US NAVCOMMSTA Harold E. Holt

• Strategic Location: US NAVCOMMSTA Harold E. Holt is situated near Exmouth, Western Australia, chosen for its proximity to the Indian Ocean, making it ideal for naval communications with US and allied submarines. • Named After a Prime Minister: The station was named in honor of Harold E. Holt, the Australian Prime Minister who mysteriously disappeared while swimming in 1967. • Joint US-Australian Operation: Originally established and operated by the US Navy, the base has been jointly managed with the Royal Australian Navy since 1992. • Very Low Frequency (VLF) Transmissions: The station is famous for its VLF antennas, used to transmit signals to submerged submarines, ensuring secure communications during the Cold War and beyond. • Impressive Antenna Array: Its VLF antenna field consists of 13 towers, the tallest being 387 meters (1,270 feet) high, making them among the tallest structures in the Southern Hemisphere. • Cold War Significance: During the Cold War, the base played a vital role in maintaining communication links with US and allied submarines operating in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. • Decommissioning and Transition: The US Navy officially decommissioned the station in 1992, but communications activities have continued under Australian management. • Space Surveillance Role: The station has hosted other strategic assets, such as space surveillance radar under the US-Australian defense partnership. • Public Landmark: The massive antenna towers are visible for miles and have become a well-known local landmark in the Exmouth region. • Legacy and Modern Use: Today, the Harold E. Holt Communication Station continues to serve as a key facility for naval communications, supporting both Australian and allied defense operations in the Indo-Pacific.