The Cold War was a contest not only of military might but of intelligence. While spy planes and satellites often steal the spotlight in histories of espionage, some of the most effective intelligence-gathering platforms were far less conspicuous. Among these unsung platforms was the USS Atakapa (ATF-149) — a fleet ocean tug that, for a brief but critical period, played a key role in Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) collection for the U.S. Navy. Though designed for towing and salvage, Atakapa’s quiet deployment into the world of covert surveillance reveals a hidden dimension of naval operations during the height of U.S.-Soviet tensions.
Continue reading “The USS Atakapa (ATF-149) and Her Secret Cold War SIGINT Missions”
I am a third generation Sailor. My Grandfather (on my dad’s side) was a Boatswain’s Mate (BM) and my father served 27 years and retired as an Operations Specialist Senior Chief (OSCS).
In the aftermath of World War II, one of the thorniest problems for the United States was the status of Korea. The peninsula had been an independent nation for centuries before the Japanese took it as a colony in 1910, but it was unclear whether Koreans could govern themselves after three decades of foreign rule. In August 1945, Soviet forces were fighting the Japanese military on the China-Korea border, and there was concern that the Red Anny might occupy the Korean peninsula.
Continue reading “Start of Korean War the Lack of COMINT”
Master Chief Carragher is a native of West Nyack, New York. He enlisted in the Navy as a Cryptologic Collection Technician in 1976, advanced to the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer in 1998, and served until retirement in 2005.
The first ship I served on was USS STETHEM (DDG 63), when she was one of the newest ships in the fleet. I was on her initial deployment in 1997 as CTR3 Abramowitz. I am in San Diego this week on leave and reached out to request a visit of STETHEM and want to thank her CO, CDR Mike Walker, and all the “Steelworkers” who welcomed me aboard. Very gracious and accommodating for a sentimental return for CAPT Abramowitz nearly 30 years later. It was a great moment of reflection and I wish all past, present, and future DDG 63 Steelworkers the best – STEADFAST AND COURAGEOUS!
Capt. Brad Abramowitz’s bio:
CTRCM Rankin is the daughter of a United States Marine Master Sergeant and his high school sweetheart. Master Chief Rankin graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg with a duel Bachelors of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminal Law in 2002. She enlisted in the United States Navy in October 2004 and graduated Cryptologic Technician (Collections) (CTR) “A” school and CTR “C” school in June of 2005. Seaman Rankin reported to Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC), Hawaii in July 2005.
Continue reading “Honoring CTRCM (IW/SW/EXW/AW) Heidi M. Rankin, USN, CTR Senior Detailer”
Station HYPO 