naval computer and telecommunications area master station pacific (nctamspac) det puget sound naval...

Naval Computer And Telecommunications Area Master Station Pacific (NCTAMSPAC) Det Puget Sound

Naval Radio Station (T) Jim Creek

BACKGROUND

ADM Carney, CNO, directed Site survey - 1946 Construction began – 1949 (RCA Contract) First Keyed – 1952, First Broadcast – 1953 Commissioned 18 November 1953 Reputation as the “most reliable VLF site” 99.99% on-the-air efficiency rate. 9 modifications to keep updated. (Value Project 2001) Goal of Value Project to extend life - 2030 DOD civilian technicians have maintained and operated the transmitter since 1972.

Station Composition

• 4,899 total acres

• 40 acres improved for Station use

• 980 acres antenna ground field

• 47 miles service roads and fire trails, only 4 miles are paved

• 70 buildings/structures

• 4 lakes

• 4 Housing units

• Fish Hatchery (Coho Salmon) cooperation with the Stillaguamish Tribe

• Emergency Power Generator Station

• VLF Transmitter

• Antenna System

VLF Transmitter System

Console

Tank Circuit

Helix House

ANTENNA SYSTEM

ANTENNA SYSTEM

• Two catenary arrays with five spans on each side.• Antenna located between Two 2700 foot mountains • Covers 1 sq mile with 10 miles of suspended cable• 35 - Towers total:

• 12 - Main 200 ft. Towers• 13 - Buss towers • 10 pull off towers.

• 10 miles of aerial cable spans. • Longest span – 8800 ft• Shortest span - 5400 ft• 3 spans replaced – 1988/89• 2 spans replaced - 2001

Components:

ANTENNA SYSTEM

• Antenna spans designed to handle 1-2” of radial ice and winds up to 65KTs (approximately 75 mph)• 980 acre ground field• 587 cleared acres• Over 360 miles of copper cable conductors make up the ground grid.

Components: