About this Unit
The US Naval Facility Pacific Beach, located on the Washington coast, was established in 1951 as part of the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) during the Cold War. Its primary mission was to conduct undersea surveillance, using advanced hydrophone arrays to detect and track Soviet submarines operating in the Pacific Ocean. The facility played a crucial role in anti-submarine warfare efforts and contributed significantly to the security of US naval operations in the region. Decommissioned in 1987, the site was later repurposed for other Navy uses, including as a recreation area for military personnel.
Historical Facts
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Origins During the Cold War: US Naval Facility (NAVFAC) Pacific Beach was commissioned in 1958 as part of the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS), a top-secret Cold War initiative designed to track Soviet submarines.
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SOSUS Mission: The facility was equipped with highly sensitive underwater listening devices, known as hydrophones, which were deployed along the ocean floor to detect and monitor submarine movements in the Pacific Ocean.
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Secrecy and Deception: For decades, the true mission of NAVFAC Pacific Beach was classified. It was publicly described as an "oceanographic research facility," hiding its real role in antisubmarine warfare.
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Key Role in Submarine Detection: Data collected at Pacific Beach was sent to Naval Ocean Processing Facilities (NOPFs) for analysis, greatly enhancing the US Navy's ability to track Soviet submarine activity during the Cold War.
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Unique Location: The facility was situated near the small town of Pacific Beach on the Washington coast, taking advantage of its remote location and underwater geography for optimal sonar performance.
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Community Impact: The base brought new jobs and residents to the Pacific Beach area, and the Navy became an integral part of the local community for several decades.
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Transition and Closure: In the early 1990s, with the Cold War ending and advances in technology, the need for such large SOSUS stations diminished. NAVFAC Pacific Beach was decommissioned in 1997.
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Repurposing the Facility: After its closure, much of the property was transferred to the US Navy Recreation Center, now known as Pacific Beach Resort & Conference Center, serving as a recreation area for military personnel and their families.
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Historic Recognition: Although the buildings are now used for recreation, the site is still recognized for its pivotal role in US naval history and Cold War intelligence efforts.
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Legacy of Innovation: NAVFAC Pacific Beach represents a significant chapter in military technology, intelligence, and the story of how the US Navy adapted to emerging undersea threats during the 20th century.
