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Site Report, Dutch Harbor, Alaska

Jim Touza

June 11, 2017

I want to give a brief report of observations on Amaknak Island in Dutch Harbor.  First, and sadly, I must report that the observation – blockhouse next to the seaplane ramp at the airport was demolished when the road to the Spit was widened and paved five years ago. This was a unique structure, and no notice given that I was aware of.  Second, the parachute assembly building at the airport was torn down last year. This was a metal frame and corrugated iron structure that was being slowly demolished by storms, which would occasionally send pieced of flying metal into trucks parked nearby.  This too was a unique structure.  Third, the submarine dry dock at the old sub base was torn down this year after it was determined restoration was too expensive because of heavily contaminated soil.  Fourth, Ft Schwatka has new interpretive guideposts that are helpful. The Coast Guard cutters that visit keep tagging the blast walls on Ballyhoo magazine blast walls, which is no so bad, but last year one of them did it to the far western fire control tower up on Schwatka. There are two auto loaders for 6′ or 8″ guns in a ready ammo bunker. These are large, heavy things, but I worry that someone could take them from the fort.