Seneca Lake Sonar Test Facility, New York? Been there?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 15:34:29 -0400

There is a massive lake that is about 40 miles long that also houses a Naval Facility. I lived in upstate NY and we used to go to the Seneca Army Depot's Commissary but never knew exactly about that particular function.

There was also an Air Base close to Seneca Army Depot and you could see the old sign during the 1970s at least.

Do you know of this place and have you ever worked there? They even have submarine tests there.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2014 4:06 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 16:06:50 -0400

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member.

http://www.navsea.navy.mil/nuwc/newport/seneca/default.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seneca_Lake_(New_York)

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2014 6:53 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 18:53:43 -0400

The original base was Naval Station Sampson, which was used for Basic Training during World War 2. At the time is was right up there with Norfolk being one of the largest Naval Stations east of the Mississippi.

It was eventually turned over to the Air Force, and became Sampson Air Force Base. Some of the USAF buildings are still there, to include the Air Crash Fire Rescue Station and Base Ops.

It is now Sampson State Park, there is a military museum in the park. They have also broke ground on Sampson Cemetery.

The Seneca Army Depot was used as a munitions storage facility. On a personal note, my Grandfather was a draftsman and engineer and worked on designing the Seneca Army Depot and the original Pine Camp, the precursor to the current Fort Drum.

I have seen a photo of Seneca Lake FULL of PBY's that had been relocated there due to an in bound hurrican, but I am unable to find it. It is an impressive sight.

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member I would strongly suggest you take a trip to the museum the next time you are up this way.

http://dmna.ny.gov/forts/fortsQ_S/sampsonNavalTrainingBase.htm

http://www.rpadden.com/sampson.htm

Sampson Naval Training Base

New York State Unit History Project

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2014 10:17 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 22:17:24 -0400

Thought you might like these pics.