USCG EECEN Wildwood, New Jersey

• Origins in World War II: The site that is now the U.S. Coast Guard's EECEN (Electronics Engineering Center) in Wildwood, New Jersey, began as Naval Air Station Wildwood during World War II, serving as a base for dive bomber training. • Transition to Coast Guard: After WWII, the airfield was decommissioned by the Navy and eventually transferred to the Coast Guard, which repurposed the site for electronic engineering and research. • Cutting-Edge Electronics Research: EECEN is the Coast Guard’s primary facility for research, development, testing, and evaluation of electronic systems, including navigation aids, radar, and radio communications. • LORAN Technology: The center played a key role in the development, testing, and support of the LORAN-C (Long Range Navigation) system, which was vital for maritime and aviation navigation for decades. • Support to the National Airspace System: EECEN contributed technical expertise to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Defense in developing and maintaining the National Airspace System. • Historic Aircraft Hangars: The EECEN site still features original WWII-era aircraft hangars, some of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and now house the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum. • Hurricane and Storm Response: EECEN’s communications and engineering capabilities have been essential in restoring navigation systems and communications after hurricanes and other coastal storms along the East Coast. • Innovations in Aids to Navigation: The center has been pivotal in developing and testing modern aids to navigation, including automated lighthouses and advanced buoy systems, improving safety for mariners. • Training Hub: EECEN serves as a specialized training site for Coast Guard electronics technicians, providing hands-on experience with state-of-the-art maritime technologies. • Community Engagement: EECEN regularly collaborates with local organizations, including the aviation museum and Cape May County, hosting educational events, open houses, and STEM outreach for the public.