DIXON, CA (MPG) - On November 28, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) released the following statement after it was announced that the Mare Island Naval Cemetery was transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration on November 27. The site will be managed by Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA.

“The transfer of the Mare Island Cemetery to VA marks the end of a nearly decade-long effort of mine to restore the level of dignity and solemnity that the cemetery deserves,” said Thompson. “I am proud to see the culmination of my efforts to restore this cemetery for the nearly one thousand servicemembers buried there, including three Medal of Honor recipients, so their final resting place will be protected and honored. This announcement by VA will help ensure that the cemetery is cared for and that grounds will be preserved for future generations."

Effective November 27, 2023, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has taken responsibility for administration and maintenance of Mare Island Naval Cemetery following the facility’s transfer from the City of Vallejo. Additionally, the City of Vallejo has agreed to make in-kind contributions to improve and maintain the cemetery following the transfer as contemplated by Congress. As it has been for over 20 years, the cemetery will remain closed for interments.

Mare Island Naval Cemetery is a historic cemetery that was constructed by the Department of the Navy shortly after it began operating the Mare Island Naval Shipyard in 1854. The cemetery is located within the former Shipyard, which officially closed on March 31, 1996, under the Base Realignment and Closure Act (BRAC). The Navy transferred most of the installation’s 5000-acre peninsula to the City of Vallejo in 2002, including the cemetery.

Vallejo area Veterans and their eligible family members will continue to have access to burial at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.