New Orleans
Modified aeronautical map of the Gulf of Mexico and the Louisiana Coast from just west of Port Arthur, Texas, east to the Gulfport Army Air Field, in Gulfport, Mississippi, and North of Lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas. The map delineates “Radio Range” (radar) locations in South Louisiana. World War II, espionage, dirigibles, German submarines.
U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey
Washington, D. C.
Large red crayon mark in the shape of a cross marks the radar range of the landing strip in Houma, La.
A naval base was located just south of Houma during the first half of the 20th century. Several dirigibles housed there during WW II were used to search for German submarines in the Gulf of Mexico and at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Among other things this map notes the location of the radar range for the base.
This map, marked “Restricted,” notes that, “this document contains information affecting the national defense of the United States within the meaning of the Espionage Act…Its transmission of the revelation of its contents in any manner to an unauthorized person is prohibited by law.” Also, “Due to war conditions, lights, radio facilities and other aids to air navigation might be changed or discontinued without notice.” The map bears a stamp, “Please return to Chart Room, NAS, Atlanta, Georgia,” and is marked as being checked out 2/22/45.