This picture is of the Port of Oakland shipping container cranes at one of the berths. I took it from a Ferry on the Port of Oakland’s Free Harbor Tour. As you have probably heard the ongoing urban legend that George Lucas got his idea for the AT-AT Walkers (All Terrain Armored Transport) from the Port of Oakland Cranes while flying into the Bay Area’s Oakland International Airport (OAK)at one time. Can it be confirmed? Who knows the truth. I think it is highly possible because he does live here in the North Bay at Skywalker Ranch in Marin, CA. However he claims recently that this is NOT the case. George Lucas says he did not get his AT AT Walker idea from the Port Cranes. Is this true? Would he give the Shipping Container Cranes credit for his Walkers? Or would he say it is obviously an unique idea created purely by my own imagination?
On another note these shipping container cranes are used to unload massive cargo ships at the Port of Oakland which is the 4th largest port in the Nation as far as container tonnage movement. The Port of Oakland moves 99% of Northern California’s shipping industry goods through it. We handle a lot of business here in Oakland in and out. The Port of Oakland also includes the Oakland International Airport.
Shipping routes below.
p.s.
*updated* May 4th 2011.
May the 4th be with you.
Also be sure to check out my Oakland photography.
The Port of Oakland is offering FREE Harbor Tours this season for all of you Oakland History buffs. I have personally gone on this tour twice and would like to say that Pamela and Laura are great tour guides. You take a nice slow cruise through the Ports Harbor viewing all of the ships and cranes! It’s pretty amazing and you get to hear a lot of facts and history you just may have never learned otherwise. It is also a GREAT chance to take 
