Author
US Navy, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command
Title
Navy Announces Plan to Shut Down ELF Communications System
Series
Press Release 20-04, September 17, 2004
Publisher
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command
City
San Diego, CA
Date
2004
Original Date
Comments
Libraries
  • Bookwood Historical Collection, Star Lake
Text

The Navy today announced it will shut down its Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) Communications System on Sept. 30, 2004 and cease operations at the two ELF transmission facilities at Clam Lake Navy Radio Transmitter Facility, in the Chequamegon National Forest, Wisconsin, and the Republic Navy Radio Transmitter Facility, in Michigan's Escanaba State Forest.

The Navy used the ELF system to maintain secure communications with submarines at sea. Improvements in communications technology and the changing requirements of today's Navy made the ELF communication system no longer necessary.

The Nave is working closely with the U.S. Forest Service and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to develop timelines of key closure dates and milestones. These include National Historical Preservation Act requirements, land disposition, and environmental assesment under National Environmental Policy Act.

The closure process is expected to take up to three years.

Inquiries can be directed to Mr. Steven A. Davis, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command media officer, at 619.524.3432 /Cell: 619.925.4304/Email: steven.a.davis@navy.mil