This year, September 24, 2025, marks the 60th anniversary of one of the most tragic events in the history of U.S. Navy cryptology — the deadly fire at Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) Kamiseya, Japan. On that fateful day in 1965, a devastating blaze tore through the secure operations building, claiming the lives of 12 brave cryptologists and shipmates who were serving their country in silence and secrecy.

These 12 individuals — sailors, linguists, and technicians — died in the line of duty, carrying out missions that few knew about, but which were critical to national security during the height of the Cold War. Their sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the risks faced not only by those on the front lines, but also by those who serve in the shadows, safeguarding America’s interests through signals intelligence and information warfare.

The memory of this tragic loss has endured within the cryptologic and intelligence communities, passed down through generations of Navy professionals who understand the legacy of service, sacrifice, and duty that defines their work. Yet, as time continues to pass, the responsibility to remember and honor these 12 fallen shipmates becomes even more important.

Will Your Command Remember Them?

As the 60th anniversary approaches, the question stands: Will your command hold a memorial service to honor the 12 who died at NSGA Kamiseya?

Commands across the Navy, particularly those with missions tied to cryptology, intelligence, and information warfare, are encouraged to mark this solemn occasion. Whether it’s a formal ceremony, a moment of silence, a wreath laying, or a dedicated bulletin or message to the fleet, every effort to remember matters.

Leadership at every level has the opportunity to connect today’s Sailors to a rich legacy of those who came before them — including the 12 cryptologists who perished that day in Japan. Their names, though classified for years, deserve to be spoken, their service remembered, and their sacrifice honored.

A Call to Remember

As we approach September 24, 2025, let us ensure that the 60th anniversary of the Kamiseya fire does not pass unnoticed. Let it be a day of remembrance, reflection, and respect.

Let it be a moment to teach new generations of Sailors about the price paid by those who served in silence.

And most importantly — let it be a moment to say, “You are not forgotten.”

Never forget the 12. Honor them. Speak their names. Remember their sacrifice.

CTSA Roger W. Alex, USN
November 25, 1945 –September 24, 1965 (age 19)

CTSA William Edward Briley, USN
December 24, 1946 – September 24, 1965 (age 18)

CTSN Wilfred Dewey Cordell, USN
September 23, 1945 – September 24, 1965 (age 20)

CTSN Dennis Eugene Etzweiler, USN
December 31, 1946 – September 24, 1965 (age 18)

CT3 Archie Russell Garofalo, USNS
– September, 24, 1965

CTSA John Dewey House, USN
January 2, 1947 – September 24, 1965 (age 18)

LCPL Richard Eugene McKown, USMC
September 24, 1965

LTJG Ernest Don Moody, USN
December 9, 1928 – September 24, 1965 (age 36)

Sgt Paul Charles Rodrigues, USMC
August 21, 1941 – September 24, 1965 (age 24)

CT3 Wayne Edgar Tower, USN
September 15, 1943 – September 24, 1965 (age 22)

CTSN James Kenneth Whitman, USN
December 10, 1946 – September 24, 1965 (age 18)

CT3 Gregory Scott Williams, USN
December 11, 1945 – September 24, 1965 (age 19)