SPRINGFIELD, Virginia – The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency opened a new 24/7 operations center to provide geospatial intelligence to the nation's policymakers and military forces around the world Jan. 24.

NGA’s round-the clock “watch floor” has been in operation since the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, an NGA predecessor organization, was formed in 1996. Building on lessons learned from more than two decades of expertise and fusing multiple watch functions, the National GEOINT Operations Center delivers distinct visual products and geospatial information to military and national-level decision makers in an expanded and continuous mission-focused watch center.

In many ways, the NGOC is parallel to the National Security Operations Center operated by the National Security Agency, said NGA Director Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth.

Multiple watch teams are organized and led by senior-level officers to keep watch and provide time-critical decision advantage. The NGOC will drive NGA’s indicators and warning and global situational awareness mission from the watch floor. 

“Today we unite both our watches with a shared mission under one name, the National GEOINT Operations Center – the NGOC – for better warfighting, stronger communications and improved visibility,” said Whitworth, at the NGA Washington launch ceremony. 

The motto of the NGOC is “We own the night!”