Enjoy the VRB-25 Rotating Beacons While They Still Shine
During a recent visit to Cape Elizabeth Light (east tower), I took time to admire the VRB-25 rotating beacon inside the lantern of this stately sentinel – appreciating its glowing presence, incandescent light source and yeoman’s service to mariners. Why? Well, the end of an era is fast approaching for this legacy optic.
Throughout history, lighthouse optics have had a “time to shine” before being retired in favor of more efficient and/or cost effective light sources. The VRB-25 rotating beacon is no exception. For the past three decades, this optic has graced the lantern of many lighthouses, but in recent years, their numbers have noticeably declined.
Slowly but surely, the VRB-25 rotating beacon is disappearing from service. So too the familiar sweep and warm hue of its incandescent beam. Light emitting diodes (LED) with their digital flashes, so quick and cold, are supplanting the VRB-25. LED beacons have no lamps to replace or moving parts to contend with – thus making them the U.S. Coast Guard’s preferred choice as aids to navigation continue to be streamlined in the 21st century.
In Maine, there was once eighteen (18) VRB-25 rotating beacons. At the moment, only nine (9) of these optics remain in service at Maine lighthouses. And in the year ahead, this number is expected to dwindle further.
So, for those who cherish the sweep of golden light, be sure to take in the sight of the VRB-25 rotating beacon and appreciate its signature gleams while the opportunity still lingers. For there will come a time in the not-too-distant future when we refer to the VRB-25 as an optic that “used to be” in Maine lighthouses.