Soon after the creation of the Seabees at the beginning of World War II, the U.S. Navy built a West Coast replacement and recuperation center for Naval Construction Battalions returning from overseas. Camp Parks was established on 26 November 1942, having been named in honor of Rear Admiral Charles W. Parks, Civil Engineer Corps (CEC), the World War I chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks.
Following the creation of the Seabees at the start of World War II, the U.S. Navy established a West Coast facility for Naval Construction Battalions returning from overseas. Camp Parks was created on 26 November 1942 in honor of Rear Admiral Charles W. Parks, Civil Engineer Corps (CEC), who served as the chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks during World War I.