Fort Pickens WWII Radar Site (1)

 (1943-1946) - A World War II U.S. Army Radar Site established in 1943. Used to provide target information to large caliber (6" and above) coastal gun batteries in the Harbor Defense of the Pensacola against enemy warships. Located on Fort Pickens across from Pensacola, Escambia County, Florida. Closed in 1946.

History


Constructed and transferred for use on 12 May 1943 as Fort Pickens WWII SCR-582 Radar Site. Construction costs to date of transfer were $11,025. The physical plant consisted of an SCR-582 radar set, mounted atop a wooden fire control tower, a powerhouse with two generators and a 1000 gallon fuel tank. The powerhouse was placed on a concrete pad and footings installed by the Corps of Engineers who erected the structure below the tower at the base of the steps leading up to the tower base.

The radar equipment was installed by the Signal Corps. It required 3.7kW of 120/240 AC, 1 phase, 60 cycle power furnished by post power backed up by the two on-site generators. The two 5 kW generators were furnished and installed by the Signal Corps.

Closure
Closed circa 1946.

Current Status
The tower footings remain and the HECP/HDCP structure also remains.

See Also:
 * Fort Pickens WWII Radar Site (2)
 * Fort Pickens WWII Radar Site (3)
 * Fort Pickens
 * US Radar Sets
 * SCR-582 Radar Set
 * Gulf Coast WWII Radar Sites

Sources:

Links:
 * RCW-Corrected to 1 Jan 1944, CDSG.