By Ron VandenBoom
The U.S. Coast Guard Loran Station north of Havre is celebrating its 10th anniversary with an open house Thursday.
Chief Petty Officer Greg Hejl, commander of the station, has invited all area residents to visit the station, tour the facility, and enjoy a free meal of barbecued hot dogs to help celebrate the occasion.
The open house will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the station located about 16 miles north of Havre just west of Highway 232. Visitors should watch for mile marker 16, turn west at the Coast Guard sign, and follow the markers Hejl said will be posted.
Hejl said tours will be offered of the three stations at the site Engineering, Operations, and Transmission. Visitors also will be able to take a close look at the signal tower that is used by ships and planes around the world to help calculate their positions.
A recognition ceremony is planned for noon when the Coast Guard will honor the contribution of Triangle Telephone Cooperative and Hill County Electric for their continuing support of the Long Range Navigation Station over the years.
Also honored will be the spouses of the Coast Guard personnel who have located to Havre and supported there husbands as they continue to preserve, protect and defend the United State.
Representatives of the local Army National Guard, VFW Post 497 and the Rocky Boy's VFW Post also will be helping with the tours and the cooking, Hejl said.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
