NSGA Medina

• Origins: Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) Medina was established in the early 1960s to support the growing need for secure communications and signals intelligence (SIGINT) during the Cold War. • Location: NSGA Medina was located on the Medina Annex, part of Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. • Mission: Its primary role was to provide cryptologic support, conduct electronic surveillance, and ensure secure communications for the U.S. Navy and joint operations. • Training Hub: Medina was renowned for providing specialized cryptologic training to Navy personnel, including linguists, cryptologists, and electronic warfare specialists. • Cold War Operations: During the Cold War, personnel from NSGA Medina were deployed worldwide, intercepting and analyzing foreign communications as part of the broader U.S. intelligence effort. • Women in Service: The unit was among the first Navy cryptologic commands to fully integrate women into operational and technical roles. • Base Realignment: In 2005, as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, NSGA Medina was disestablished, and its missions were consolidated under the Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) Texas. • Joint Operations: NSGA Medina worked closely with other military branches and agencies, including the NSA and Air Force units stationed at Lackland AFB. • Legacy: Many of its alumni went on to serve in key positions throughout the intelligence community, contributing to significant U.S. cryptologic successes. • Motto and Culture: The unit fostered a tight-knit community, with a motto reflecting their secretive but vital mission: “In God We Trust, All Others We Monitor.”