Ch'aho-nodongjagu Naval Base
Ch'aho-nodongjagu is one of two North Korean submarine bases. Prior to 1945, it was a small commercial port for iron ore. Later,the Ch'aho was a fishing port and fish processing station. In 1961, construction began to transform the small port into a major operating base for North Korean submarine, ASW, mine warfare, and patrol forces. It provides operational and logistical support for these forces. Protected basing in the form of underground submarine pens may also be available.
The base is located in a natural coastal harbor on the E. coast about 50 miles NE of Hamhung. The harbor is approximately 1/2 mile wide along a 1 1/2 mile stretch of the coast. Depths range from 30 to 48 feet, with a wide (1000 ft.), unobstructed fairway. Tidal conditions are relatively benign, with a MHHW of just over 1 foot. Ice may form in winter but it does not interrupt navigation.
Anchorage is available for 1 ocean-going vessel and several smaller vessels over good clay holding ground. At least 4 berth for destroyers or frigates is available along 2,225 feet of wharfage. The principal facility is a "T" shaped pier which berths submarines.
Base facilities include 40 buildings with at least 70,000 sq. ft. of gross storage space. The port is accessed via a single-track, standard-gage rail line that connects with the national rail system, as well one 2-lane road that connects with the national road network.
No shipyard facilities have been noted in the environs of Ch'aho, but declassified intelligence reports are outdated. Significant further development may have occurred at Ch'aho over the past three decades.
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