About this Unit
NAVRADSTA (T) Cutler, formally known as Naval Radio Station (Transmitter) Cutler, is a United States Navy facility located in Cutler, Maine. Established during World War II, the station became fully operational in 1961, serving as a key component for Very Low Frequency (VLF) radio communications. Its primary mission has been to transmit secure communications to submarines operating in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. The facility is renowned for its massive VLF transmitter and distinctive antenna array, making it one of the most powerful and recognizable naval communication stations in the world.
Historical Facts
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Strategic Location: NAVRADSTA (T) Cutler, officially known as Naval Radio Station Transmitter Cutler, is located on the Cutler Peninsula in Maine. Its isolated coastal position was chosen for optimal radio transmission over the North Atlantic.
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World’s Most Powerful VLF Transmitter: The station operates one of the world’s most powerful Very Low Frequency (VLF) transmitters, outputting up to 2 megawatts of power to communicate with submerged submarines.
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Iconic Antenna Array: The site features a massive "trideco" antenna array, spanning nearly 1,000 acres, with 13 towers, the highest being 987 feet tall—taller than the Eiffel Tower!
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Cold War Importance: During the Cold War, Cutler was a critical communications hub for the U.S. Navy, enabling secure contact with nuclear-armed submarines during potential global conflict.
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Construction Feat: Built in the early 1960s, the station required the transport and assembly of enormous steel towers and thousands of feet of cable in a remote, harsh environment.
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24/7 Operations: NAVRADSTA Cutler has operated continuously since its commissioning, running 24 hours a day to ensure constant communication readiness.
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Environmental Stewardship: The base is adjacent to sensitive wetlands and is recognized for its environmental programs, including protection of local wildlife like bald eagles and rare plants.
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Decommissioned Sister Site: A companion receiver site, NAVCOMMSTA Stockton Springs, once operated nearby but was decommissioned in the 1970s, leaving Cutler as the main transmitter.
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Unique Civilian-Military Partnership: While operated by the Navy, civilian contractors have played a vital role in daily maintenance and technical operations, reflecting a unique partnership.
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Local Legends and UFO Sightings: The mysterious appearance of the antenna field, paired with strange electromagnetic phenomena, has sparked local legends and UFO sighting reports over the decades.
