Galeta Island (Panama) facts for kids
Galeta Island is a small island located on the Atlantic coast of Panama. It sits just east of the city of Colón, Panama. This island has a unique history, serving both military and scientific purposes.
Galeta Island's Story
For many years, Galeta Island was home to a special U.S. military base. This base was used for communications, helping to send and receive important messages.
A Military Past
From the 1930s until 2002, the United States military had a communications facility on Galeta Island. This facility was very important for listening to radio signals. It had a large, round antenna system called an AN/FRD-10A(V). This type of antenna is also known as a Wullenweber array. It looked like a giant circle of antennas. In 2002, the U.S. military left the island. The land and facilities were then given back to the government of Panama.
A Place for Science
Even while the military was there, Galeta Island was also a place for science. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) has a research center on the island. This center is still active today. Scientists at STRI study the amazing plants and animals that live in the tropical environment. They learn about the rainforests and coral reefs nearby. Their research helps us understand more about nature. The STRI facility is separate from where the military base used to be.
See also
In Spanish: Isla Galeta para niños
- List of former United States military installations in Panama
