About this Unit
Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) Winter Harbor, Maine, was established in 1935 on the Schoodic Peninsula as a United States Navy radio intercept and direction-finding station. Originally part of the Navy's growing network of signals intelligence (SIGINT) sites, NSGA Winter Harbor played a crucial role during World War II and the Cold War, tracking enemy communications and supporting national security efforts. The facility operated advanced radio and cryptologic equipment, contributing vital intelligence for fleet and national decision-makers. NSGA Winter Harbor was decommissioned in 2002, with its property later transferred to the National Park Service to become part of Acadia National Park.
Historical Facts
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Origins in WWII: NSGA Winter Harbor began as a U.S. Navy Radio Station established in January 1935, and was greatly expanded during World War II to support critical communications and intelligence needs.
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Strategic Location: The facility was situated on the Schoodic Peninsula, offering an isolated, secure, and interference-free environment ideal for radio intercept operations.
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Role in Signals Intelligence: NSGA Winter Harbor was a key site for the U.S. Naval Security Group, specializing in signals intelligence (SIGINT) and cryptologic operations during the Cold War era.
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ELINT and COMINT Missions: The station intercepted electronic (ELINT) and communications (COMINT) signals from the North Atlantic, monitoring Soviet and Warsaw Pact military activity.
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Wullenweber Antenna: The site featured a massive Wullenweber Circularly Disposed Antenna Array (CDAA), a “giant ear” capable of pinpointing radio transmissions over vast distances.
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Support to National Security: Intelligence gathered at Winter Harbor contributed directly to national defense, supporting U.S. Navy operations and the National Security Agency (NSA).
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Community Integration: The base was an important part of the local community, hosting social events and employing both military and civilian personnel from the area.
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Closure and Legacy: NSGA Winter Harbor was closed in 2002 as part of a military realignment. The property was transferred to the National Park Service and now serves as part of Acadia National Park’s Schoodic Education and Research Center.
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Historic Buildings: Several original structures, such as the base’s main operations building and barracks, remain preserved and repurposed for educational and scientific use.
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Secrecy and Mystery: Much of the detailed work performed at Winter Harbor remains classified, adding to its mystique as a Cold War intelligence hub on the rugged Maine coast.
