WHITE HOUSE COMMUNICATIONS AGENCY (WHCA)

• Origin During World War II: The White House Communications Agency (WHCA) was established in 1942 as the White House Signal Detachment to provide secure and reliable communications for President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II. • Renamed in 1962: The unit was renamed the White House Communications Agency by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, reflecting its expanded mission and importance. • Presidential Emergency Satchel ("Nuclear Football"): WHCA is responsible for the communications systems in the "nuclear football," the briefcase that always accompanies the President and contains nuclear launch codes. • Mobile Command Posts: WHCA operates mobile communication vans and even armored vehicles, which can transform into command posts for the President in the event of an emergency. • Supporting Every President Since FDR: WHCA has provided direct communications support for every U.S. President from Franklin D. Roosevelt to the present day, adapting to evolving technology and threats. • Secrecy and Security: The agency operates largely in secrecy and many of its procedures and technologies are classified to protect national security and presidential communications. • Worldwide Deployments: WHCA personnel deploy globally ahead of presidential trips, setting up secure and reliable communications anywhere the President travels, often arriving weeks in advance. • Role in the Space Race: WHCA was crucial in providing real-time communications during pivotal events such as the Apollo 11 Moon landing, enabling President Nixon’s famous call to the astronauts on the lunar surface. • Assassination Response: During the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, WHCA played a vital role in maintaining secure communications and continuity of government procedures. • Diverse Personnel: WHCA is composed of all branches of the U.S. military, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, reflecting its unique mission to serve the entire Executive Branch.