One of the primary military functions of San Clemente has been to support research and development of many of the Navy's weapon systems. In 1939, the Navy developed the first
Landing Craft, Vehicle and Personnel (LCVP) "Higgins Boat" at SCI. This was the beginning of the Naval Amphibious Force, which was one of the key factors in the outcome of
World War II. Today SCI's primary function is twofold: to support tactical training of the Pacific Fleet, and to continue as a key research and development facility. SCI provides the Navy and Marine Corps a multi-threat warfare training range. A major part of Navy training takes place on the ranges right off the SCI shores. The primary range covers over and is the Navy's busiest fleet airspace. Also included in this training area are two mine exercise areas, the Southern California Anti-Submarine Warfare Range, seven submarine areas, the shallow water Undersea Training Range, and two laser training ranges. In total, SCI is a unique combination of airfields, airspace and ranges unlike any other facility owned by the Navy. It is the only location in the Pacific where surface ships, submarines, aircraft and Navy
expeditionary forces can train in all warfare areas simultaneously using shore gunnery,
bombardment,
air defense,
antisubmarine and
electronic warfare. The station was designated as the Frederick C. Sherman Field on 11 January 1961, in honor of Vice Admiral
Frederick C. Sherman, a three-time recipient of the
Navy Cross. == Environment ==