Ascension Island

Located in the South Atlantic Ocean, Ascension Island (ASC) is part of the United Kingdom’s overseas territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan de Cunha. Named Ascension after being rediscovered in 1503 on Ascension Day, Ascension Island was an important safe haven as a coaling station to mariners and a refuelling stop for commercial airliners back in the days of international air travel by flying boats. During World War II, it was an important naval and air station, especially providing antisubmarine warfare bases in the Battle of the Atlantic. It was also a NASA tracking station for the Apollo Lunar Programme.