No LORAN-C signal after February 8

Captains,
If you still use LORAN-C for navigation, it's time to switch to GPS!
(The Department of Homeland Security will complete an analysis of potential backups to GPS, and LORAN-C is not considered a backup to GPS.)

Adm Allen provided some parting words for the venerable LORAN system and its faithful operators in his Journal.
RDML W

Picured above, right is Loran Station Searchlight, NV

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard’s Director of Prevention Policy announced Thursday publication in the Federal Register of plans to cease broadcasting the North American Loran-C signal Feb. 8.

As a result of technological advancements during the last 20 years and the emergence of the U.S. Global Positioning System, Loran-C is no longer required by the armed forces, the transportation sector or the nation’s security interests, and is used by only a small segment of the population.

President Barack Obama’s fiscal year 2010 budget supported the termination of outdated systems and specifically cited the terrestrial-based North American Loran-C system as such an example. The president did not seek funding for the Loran-C system in fiscal year 2010. Termination was also supported through the enactment of the 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill.

The decision to terminate transmission of the Loran-C signal reflects the president’s pledge to eliminate unnecessary federal programs.