USNAVCOMMSTA UK
US Navy Communications Station, Thurso was built in 1962 and closed in 1992, the site is now a business park. Sub Brit visited the site in June 2004 on a trip around the Northern Isles and North of Scotland. At that time the buildings were unused and the equipment had been removed though many of the fittings remained and there was limited lighting.
It expanded its activities in 1977 when it took over from the US Navy site at Londonderry which was closed because of the ‘Troubles’.
There were HF and LF transmitters and VLF (and ELF?) for communicating with the SSBN’s (Nuclear submarines)
There was originally a 600 ft mast, probably for the VLF transmissions. The launch command was sent to the SSBNs from here. They could also relay through the TACAMO / SILK PURSE aircraft. They also supported the LORAN-C navigation system (CLARENCE PILGRIM) which had been upgraded for use by SSBNs.
The site had two electrical supplies 230v and 110v. There are two safes that presumably held crypto material.
There was a small receiving site at [West Murkle](ND 14357 69848), the footprints of some of the antenna system can still be seem. It is now an indoor skatepark but there was some illicit hoorticultural activity there a few years ago.
There also is reported to have some radio interception work done here with GCHQ personnel on site.
Some images of the two sites will be uploaded here.
The history and legacy of the United States Naval Communication Station in Thurso, Scotland
US Navy Communication Stations - lots of links.
