1871-1900 Yaquina Head Lighthouse Letter books

RACON - LORAN

Of all the ingenious war developments which were diverted to peace time use, RACON and LORAN were the two which effected safer navigation for air and surface craft and were, therefore, the concern of the Aids to Navigation Section, both during and after the war.

RACONS (formed by the contraction of RAdar and BeaCON and not to be confused with RACAN, the initial terminology for ANRAC equipment)¹ had been established during the war years at Air Stations or Light Stations (or activities where the need for them was evident) along the coasts of North America, from Greenland to the West Indies, in the Hawaiian Islands and the Canal Zone. Military agencies were the sole users of RACONS until the conclusion of the war, at which time the use of RADAR was permitted to commercial concerns and, consequently, dictated the post war expansion of the RADAR beacon installations. Although many RACONS were discontinued at Air Stations which the Army or the Navy abandoned, more were eventually established along the routes of commercial aircraft.

Both the Army and Navy awaited eagerly the completion of RADAR and, when it was perfected, began installing it, ashore and afloat. It was not, however, until the early months of 1943, that the RACON program reached the Northwest Coast. Early in that year, the Navy had determined to establish RACONS on Coast Guard Light Stations at Cape Arago, Charleston, Oregon, Cape Blanco, Port Orford, Oregon, heceta Head, Florence, Oregon, and Yaquina Head, Agate Beach, Oregon. As the aerial activity in the 13th Naval District had increased rapidly, the RACONS were located at highly important navigational points and were regarded as a responsibility comparable to that of a light or radiobeacon. No additional personnel were required for the RACONS as the equipment itself needed very little attention. Although a continuous watch was necessary, the radio-telephone watch was able to maintain and operated the RACONS without hindrance to their other assigned duties. Sixteen Coast Guardsmen from the above mentioned Light Stations were schooled in operation and maintenance of RACON equipment at the one week training course at the Naval Air Station, Seattle, a short time before the installations were completed.

The installation of these early RACONS was supervised by the Air Officer, Northwest Sea Frontier. All equipment, including the converted power supply and its installation, were supplied through the Radio Material Officer, 13th Naval District. The Coast Guard's responsibility was to assign

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Y.H. 11. Department of Commerce and Labor LIGHT-HOUSE ESTABLISHMENT 4 Inclosures.

Office of Engineer, 13th District Portland, Oreg. December 16, 1907.

The Light-House Board, Washington, D.C. Sirs: Referring to Board's letter of September 12, 1907, No. 1053, authorizing repairs to lantern railing at Yaquina Head Light-Station, Oregon, I have the honor to inclose herewith three original proposals received in response to circular letter of Dec. 4, 1907.

The Lowest Proposal received, that of the Westerman Iron Works, of Seattle, Wash., in the sum of $128.40, is reasonable and the firm known to this office to be responsible. I would recommend that I be authorized to accept this bid.

Abstract of proposals in inclosed herewith. Proposals were mailed to the following firms:

Westerman Iron Works, Seattle, Wash., Northwestern Iron Works, " " The Moran company, " "

Respectfully yours, S.W. Rocasler ??? Lieut. Col., Corps of Engineers, U.S.A., Engineer 13th Light-House district.

Department of Commerce and Labor OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY Washington

1053 September 17, 1907.

Gentleman: In accordance with the Board's indorsement of the 14th instant, the Department accepts the resignation of Frank M. Plummer as keeper of Yaquina Head Light-Station, Oregon, $800 per annum, effective at the close of September 30, 1907.

Yours very respectfully, Lawrence O. Murray Assistant Secretary.

The Light-House Board.

Department of Commerce and Labor LIGHTHOUSE ESTABLISHMENT OFFICE OF INSPECTOR, 13TH DISTRICT PORTLAND, OREG. No.34-55. 3 September, 1907.

The Light-House Board, Washington.

Sirs. Herewith is forwarded resignation of Frank M. Plummer, Keeper of Yaquina Head Light Station, Oregon, with recommendation that it be accepted, effective at the close of business on 30 September, 1907. Very respectfully, Or. Soo.??? P.J. Werlick Commander, U.S.N., Light-House Inspector.

(1 incl.)

Yaquina Head Light-Station Newport Oregon Aug 31st 1907. ATJ. Copy. File No.

P.J. Werlick Commander U.S.N., Light House Inspector Thirteenth District Portland Oregon

Sir I hereby tender my resignation as Keeper of Yaquina Head Light Station to take effect September 30th 1907. Very Respectfully Frank M. Plummer Keeper Yaquina Head Light-Station