FORT MEADE, Md. –
Today, Adm. Michael S. Rogers, U.S. Navy, Commander, U.S. Cyber Command/Director, National Security Agency/Chief, Central Security Service, paid tribute to Cryptologic Technician Technical Chief (CTTC) Christian M. Pike, U.S. Navy, and Staff Sgt. Richard A. Dickson, U.S. Air Force, at a memorial ceremony held here. These service members gave their lives, "serving in silence," in the line of duty. Family, friends, including many who served with Pike and Dickson, and distinguished guests attended the service.
Chief Pike was assigned to Naval Special Warfare Support Activity ONE and deployed with ECHO Platoon, SEAL Team FIVE. He was mortally wounded while conducting Village Stability Operations in Afghanistan on March 10, 2013. Before being wounded, Pike provided warnings to his platoon of an impending attack on their position ensuring his platoon and Afghan partners were prepared for the enemy. Pike died from his wounds on March 13.
Staff Sgt. Dickson was assigned to the 306th Intelligence Squadron, 361st Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Group, Air Force ISR Agency. He was deployed to Afghanistan with the 361st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, 451st Expeditionary Wing. Dickson was killed on April 27, 2013 while serving as a Tactical Systems (SIGINT) Operator when his MC-12W aircraft crashed in hostile territory.
The ceremony included a traditional wreath laying and the unveiling of both names on the NSA/CSS Cryptologic Memorial Wall. The wall, dedicated in 1996, now lists the names of 173 Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, and civilian cryptologists who have made the ultimate sacrifice, serving in silence, in the performance of their duties since 1950.
Additional information on the Memorial Wall and a special historical monograph highlighting Pike's and Dickson's lives, service, and sacrifice can be viewed on NSA.gov's National Cryptologic Memorial web page.
NOTE: Media outlets interested in receiving photographs from the ceremony or additional information should contact the NSA Public and Media Affairs Office via phone at 301-688-6524 or via email.