Office of the Director of Naval Intelligence

• Founded in 1882: The Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) is the oldest member of the United States Intelligence Community, established on March 23, 1882, to advance the Navy’s knowledge of foreign naval capabilities. • First Director: Lieutenant Theodorus B. M. Mason was ONI’s inaugural director, setting the groundwork for U.S. naval intelligence gathering. • Spanish-American War: ONI played a key role in intelligence gathering before and during the Spanish-American War, providing vital information on the Spanish fleet’s movements. • World War II Contributions: ONI was central to codebreaking and anti-submarine warfare, including tracking Japanese naval movements and supporting the development of radar and sonar. • Espionage and Counterintelligence: During World War I, ONI not only gathered foreign intelligence but also worked on domestic counterintelligence, monitoring suspected German agents and potential sabotage. • Technological Innovation: ONI was instrumental in the early adoption of aerial reconnaissance and cryptography, setting precedents for future intelligence operations. • The Black Chamber Connection: ONI collaborated with the Army’s “Black Chamber,” America’s first peacetime cryptanalytic organization, during the interwar period. • Cold War Influence: During the Cold War, ONI tracked Soviet submarine activity and technological developments, significantly shaping U.S. naval strategy. • Integration with the Intelligence Community: ONI is a core component of the National Maritime Intelligence-Integration Office (NMIO), promoting intelligence sharing among U.S. and allied maritime forces. • Modern Operations: Today, ONI supports operations against piracy, terrorism, and trafficking, providing critical intelligence for U.S. and allied navies worldwide.