National Security Agency - The Black Vault

1950s
Today, if you head north on Interstate
95 and exit on Rt. 32 towards
Annapolis, you will find yourself
on a dual lane highway that passes
old Rt. 1 and then begins to rise up
a small hill. As you reach the crest, you cannot
help but notice a collection of buildings off in
the distance.
In daylight, the area – save for the wide array
of towers and satellite dishes – could well be
mistaken for a corporate campus of a Fortune
500 company. Those who live in Central
Maryland are well aware of this organization’s
existence, but those viewing the area for the first
time might not easily guess that they are passing
the headquarters of the National Security Agency,
an organization that for more than 60 years
has provided and protected our Nation’s most
important communications.
An Agency
Is Born
10 60 Years of Defending Our Nation National Security Agency • Central Security Service
At night, the same area takes on an eerie glow.
To many, the image of the buildings speaks of
power and vigilance; to others, the vision imparts
a sense of mystery and secrecy. Despite the many
perspectives on its purpose and mission, one
thing is certain - NSA has played a critical and
indispensable role in securing our Nation.
Today, NSA’s thousands of affiliates around the
world, both military and civilian, employ the
latest methods and technologies to accomplish
its mission. In the beginning, however, there
were no buildings or people or technology.
In the beginning there was only Lieutenant
General Canine.
March 17, 1953. Flag presentation: (L to R) Major General
George A. Horkan, Quartermaster General, USA, presents
a three-star flag to Lieutenant General Ralph Canine in
honor of his promotion and appointment as Director of
the National Security Agency.
National Security Agency 60 Years of Defending Our Nation 11