U.S. Coast Guard terminates Loran-C signal

CLEVELAND- The U.S. Coast Guard's Director of Prevention Policy recent announcement to terminate the North American Loran-C signal will mark the end of an era for Coast Guard Loran Stations Baudette, Minn. and Seneca, N.Y. on the Great Lakes.

Beginning Feb. 8, 2010, both stations will be decommissioned and cease broadcasting the Loran-C signal after 67 years of continuous broadcast to the Positioning, Navigation and Timing communities.

For official Coast Guard photos of Loran Station Baudette, CLICK HERE.

For official video b-roll of Loran Station Baudette, CLICK HERE.

For an official Coast Guard photo of Loran Station Seneca, CLICK HERE.

Termination of the program was supported through the enactment of the fiscal year 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. To learn more about the publication of the record of decision, CLICK HERE.

The Record of Decision, Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement on the future of the nation's Loran-C program, and related materials may be viewed ONLINE, docket number: USCG-2007-28460.

As a result of technological advancements during the last 20 years and the emergence of the U.S. Global Positioning System, Loran-C is no longer required by the armed forces, the transportation sector or the nation's security interests, and is used by only a small segment of the population.

President Barack Obama's fiscal year 2010 budget supported the termination of outdated systems and specifically cited the terrestrial-based North American Loran-C system as such an example. The president did not seek funding for the Loran-C system in fiscal year 2010. Termination was also supported through the enactment of the 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill.

The decision to terminate transmission of the Loran-C signal reflects the president's pledge to eliminate unnecessary federal programs.

The Loran-C system was not established as, nor was it intended to be, a viable systemic backup for GPS. If a single, domestic national system to back up GPS is identified as being necessary, the Department of Homeland Security will complete an analysis of potential backups to GPS. The continued active operation of Loran-C is not necessary to advance this evaluation.

The notice to terminate the Loran-C signal may be viewed ONLINE , docket number: USCG-2009-0299. For more information on terminations, reductions and savings contained in the fiscal year 2010 budget, including Loran-C, VISIT HERE.

For more information, contact the Ninth Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office at (216) 902-6020.

###

Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

printer friendly