In an inspiring show of camaraderie, remembrance, and pride, the Smokey Mountain Chapter of the Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association (NCVA) hosted a landmark 2025 reunion in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Dedicated to preserving the legacy and heritage of U.S. Naval Cryptology, the event drew veterans and active-duty personnel from across the country, uniting generations of Sailors under a common cause: to keep the flame of naval cryptologic history burning brightly.

Held in the scenic heart of Tennessee, this year’s reunion offered more than just nostalgia—it was a living, breathing tribute to decades of cryptologic excellence. Attendees included Cold War-era cryptologists who served aboard the Navy’s clandestine Technical and Environmental Research ships (often operating under the guise of oceanographic missions), as well as DIRSUP (Direct Support) submarine riders—those elite cryptologic Sailors who rode submerged aboard platforms like the legendary USS PARCHE (SSN 684), one of the most highly decorated submarines in U.S. naval history.

Veterans also shared stories from their time aboard OUTBOARD-equipped ships, the forerunners of today’s Ship Signals Exploitation Equipment (SSEE), which remain at the core of afloat cryptologic operations. These conversations weren’t merely reminiscences—they were oral histories, rich with lessons and insights for future generations of cryptologists.

A highlight of the reunion was meeting the recipients of several of the community’s most prestigious awards. Among them:

  • The Captain Joseph John Rochefort Leadership Award winner, named for the World War II cryptologic pioneer whose efforts were critical to the victory at Midway.
  • The Navy and Marine Corps On-The-Roof Gang Award recipients, honoring the legacy of the earliest radio intercept operators trained atop the old Navy building in Washington, D.C.
  • The Cryptologic Support Excellence Award honoree, recognized for exceptional operational support across the information warfare spectrum.

The gathering wasn’t all business. Attendees enjoyed a rich social and cultural program that highlighted the beauty and heritage of the Chattanooga area. Events included a dinner cruise aboard the Tennessee Southern Belle Riverboat, visits to the Tennessee Aquarium, Ruby Falls, and an excursion to Lookout Mountain, where participants took in breathtaking views and engaged in even more story-swapping high above the valley floor.

As the event concluded, anticipation was already building for the 2026 NCVA reunion, set to take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—a city steeped in both American and naval history. The continued success of these reunions is a testament to the dedication of the NCVA and its chapters in ensuring that the vital contributions of cryptologic veterans are never forgotten.

Whether in the mountains of Tennessee or the historic streets of Philadelphia, the mission remains the same: keep Naval Cryptologic history alive—because remembering the past strengthens the future.