Coast Guard demolishes tallest LORAN antenna

Here is some graphic proof that LORAN is no longer.  The Coast Guard has demolished the 1350 ft tower at LORAN Station Port Clarence, AK.

From the USCG Press Release -

JUNEAU, Alaska — The Coast Guard has establish a safety-zone beginning Sunday during preparation for the demolition of the 1,350-foot Long Range Aids to Navigation tower in Port Clarence currently the tallest structure in Alaska.

The safety-zone will include all waters within a two-mile radius of the tower and is being created as part of a project managed by the Coast Guard’s Civil Engineering Unit in Juneau which is responsible for taking down the LORAN Station Port Clarence’s radio transmitting tower in a controlled demolition.

The LORAN tower in Port Clarence is the tallest of its kind in the country but the condition of the tower is deteriorating and with no funding for repairs the tower is at ever-increasing risk of an uncontrolled collapse.  Alaska’s tallest man-made structure will be the tallest structure ever intentionally brought down with explosives in a controlled demolition.

The Coast Guard began decommissioning its LORAN infrastructure in response to direction from Congress provided in the 2010 budget.  LORAN Station Port Clarence ceased transmitting the LORAN signal February 8, 2010.

Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn.

Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn.

Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn.

Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Walter Shinn.