Origin of Permanent Cryptologic Direct Support Units

In 2005, the Naval Security Group (NAVSECGRU) became part of a General Service command, marking the integration exactly fifty years after the initial assignment of a NAVSECGRU detachment to a fleet command. The process leading to this integration took an indirect route during the years 1954-56. As experience was acquired, it became evident that this integration should have occurred earlier and through direct action. This evolution took place in the Mediterranean rather than the Pacific area, which had a history of direct support detachments temporary additional duty (TEMADD) to fleet commanders, particularly during World War II.

The role of cryptologic personnel and later teams, from area shore stations, in direct support operations aboard ships before and during World War II in the Pacific theatre is now well docu­mented. It is surprising to note, therefore, that the formation of the first permanently assigned detachment afloat occurred in the Sixth Fleet, in the Mediterranean, during the period 1954-56. And it happened, although not quite by accident, at least in a roundabout manner, originating with difficulty in relief of the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Naval Communication Unit (NAVCOMMU) 32 team, LCDR Paul B. Phillips, aboard the U.S. Sixth Fleet flag­ship. Although ordered to the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Naval For­ces Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean (CINCNELM) headquarters in London, England, LCDR Phillips was on detached duty to the Command­er, Sixth Fleet (a two-year assignment). He coordinated operations and received reports from Hal Keasler, “Red” Fuller, Floyd Heindl and other Chief Petty Officers-in-Charge of NAVCOMMU 32 teams on destroyers in the Sixth Fleet.