Naval Air Station Tongue Point: A Legacy of Maritime Defense
Naval Air Station (NAS) Tongue Point, located on a peninsula jutting into the Columbia River east of Astoria, Oregon, played a significant role in U.S. naval operations during the mid-20th century. Its history reflects the evolving needs of maritime defense and the adaptation of military infrastructure over time.
Origins and Early Development
In 1919, the U.S. Congress authorized the construction of a submarine and destroyer base at Tongue Point. However, due to post-World War I military downsizing, construction did not commence until 1921 and was completed in 1924. Despite its completion, the base remained largely inactive until the onset of World War II.
World War II and Naval Air Operations
With the outbreak of World War II, the U.S. Navy recognized the strategic importance of Tongue Point. In 1939, plans were made to convert the site into a Naval Air Station. Construction began in 1941, and by 1943, the facility was operational. The station featured seaplane hangars, ordnance storage, and fueling depots. PBY Catalina seaplanes were stationed there, conducting coastal patrols and anti-submarine missions. Additionally, a naval communications intercept station operated at the site during the war.
Post-War Transition and Reserve Fleet Facility
Following the conclusion of World War II, the need for active naval air operations at Tongue Point diminished. In 1946, naval air operations ceased, and the base was placed in caretaker status. The facility was repurposed as a mothball fleet site for the Pacific Reserve Fleet. Between 1946 and 1962, the Navy stored as many as 250 mothballed Liberty ships at the facility, supported by the construction of eight concrete piers extending into Cathlamet Bay.
Deactivation and Civilian Use
In 1962, the Navy deactivated NAS Tongue Point and transferred the property to the General Services Administration. The site was subsequently repurposed for civilian use. In 1965, one of the first Job Corps centers in the nation was established at Tongue Point, providing vocational training to young adults. Today, Clatsop Community College operates the Marine and Environmental Research and Training Station (MERTS) at the site, focusing on maritime and environmental education.
U.S. Coast Guard Presence
The U.S. Coast Guard has maintained a presence at Tongue Point since the early 20th century. In 1964, Coast Guard Air Station Astoria was established at the site with a crew operating Sikorsky HH-52A Seaguard helicopters. The air station was permanently relocated to the Port of Astoria Airport in 1966. The Coast Guard continues to operate an Aids to Navigation support and maintenance facility at Tongue Point, ensuring the safety and efficiency of maritime navigation in the Columbia River area.
Environmental Considerations
The former NAS Tongue Point site encompasses approximately 840 acres, including hydro filled areas created to support naval operations. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been involved in environmental remediation efforts at the site, addressing concerns related to past military activities. These efforts aim to ensure the site's safety and suitability for its current and future uses.
Legacy and Preservation
Today, the legacy of NAS Tongue Point is preserved through its transformation into educational and environmental facilities. The site's history serves as a testament to the adaptability and resilience of military infrastructure, reflecting broader trends in U.S. defense strategy and civilian repurposing of military sites.
For more detailed information on the history and current use of the former NAS Tongue Point, you can visit the following resources:
- Naval Air Station Tongue Point – Wikipedia
- Former Tongue Point Naval Air Station – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Air Station Astoria, Oregon – U.S. Coast Guard History
