The "On-The-Roof" Gang
A total of 176 (150 Navy and 26 Marines) enlisted radio operators were specially trained at a unique school located on the roof of the old Navy Department Building during 1928-1941. Known as the "On-The-Roof" Gang (OTRG), they were trained to intercept and analyze foreign radio communications. This group of dedicated and skilled operators formed the vanguard of the U.S. Naval Communications Intelligence efforts and laid the cornerstone of Naval Cryptology. Of the original number of 176, there are now a total of 5 known survivors.
October 1, 1928 - The first class at school for enlisted Navy and Marine Corps radio intercept operators (The "On-the-Roof-Gang") is held.
The OTRG Association was dissolved in September 1992 and the administration of OTRG affairs is now being handled by the NCVA.
| Known Survivors of the "OTRG" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Last Name | First Name | Class # | Year Graduated | Amateur Radio Call Sign |
| ALBERTSON | Maynard | 25 | 1940 | |
| HAROLD | Douglas | 21 | 1938 | |
| JOSLIN | Harold | 23 | 1939 | |
| SIMMONS | Warren | 21 | 1938 | W6MI |
| SMITH | Martin | 23 | 1939 | |