NUWC Division, Keyport’s Hawthorne Operating Site turns 50
Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport’s Hawthorne Operating Site celebrated its 50th anniversary in a ceremony at the United Services Organization Convention Center in Hawthorne, Nevada, Sept. 18.
The event featured remarks from NUWC Division, Keyport Commanding Officer Capt. Brandon Monaghan, Hawthorne Army Depot Commander Lieutenant Colonel Rylie DeLong and Hawthorne Operating Site Director Tyler Viani. Guests included Naval Air Station Fallon Commanding Officer Capt. Michael Haymon, community partners and members of the site’s workforce. Viani served as the master of ceremonies.
“Today, we reflect on five decades of quiet, steadfast dedication to our nation’s defense as the ‘Guardians Beneath the Waves,’” said Monaghan. “We are hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean, yet the work done at this site is felt across the Pacific and in every theater where the United States Navy operates. For 50 years, the meticulous engineering, upgrades, repairs, and logistics performed here have ensured that our warfighters have the best and most reliable undersea munitions.”
Originally established Nov. 20, 1976, as the Mines Logistics Depot, Hawthorne Operating Site was initially a detachment of the Naval Mine Warfare Engineering Facility in Yorktown, Virginia. In 1977, the host depot transferred to the U.S. Army, making the Navy facility a tenant command. In 1992, the site was officially transferred to NUWC Division, Keyport.
Today, Hawthorne Operating Site is the sole mine depot for the Navy and its mission has expanded beyond logistics, supply and depot-level repair to include precious metals reclamation, specialized Fleet training and demilitarization for all U.S. military branches.
“Although naval mines do not get as much press as missiles or drones, they provide critical offensive and defensive capability to the Navy and remain highly relevant to current and future naval operations,” added Monaghan.
DeLong also spoke of the site’s unique location and mission.
“When I thought of crossing paths with Naval operators, I can tell you I didn't picture the Nevada desert,” said DeLong, “but far from any coastline, the work done right here ensures our Sailors have the advantage whenever and wherever they deploy.”
DeLong praised the site's record of achievement and called out the team’s meticulous attention to detail, technical pride, and an uncompromising commitment to safety.
“As we look to the next 50 years, the challenges in the undersea domain are accelerating, but our leaders know they can count on the professionals here at Hawthorne,” she said. “You don't seek the spotlight; you deliver results.”
During the ceremony, Monaghan presented a letter of appreciation from Rear Adm. Peter Small, Acting Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, and Commander, Naval Surface Warfare Centers and Naval Undersea Warfare Centers. He also presented an official Congressional Record Statement from Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, which writes the site’s legacy into the country’s enduring historical record.
In his closing remarks, Viani, a Hawthorne native, emphasized the deep connection between the operating site and the local community.
"Hawthorne proudly calls itself 'America's Patriotic Home,'" said Viani. "For anyone who lives and works here, you know that is not just a slogan on a billboard, it is a way of life."
After the ceremony, attendees gathered for cake and refreshments, including hot dogs grilled by the Mineral County High School junior class.
-KPT-
Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport is headquartered in the state of Washington on the Puget Sound, about 10 miles west of Seattle. To provide ready support to Fleet operational forces at all major Navy homeports in the Pacific, NUWC Division, Keyport maintains detachments in San Diego, California and Honolulu, Hawaii, and remote operating sites in Guam; Japan; Hawthorne, Nevada; and Portsmouth, Virginia. At NUWC Division, Keyport, our diverse and highly skilled team of engineers, scientists, technicians, administrative professionals and industrial craftsmen work tirelessly to develop, maintain and sustain undersea warfare superiority for the United States.
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