About this Unit
COMOCEANSYSPAC, or Commander, Oceanographic Systems Pacific, was a specialized U.S. Navy command headquartered on Ford Island, Hawaii. Established during the Cold War, its mission was to oversee undersea surveillance systems and oceanographic data collection across the vast Pacific theater. The unit played a crucial role in anti-submarine warfare, operating and maintaining the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) arrays, which provided early warning of Soviet submarine movements. COMOCEANSYSPAC contributed significantly to maritime intelligence and naval operations until its functions were reorganized under newer commands in the post-Cold War era.
Historical Facts
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COMOCEANSYSPAC stands for Commander, Naval Ocean Systems Command, Pacific. This unit was responsible for the research, development, and operational support of undersea surveillance, communications, and oceanographic systems in the Pacific region.
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Strategic Location: The unit was based on Ford Island, Hawaii—a site of immense historical significance, notably as a central location during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
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Cold War Activities: COMOCEANSYSPAC played a crucial role during the Cold War, supporting the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) efforts by managing the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) network in the Pacific.
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Ocean Surveillance: The unit oversaw the deployment, maintenance, and operation of underwater listening arrays used to detect and track Soviet submarines, contributing to national security and intelligence.
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Technical Innovations: COMOCEANSYSPAC contributed to advances in naval communications, including improvements in underwater acoustics, satellite communications, and secure data transmission.
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Joint Operations: The command worked closely with civilian oceanographic institutions and other U.S. military branches, sharing oceanographic data and collaborating on undersea research.
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Base Facilities: The command’s headquarters on Ford Island featured specialized laboratories, advanced communication centers, and classified facilities supporting sensitive operations.
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Support for Submarine Fleet: COMOCEANSYSPAC provided critical support to U.S. Navy submarines operating in the Pacific, including real-time intelligence and environmental data.
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Decommissioning and Legacy: In the late 1980s and early 1990s, COMOCEANSYSPAC was reorganized as part of the Naval Command, Control and Ocean Surveillance Center (NCCOSC), reflecting changes in naval priorities after the Cold War.
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Historical Marker: Today, Ford Island’s history is preserved as part of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, and the legacy of COMOCEANSYSPAC’s contributions to naval intelligence and oceanography continues to be recognized.
