About this Unit
Naval Weapons Station Charleston, located in South Carolina, was established in 1941 to support the U.S. Navy’s ordnance requirements during World War II. Over the decades, the installation expanded its mission to include the storage, maintenance, and shipment of conventional and nuclear munitions for Atlantic Fleet ships and submarines. During the Cold War, the station played a vital role in supporting the Navy’s fleet ballistic missile submarines and became a key hub for logistical and technical operations. In 2010, it was merged with other local military facilities to form Joint Base Charleston, continuing its legacy of supporting U.S. military operations.
Historical Facts
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Founded in World War II (1941): Naval Weapons Station Charleston (NWS Charleston) was established in 1941 to support the U.S. Navy’s needs during World War II, especially for supplying, storing, and shipping naval munitions.
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Key Ammunition Depot: During WWII, the base became one of the most important ammunition depots on the East Coast, loading and unloading thousands of tons of ordnance for ships in the Atlantic and beyond.
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Nuclear Submarine Support: In the 1960s, NWS Charleston became a homeport and support facility for Polaris Fleet Ballistic Missile submarines, playing a crucial role in the Cold War nuclear deterrent.
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Home to Nuclear Weapons: The base housed and maintained nuclear warheads and missiles for decades, with stringent security and secrecy measures in place.
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Massive Land Area: Covering over 17,000 acres, the station’s sprawling territory includes forests, wetlands, and over 16 miles of waterfront along the Cooper River.
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Merger into Joint Base Charleston: In 2010, NWS Charleston merged with Charleston Air Force Base under the Base Realignment and Closure process to form Joint Base Charleston, a unique multi-service installation.
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Support for NASA: In the 1960s and 1970s, the base supported NASA by shipping Saturn V rocket stages and other components to Cape Canaveral.
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Military Working Dog Training: The station is home to the Navy’s only Military Working Dog facility on the East Coast, training K9s for explosive detection and patrol duties.
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Disaster Response Hub: Due to its location and capabilities, NWS Charleston has been repeatedly used as a staging and response center for hurricanes and other natural disasters in the Southeast.
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Historical Artifacts: The base houses the historic St. James Church, built in 1719, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and still stands within the station’s grounds.
