LORAN STATION SITKINAK

• LORAN Station Sitkinak was a United States Coast Guard long-range navigation (LORAN) station located on Sitkinak Island, part of the Kodiak Archipelago in Alaska. • The station was established in 1944 during World War II as part of the original LORAN-A chain to aid navigation for Allied ships and aircraft in the North Pacific. • Sitkinak’s remote and rugged location meant supplies and personnel had to be delivered by ship or aircraft, leading to a strong sense of camaraderie among crew members due to their isolation. • The station was staffed by both Coast Guard and civilian personnel, who worked in harsh weather conditions, including frequent storms, fog, and subarctic temperatures. • LORAN signals from Sitkinak were crucial for trans-Pacific military and commercial navigation, especially before the widespread adoption of GPS. • The site was known for its challenging logistics, including the occasional need to air-drop supplies when seas were too rough for landing boats. • Wildlife encounters were a regular part of life at the station, with personnel often seeing bears, foxes, and large herds of cattle descended from Russian settlers. • The station played a vital role during the Cold War, helping to guide military aircraft and ships patrolling the approaches to Alaska and the Soviet Far East. • There are stories of creative morale-boosting activities: crew members organized makeshift sports leagues, movie nights, and even built a sauna to combat the chill. • LORAN Station Sitkinak was eventually decommissioned in the 1970s, and today, only remnants of the buildings and foundations remain—a testament to its role in Alaskan and military history.