U.S. Naval Facility

In 1954 the U.S. Navy established a hydrographic research station on this northern promontory of Grand Turk, overlooking the strategic passage from the Atlantic Ocean. Quonset huts were erected to accommodate eleven officers and one-hundred enlisted men. The large water catchment can be seen within the confines of the base <br><br> Known officially as the U.S. Facility for Oceanographic Research, the base was established to improve knowledge of oceanographic and acoustic conditions. The U.S. had found during World War II a need to improve knowledge of ocean conditions in order to better deal with enemy submarines. After the establishment of the facility, U.S. atomic submarines frequently sailed off Grand Turk.<br><br> Another U.S. facility, the Guided Missle Base, was constructed on the island's southern end at around the same time. The number of American personnel and families resident in the island at one time exceeded three hundred.<br><br> On March 31, 1980, the U.S. Facility for Oceanographic Research was officially closed and turned over to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government. The facility currently serves as the Grand Turk Community College.