About this Unit
Naval Facility San Nicolas Island (NAVFAC SNI), located on San Nicolas Island off the coast of California, was established in 1958 as part of the U.S. Navy’s Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) network. Its primary mission was to detect and track Soviet submarines during the Cold War using undersea listening technology. The facility operated as a key node in the broader anti-submarine warfare (ASW) efforts, contributing valuable intelligence to the defense of the United States. NAVFAC SNI was decommissioned in 1987 as advances in technology and shifting military priorities led to changes in undersea surveillance operations.
Historical Facts
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Strategic Location: Naval Facility (NAVFAC) San Nicolas Island is situated about 65 miles off the coast of Southern California and is the most remote of the Channel Islands, making it ideal for military operations and testing.
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Early Military Use: The U.S. Navy began using San Nicolas Island during World War II for bombing practice and as an airfield, taking advantage of its isolated location.
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Missile Testing Ground: Since the 1950s, the island has served as a major missile testing and launch site, supporting programs such as the Regulus cruise missile, and later, advanced naval weaponry.
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Pacific Missile Test Center: San Nicolas Island is a critical outlying field of Naval Base Ventura County and part of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, supporting missile and drone tests.
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Undersea Surveillance Legacy: NAVFAC San Nicolas Island was once a node in the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS), a Cold War-era undersea listening network designed to detect Soviet submarines.
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Wildlife Sanctuary: Despite military use, the island is home to protected wildlife, including endangered island foxes and nesting sites for seabirds, requiring careful coordination between the Navy and environmental agencies.
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Historic Shipwrecks: The surrounding waters are known for several historic shipwrecks, including Spanish galleons and 19th-century vessels, adding archaeological interest to the area.
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Indigenous Heritage: The island was originally inhabited by the Nicoleño people, and archaeological studies continue to uncover ancient sites and artifacts, some dating back thousands of years.
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Modern Drone Operations: Today, the island is used extensively for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and unmanned surface vehicle (USV) testing, supporting cutting-edge Navy research.
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Hollywood Connections: San Nicolas Island inspired the classic novel "Island of the Blue Dolphins" by Scott O'Dell, based on the true story of Juana Maria, the Lone Woman of San Nicolas, who lived alone on the island for 18 years in the 19th century.
