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: