About this Unit
Naval Radio Station (NRS) Cheltenham was established in 1942 near Cheltenham, Maryland, as a key component of the U.S. Navy’s global communications network during World War II. The station played a vital role in intercepting and decoding enemy transmissions, as well as relaying secure communications between U.S. naval commands. During the Cold War, NRS Cheltenham continued to serve as a critical link in naval communications and cryptologic operations, supporting both Atlantic and worldwide missions. The station was gradually phased out in the 1970s, with its functions transferred to other facilities, but its legacy endures as a significant contributor to U.S. naval intelligence and communications history.
Historical Facts
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Cold War Origins: Naval Radio Station Cheltenham, located in Cheltenham, Maryland, was established in 1942 during World War II and became a hub of U.S. Navy communications and cryptologic activity throughout the Cold War.
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Role in SIGINT: The station was a major center for signals intelligence (SIGINT), intercepting and analyzing foreign communications, and played a critical role in supporting Navy operations worldwide.
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Association with the NSA: Following the establishment of the National Security Agency (NSA) in 1952, Cheltenham became one of the agency’s key sites for communications and intelligence.
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Women in Intelligence: Many women served at Cheltenham, particularly as cryptologists and radio operators, contributing significantly to the U.S. effort during WWII and beyond.
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Global Reach: Personnel at Cheltenham monitored communications from the Soviet Union, Eastern Bloc, and other regions, providing crucial intelligence during crises like the Cuban Missile Crisis.
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Training Mission: The site hosted the Navy’s Communications Technician School, training thousands of sailors in cryptology, radio operations, and electronics.
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Unique Architecture: The station’s buildings were designed to accommodate sensitive cryptologic equipment and feature large antenna fields for intercepting radio signals.
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Secretive Operations: Much of Cheltenham’s work was classified, and staff maintained strict secrecy—many locals were unaware of the nature of the unit’s mission until years later.
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Vietnam War Support: Cheltenham provided vital communications and intelligence support throughout the Vietnam War, relaying intercepted information to U.S. forces in Southeast Asia.
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Closure and Legacy: The station closed in 1997, and today the site is used by the Prince George’s County Police Department. The legacy of Naval Radio Station Cheltenham lives on in the history of U.S. cryptology and military communications.
