ABOUT FOCCPAC
- FOCCPAC Meaning: FOCCPAC stands for "Fleet Ocean Surveillance Command, Pacific." It was a key U.S. Navy command responsible for ocean surveillance in the Pacific theater.
- Cold War Origins: FOCCPAC was established during the Cold War to coordinate the tracking of Soviet naval movements, particularly submarines, across the vast Pacific Ocean.
- Command Structure: FOCCPAC operated under the U.S. Pacific Fleet and was closely linked to the Naval Ocean Surveillance Information Centers (NOSICs).
- Role in SOSUS: FOCCPAC played a pivotal role in managing the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS), a network of underwater listening posts designed to detect submarines.
- Integration with Air Assets: The command coordinated with reconnaissance aircraft, such as the P-3 Orion, to track and monitor naval movements detected by SOSUS.
- Intelligence Fusion: FOCCPAC served as a fusion center, combining signals intelligence (SIGINT), acoustic data, and radar inputs for comprehensive maritime situational awareness.
- Location: The headquarters of FOCCPAC was located at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, reflecting its strategic importance in the Pacific.
- 24/7 Operations: The unit maintained round-the-clock operations, ensuring continuous surveillance of potential adversary naval activities.
- Deactivation and Legacy: FOCCPAC was eventually deactivated in the 1990s as surveillance missions were reorganized. Its legacy continues in modern maritime domain awareness operations.
- Decorations and Recognition: Personnel assigned to FOCCPAC received commendations for their critical role in national security, often working in high-security environments with minimal public recognition.