Battery Strong (1937-1946) - A World War II era Battery built in 1937 as a reinforced concrete coastal artillery battery on Fort Rosecrans, San Diego County, California. Named after Major General Frederick S. Strong(Cullum 2837), who graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in the Class of 1880 and was appointed a lieutenant in the 4th U.S. Artillery. General Strong served in World War I, died in 1935 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Construction began in February 1937 and was completed June 1937. The Battery was turned over for service 12 Oct 1942 at a cost of $100,725.59. Deactivated in 1946.
Battery Strong Gun Emplacement #2
Battery Strong Emplacement #2 Magazine Entrance
Battery Strong Emplacement #1 Magazine Entrance
History
Battery Strong was a battery of two, 8" rapid fire Barbette mounted guns on either side of an earth covered reinforced concrete support structure. Ammunition was served by hand trucks on narrow gage tracks. The gun tubes were mounted in April 1941.
Battery Strong Plotting Room Plan
An underground reinforced concrete plotting room was located about 540' south and 24 degrees east of gun emplacement #2. The plotting room was accepted for service 12 Oct 1942 at a cost of $19,145.63.
On 12 Jan 1945 an SCR-296A fire control radar was placed in service to support Battery Strong. This radar site was located right at the Mexican Border and connected to the command structure and the Battery Strong plotting room by telephone land lines.
Source: RCW Form 1, 28 Oct 1942, CDSG, Berhow, Mark A. ed, American Seacoast Defenses: A Reference Guide, 2nd Edition, CDSG Press, McLean, VA, 2004, ISBN 0-9748167-0-1, pages 114-115 Note 1: Navy Gun transferred 7 Jan 1941, mounted Apr 1941. CDSG Gun Card Collection from NARA
Battery Strong Plan
Deactivation
The battery was deactivated in 1946 but the battery structure has been repurposed and is currently in use.
Current Status
Part of NSC San Diego Point Loma Annex. No period guns or carriages in place. No public access.
