The strategic mission of Naval Magazine (NAVMAG) is to provide ordnance logistics support to the Pacific Fleet and the joint services in peace and war. The island is approximately seven square miles and NAVMAG comprises the entirety of the 2,716- acre Indian Island located on the northeast corner of Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula. Indian Island is home to a wealth of cultural and natural resources. There are several Native American sites on the island, as well as historically significant pioneer homestead sites and WWII era buildings.
Island employees live in nearby communities including Port Hadlock, Port Ludlow, Marrowstone Island and Port Townsend—which is the largest city about 12 miles to the north. Others enjoy commutes across the Hood Canal Bridge or travel north from Sequim. In 1941, the Navy commissioned NAVMAG to store Navy munitions and to assemble mines and submarine nets. The island was placed in a reduced activity status in 1959 and then reactivated in 1979 when munitions storage and handling facilities at Bangor were moved to Indian Island.
After the Persian Gulf War, NAVMAG was selected as one of two West Coast ports to be upgraded for the efficient trans-shipment of containerized ammunition in the event of mobilization. Several infrastructure improvements were made including construction of a rail-to-truck transfer facility on Naval Base Kitsap and the installation of the Department of Defense’s largest crane at the Indian Island ammunition pier in 2000. The crane, “Big Blue” is capable of lifting 89,600 pounds and is a very noticeable land mark. Towering over the island’s ammunition pier, it serves as a proud reminder of NAVMAG Indian Island’s superior ordnance handling capabilities.
By 2000, NAVMAG was supporting numerous joint exercises designed to test and validate the mobilization of ordnance to the Pacific Theater of operations. At the same time, a significant part of the NAVMAG and the Navy mission and vision has been to incorporate and develop the best practices of environmental stewardship and sustainability.
AMENITIES
Navy Exchange: There is a small exchange located in Building 69. The hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
BOATING
Location: Boat launches are located just north of the small boat pier. The small boat pier is off limits for recreational purposes; however, Anderson Pond can accommodate canoes or a small rowing boat.
Facility: There are two small wooden piers at Anderson Pond and easy access at various points around the pond for launching a canoe or rowboat.
• Fishing (salt-water)
• Location: All waters surrounding Indian Island
• Fishing (fresh-water)
• Location: Anderson Lake
SHELL FISHING
Location: Only Beach 8 is authorized for recreational clamming and digging for oysters.
Facility: Beach 8 has adequate unpaved access roads.
NOTE : Appropriate Washington State fishing/clamming license is required and all State regulations for season catch limits and authorized equipment must be followed. In addition, all holes must be refilled after clamming.
FITNESS CENTER
Location: Ground floor of Building 151, the Gymnasium.
Facility: Modern fitness center with aerobic and anaerobic exercise machines, male and female head and shower facilities and coed sauna.
SMOKING
Prohibited in vehicles everywhere on station. Authorized only in specifically approved smoke shelters at the Ammunition Pier and near production facilities. Smoking is never authorized during recreational activity within the Magazine Area.
