In the early 1950s, Defense built an underground communications center for military purposes in Vlissegem. Just like the command bunker in Kemmel, it was a top secret complex during the Cold War.
The bunker has two floors underground. Military personnel had to maintain shipping communications if the Eastern Bloc attacked.
“When there was a threat of war, this was the beating heart of our navy,” says guide Bart Slabbinck. “From here we could receive communications, but also manage our people at sea. These could be military ships, but also merchant ships that would be requisitioned.”