving point for sailors out in the pacific and also served as an auxiliary airfield for airships, planes, blimps, and seaplanes.

The man responsible for developing the naval station and airfield was Rear Admiral Hugo Wilson Osterhaus, for whom the square in front of the Administration Building was named in his honor. The three theater complexes on the base were dedicated in honor of fallen World War II heroes Doris Miller, Edward O'Hare, and Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone. 

After the war was over, the government established a center for nuclear decontamination on the island. The center was used primarily to train crews in radioactive detection and cleanup, with a full-scale replica of the USS Pandemonium built as a training area. This ship was used until 1969 when it was moved from the island, before being scuttled in 1996.

After being selected for closure in 1993, Treasure island and the Presidio Army Post were decommissioned from service in 1996 and opened up to public control. The island is now part of District 6 of the City and County of San Francisco, though it's still owned by the navy.