The National Security Agency/Central Security Service officially opened its new “Georgia Cryptologic Center” this week. Celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, the new $286 million, 604,000 square foot 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.
The center, dedicated in the name of John Whitelaw, the first Deputy Director of Operations for NSA, is said to house a 17,000 square foot data center and a 9,000 square foot communications center, both complete with redundant power and network links.
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.
According to the NSA, General Keith B. Alexander, Commander, U.S. Cyber Command, Director, NSA/Chief, CSS – told the guests at the ceremony 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.
“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.
Earlier this year the NSA opened a new facility in Hawaii, and said the agency is also upgrading the cryptologic centers in Texas and Denver.
