Naval Facility Antigua

Antigua and Barbuda / Saint George / Carlisle /
 military, United States Navy
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One of the many underwater listening stations that were part of the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) and the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System (IUSS), which were used to track Soviet submarines.

Naval Facility Antigua was commissioned on 9 August 1956. The first Commanding Officer was LCDR R. Hinmon. As one of the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, Antigua is considered by many to have the best climate in the Caribbean. This island, discovered by Columbus in 1493, is comprised of large peaks, rolling hills, and fine sandy beaches accentuated by rough rocky coasts. After operating for more than twenty-seven years, NAVFAC Antigua was decommissioned 4 February 1984.

www.public.navy.mil/subfor/cus/Pages/NAVFAC_Antigua.asp...
Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SOSUS
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   17°9'26"N   61°47'34"W

Comments

  • I was in the SeeBees tjat built NAVFAC Antigua. After its completion I stayed that for two years I changed my rate and left ther as aYN3. Love the place.
  • I started my Naval Seabee career at NAVFAC Antigua 1990-92. Walked off a C-130 an E-3 out of basic, learned the plumbing and hvac trades from the best plumber on the island Mr. Leo Burnett, left as an E-5. Moved on to many other bases throughout the world to end my career in the reserves in Miami. Returned with small reserve det. To help build Antiguan coast guard facility. Sad to see the base, not well kept but what a pleasured surprise to see Leo still there, one of few locals kept on to maintain the facility after decomissioning just 2 yrs after i left. Been back a few more times sense and writing this from Parham Town, Antigua Aug 11, 2016 on vacation with wife and kids. Small detail, i dated my now wife when i was stationed here. We were both 19,20 yrs old....lol. just read about the closing of the Air station, not many cool places for service members any longer.
  • I remember this place as the NAVSUPFAC, is that right?
  • I was stationed there 1971 1972
  • I was stationed at NAVFAC Antigua from late '68 to early '70 as an Ocean Systems Technician. Worked in the then highly classified T-Building. Spent a great deal of time sailing the little sunfish class sailboats we acquired from another base closing in the Caribbean. Perfect waters for all types of aquatics. Frequented a downtown bar called the Kensington Court as I recall, in St. Johns. They served the best daiquiris. Every siesta (Noon - 2PM daily) a steel drum band would perform. Excellent musicians. Visited the many beaches, resorts (not as sophisticated as they are today), sailed on the some of the larger vessels out of English Harbor, participated in "Jump-Up", acquired a tan and generally recreated when not working. Nice place. The Air Force supported eastern missile tracking station was just down the road and hosted an excellent restaurant, bar, and movie theater. The PANAM contracted personnel worked out of that location. On the road between the two facilities was located an old stone church building (the area was once a sugarcane plantation with a dilapidated windmill nearby) that was used as a school during the day; a church on Sundays; and, a place for the local prostitutes to hangout (on the steps only) in the evenings. Such island variety. Oh, don't ever accidentally kill any livestock while driving around the island. You may forfeit your vehicle as compensation for the loss. The islanders let their livestock freely wander about. Enjoy your visits!
  • I was stationed there 1993- until we closed the base after 2 devastating Hurricanes. The Antigua Barbuda Defense force took over the base.
  • I was stationed there March 1976 - Sep 1977 as an ENFA. Worked on the station generators, any diesel engine they had. Left Michigan in snow and landed there in 90 deg weather. What a culture shock. First time in salt water. Crazy. 365 beaches, one for every day.
  • My dad was stationed there and I was with him 86 and 87. Man jollly beach as a little kid was very memorable
  • Stationed there as a Seabee electrician in 62, 63, 64. Had some great friends. Wish I had bought some property then. It is paradise. Richard
  • I was a teacher at the American school situated on the nearby Air Force Base. It was closed at the end of 1987 with only about 18 students in K-8. I was probably your teacher Jeremy.
  • I was there for dental services. We came down from Roosevelt Roads. May/ June 1974. I absolutely fell in love with the island and it’s people. If you were there at that time? Drop me an email. James.minos1@gmail.com!
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This article was last modified 11 years ago