The Ellwood oil field near Santa Barbara was an attractive target of opportunity because it was undefended, visibly industrial, and connected to major oil companies. Good communications meant that news of an attack could travel quickly. Drawing attention to an attack on the American mainland was central to the target's appeal. The raid came on February 23, 1942, as President Franklin D. Roosevelt was due to address the country by radio.
Notable Point · 24:28-27:33
Ellwood as a visible coastal target
Ellwood's undefended oil facilities and good communications made it a conspicuous coastal target where an attack would quickly attract attention.