External communications is a critical element in the U.S. Navy design and utilization of a ship's combat system. The communications antenna system is a key factor in attainment of reliable circuit performance and reduction of electromagnetic interference (EMI). To maintain pace with improved ship manufacturing techniques and construction materials, along with design efforts to reduce topside generated EMI/RFI effects, an improved antenna design must also evolve. With the ever increasing complexity in the integration of the topside environment, the RF aspects of the antenna designs must be augmented by detailed analysis of the operating environment and the mechanical design if the goals of reliability and quality performance are to be achieved. The Naval Electronic Systems Command has developed a new “Broadband HF Communications Antenna.” This paper traces the design evolution and describes the processes in determining current design deficiencies, the design objectives to correct these deficiencies and the results obtained.