National Security Agency - The Black Vault

1990s
1990s
“They Served in Silence”
At a junction of heavily traveled hallways in the
main NSA Fort Meade Campus stands a black
granite wall flanked by flags. The NSA/CSS
Cryptologic Memorial Wall is intended to honor
and remember those who have give their lives,
“serving in silence,” in the line of duty since
World War II.
The monument is a powerful symbol of six
decades of Cryptologic endeavor and the
determination of the NSA/CSS workforce to
continue in dedicated service to securing the
Nation’s future.
The Memorial Wall, dedicated in 1996, was a
project driven by VADM Michael McConnell.
The striking monument, designed by an NSA
employee, is a black granite rectangle, centered
with a triangle. The three points on the triangle
represent the cryptologists and their ideals
that form the foundation of cryptologic work:
dedication to mission, dedication to workmate,
and dedication to country.
When the wall was originally installed, it listed
146 names. Sadly, in the intervening years,
other cryptologists have also given their lives to
protect the country’s safety and liberty. At NSA’s
60th anniversary, the Memorial Wall honors the
memories of 170 fellow cryptologists.
Today’s workforce recognizes and honors the
ultimate sacrifice of those whose names are
engraved on the Cryptologic Memorial Wall. n
President George H.W. Bush describes NSA employees as “the unsung heroes of Desert Storm.”
American warfare, have had better insight into
the strengths and vulnerabilities of the enemy.”
Vice Admiral McConnell
In May 1992, Admiral Studeman was
succeeded as Director NSA/Chief CSS by
Vice Admiral J. Michael McConnell, USN. (See
Document A at end of chapter.) A veteran of
the Vietnam War, McConnell had spent most
of his career in intelligence, rising through
the ranks with assignments with the Director
of Naval Intelligence; NSA (as Chief of the
Naval Forces Division); DIA; and the Joint
Chiefs of Staff. Upon assuming the position of
Director, he was immediately confronted with
the challenge of post-Cold War congressional
mandates calling for downsizing in the
intelligence and defense communities.
The Peace Dividend
As the Communist Bloc crumbled, America and
its leaders began to call for a “peace dividend.”
For decades, the American people had been
willing to “pay any price and bear any burden” to
defeat the Soviet threat. Now the Cold War was
over. The Nation debated what could be done
with funds previously invested in robust defense
and intelligence budgets. Congress responded to
the public’s call for cuts by mandating significant
reductions in NSA’s personnel and budget.
In response, Admiral McConnell tried to mitigate
the effects of downsizing by working to
preserve NSA’s operational capabilities. At the
same time he sought to save money by cutting
the budgets of support elements, by reducing
and consolidating overseas sites and personnel.
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