About this Unit
NAVCOMMSTA Nea Makri, Greece, officially known as U.S. Naval Communications Station, Nea Makri, was established in the early 1950s as part of the United States’ efforts to enhance communications capabilities in the eastern Mediterranean during the Cold War. Located about 25 kilometers northeast of Athens, the station provided critical communications support to the U.S. Sixth Fleet and NATO operations in the region. It served as a key node for secure naval communications, cryptographic operations, and high-frequency radio transmissions. The station was operational until its closure in 1991, when shifting strategic priorities and advances in communications technology led to the consolidation of U.S. Navy facilities in Europe.
Historical Facts
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Establishment: NAVCOMMSTA Nea Makri, officially the U.S. Naval Communications Station, Greece, was established in 1954 as part of the U.S. Navy's global communications network during the Cold War.
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Strategic Location: The station was located about 25 kilometers northeast of Athens, Greece, making it a vital link for communications between the U.S. Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean and U.S. and NATO commands.
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Call Sign "NGR": The facility operated under the call sign "NGR," handling thousands of radio messages daily and playing a crucial role in maintaining secure communications during crises.
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Cold War Role: NAVCOMMSTA Nea Makri was essential during tense periods such as the Cyprus Crisis and the Arab-Israeli conflicts, relaying urgent communications between Washington, D.C., and the region.
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Joint Operations: While operated by the U.S. Navy, the base had close cooperation with the Hellenic Navy, and Greek personnel were employed in a variety of support roles.
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Base Life: The station included family housing, a commissary, a chapel, a theater, clubs, and other amenities, creating a small American community within Greece.
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HF/DF Antenna Farm: The base was famous for its large field of radio antennas, including a High-Frequency Direction Finding (HF/DF) array, which sometimes drew curiosity from local residents and travelers.
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Earthquake of 1981: The 1981 Athens earthquake caused some damage to the base, but operations were quickly restored, and the station assisted with emergency communications for the local community.
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Closure: With the end of the Cold War and advances in satellite communications, the station was closed in 1991, ending nearly four decades of U.S. Navy presence at Nea Makri.
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Legacy: Today, the site is largely abandoned, but many former personnel fondly remember their service there, and reunions are occasionally organized by veteran groups to celebrate the unique experience of serving at NAVCOMMSTA Nea Makri.
