Installation of the fiber optic communications underwater system (FOCUS)

The fiber optic communication underwater system (FOCUS) replaces the microwave communication system linking the Naval Air Warfare Center-Weapons Division Point Mugu facility with their San Nicolas Island (SNI) facility. The MariPro operation of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC/MariPro) was the prime contractor and performed all engineering; furnishing of equipment and installation (EF&I) tasks. The FOCUS will eventually consist of additional legs of cable linking other facilities. The design criteria for the FOCUS is based on the successful installation of a cable and terminal system that will operate maintenance free for its 20 year design life. The basic system consists of approximately 125 kilometers of fiber optic cable linking the terminal buildings at each shore site. The FOCUS is currently the longest, fiber optic, unrepeatered, in-water communications system in the Navy. This paper will give details highlighting the design, installation and operation of the currently Installed and operating FOCUS