AUGUSTA, Ga. –
Augusta, Georgia, Mar. 5 - The National Security Agency/Central Security Service officially opened the new NSA/CSS Georgia Cryptologic Center at a ribbon-cutting ceremony where officials emphasized how the $286 million complex will provide cryptologic professionals with the latest state-of-the-art tools to conduct signals intelligence operations, train the cryptologic workforce, and enable global communications.
Photo of the NSA/CSS John Whitelaw Building in Georgia.
NSA/CSS has had a presence in Georgia for over 16 years on Ft. Gordon, when only 50 people arrived to establish one of NSA's Regional Security Operations Centers.
As a testament to this rich heritage, GEN Keith B. Alexander - Commander, U.S. Cyber Command, Director, NSA/Chief, CSS - told the guests at the ceremony, which included federal, state, and local officials, that the NSA/CSS workforce nominated Mr. John Whitelaw for the honor of having one of the buildings in the complex dedicated in his name, because they considered him influential to the establishment and success of the mission in Georgia. In 1995 Mr. Whitelaw was named the first Deputy Director of Operations for NSA Georgia and remained in that position until his death in 2004.
"And there have been many successes here at NSA Georgia as evidenced by the fact that this site has won the Travis Trophy six times," said GEN Alexander. The Travis Trophy is an annual award presented to those whose activities have made a significant contribution to NSA/CSS's mission.
"This new facility will allow the National Security Agency to work more effectively and efficiently in protecting our homeland," said Sen. Saxby Chambliss. "It will also attract more jobs to the Augusta area. The opening of this complex means that Georgians will play an even greater role in ensuring the safety and security of our nation."
The new NSA/CSS Georgia Cryptologic Center is another step in the NSA's efforts to further evolve a cryptologic enterprise that is resilient, agile, and effective to respond to the current and future threat environment.
NSA/CSS opened a new facility in Hawaii in January 2012 and is also upgrading the cryptologic centers in Texas and Denver to make the agency's global enterprise even more seamless as it confronts the increasing challenges of the future. More information about the National Security Agency is available online at NSA.gov.