Cutler Naval Telecommunications Station, Maine

Cutler is a naval facility with one of the world's most powerful transmitters. The VLF (very low frequency) antenna and transmitter station is a communications link between regular navy communications systems and ships and submarines in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, and as far away as the Mediterranean Sea. The facility was built to prevent the disruption of communication that can occur in northern latitudes from auroral effects. Unlike regular communications frequencies, VLF waves are not susceptible to these disturbances. The site covers nearly 3,000 coastal acres, not far from the Canadian border. It was established in 1961, and has some remarkable features, including over 2,000 miles of copper wire underground and in the ocean. The two principal antenna arrays are composed of 26 radio towers, some almost 1,000 feet tall. Cutler has its own power plant to keep the 2-megawatt transmitter running all the time. Currently the facility is staffed and operated by civilians. Two other associates sites, an 85 acre administration and housing area, and a 100 acre High Frequency transmission site, have been closed and are being transferred to civilian use.