About this Unit
Rodman Naval Station was a United States Navy base located on the west bank of the Panama Canal near Balboa, Panama. Established in 1943 during World War II, it served as a key logistical and operational support facility for the U.S. Navy’s Pacific operations, providing repair, resupply, and staging services for ships transiting the canal. Throughout the Cold War, Rodman Naval Station played a crucial role in U.S. strategic interests in Latin America and the protection of the canal. The base was returned to Panama on July 1, 1999, as part of the Torrijos–Carter Treaties, marking the end of over five decades of American military presence at the site.
Historical Facts
• Strategic Location: Rodman Naval Station was located on the western bank of the Panama Canal, making it a crucial base for controlling access between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
• Built During World War II: The base was constructed by the United States Navy in 1943 as a response to the increased threat to the Panama Canal during World War II.
• Named After Admiral Rodman: The station was named in honor of Rear Admiral Hugh Rodman, a distinguished U.S. Navy officer who served in World War I and was instrumental in canal defense planning.
• Key Support Facility: Rodman provided vital logistical support, fueling, and maintenance for ships crossing the canal, enhancing the operational readiness of the U.S. Navy in the region.
• Role in the Cold War: During the Cold War, Rodman Naval Station was an important base for anti-submarine warfare operations and surveillance missions in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Operation Just Cause: The station played a significant role in the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama (Operation Just Cause), serving as a staging area and support base for American forces.
• Environmental Impact: The station included a state-of-the-art fuel farm and repair facilities, but its operations also led to environmental concerns that required cleanup after its closure.
• Canal Defense: Rodman was part of the larger U.S. military infrastructure dedicated to defending the Panama Canal from sabotage or attack, including extensive anti-aircraft and anti-submarine defenses.
• Handover to Panama: In compliance with the Torrijos–Carter Treaties, the base was officially handed over to the Panamanian government on July 1, 1999, ending over 50 years of U.S. naval presence.
• Modern Use: Today, the former Rodman Naval Station is known as the Panama Pacifico Special Economic Area, a bustling hub for commercial and industrial development, with some original naval structures still standing.
