[7] As a port city, San Francisco has, since its founding by Spain, been associated with military personnel – especially the navy – and merchant mariners.

In its early days it hosted nationwide radio broadcasts by Bob Hope, Jack Benny, and Frank Sinatra.

It later housed the San Francisco Actor's Workshop, which produced plays by Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams, and Bertolt Brecht.

[12] Today the association has 21,000 members from all branches of the United States military, NOAA, and the Public Health Service, mostly from California.

[13] The most noticeable features are a 650-seat repertory theater and a lobby display of military memorabilia, most notably the ship's bell from the USS San Francisco.