Camp Harahan, also called Camp Plauche, was a troop staging area outside New Orleans, Louisiana during World War II. The camp served as a staging area for troops passing through the New Orleans Port of Embarkation. Its mission changed to that of a training base in 1942. Between 200,000 - 300,000 troops, including battalions of railroad tro…Camp Harahan, also called Camp Plauche, was a troop staging area outside New Orleans, Louisiana during World War II. The camp served as a staging area for troops passing through the New Orleans Port of Embarkation. Its mission changed to that of a training base in 1942. Between 200,000 - 300,000 troops, including battalions of railroad troops, port troops and hospital men were organized and trained there.