NCS Greece - Naval Communications Station Nea Makri Greece

This site is dedicated to those who served at, or have an interest in preserving the history of the
U.S. Naval Communications Station, Nea Makri, Greece.

There are no photographs inside the "vans" as far as we know, so we've resorted to combining our collective memories with computer graphics to recreate the way it looked during the mid-to-late 60's.

NGR was closed down in 1990. The buildings and property, with the exception of the communications vans, were turned over to the host government. Today the base serves as a firefighting training facility. Recent photos are posted on our forum.

This web site is an outgrowth of an email group whose members formerly served there. We hope you'll join us and put those hard-earned keyboard skills to use in the FORUM! We'd love to hear from you!

Difficulties registering on the FORUM? Have a question? Contact us here.

The following is from the December 6, 1968 issue of the base's weekly newsletter, Marathon Runner, in an article commemorating the station's fifth anniversary.

"In the years following World War II, cold war tensions between the East and the West brought forth highly profound changes in the concepts of modern warfare.
In the realm of Naval Communications, these changing concepts vastly increased the importance of reliable, secure and rapid communications for naval forces in the Mediterranean and most specifically the U.S. Sixth Fleet.
Subsequently, in June of 1961, the Director of Naval Communications issued a proposal for the construction of the first communications station to utilize the unique transportable vans concept.
Thus, on the 30th of November, 1963 with the testing of equipment complete and the main body of SeaBees departed, NAVCOMMSTA Greece went fully operational and joined the Naval Communications System at 1600 local time."

Looking toward the vans entrance (obscured right) in 1969. Cars parked in front of HI COMM, beside the LO COMM van. Towers in foreground with disks are elements of the famed Wullenweber antenna.
Photo: Tom Johnson

After many email exchanges and several alterations, this is the floorplan our 40-year-old recollections came up with.
Drawing: Joel Roberson

The vans as viewed from the beach in 1967.
Photo: John Martinson

The 1960's marked an intriguing era in the Mediterranean. Many mysteries remain unsolved to this day. Michael R. Ellis, formerly stationed at NCS Greece, has authored two excellent novels. For an insider's perspective, add them to your reading list.

Available at:
Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble
Author House

... An earthy Cold War tale of adventure, espionage, and self-discovery ...

"I finished reading the intriguing Apollo Rises at 0100 this morning. I had a difficult time tearing myself away 'til I had devoured it. I felt as if I were a part of the story from start to finish."
Ron Phillips, RMCM Retired

"Mike, just finished reading your novel, Apollo Rises. Truly enjoyed it; brought back lots of memories of the Med cruises, Naples, Palma, ... "
Al Albers, RMCM Retired

... Not for the delicate, prudish, or close minded ...

Please meet some of the characters:

RM3 Rigney Page: He joined The Navy for travel and adventure. Then, he is put to the test when he gets exactly what he wants.

LCDR Brad Watson: His ONI superiors pressure him to find American traitors. Brad puts his navy career on the line when he places his full trust and confidence in Rigney Page.

YN1 Barbara Gaile: After ten years of navy life, she is bored and dissatisfied. She plans to leave The Navy. Then, she meets Rigney Page, and her life becomes a lot more exciting!

Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Bronston: He is the ultimate bully. All fear him. Then, Bronston encounters Rigney Page.

BM1 Giovanni Genoa: "There are not enough report chits in the supply system to cover Page's twidget behavior."

Available at:
Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble
Xlibris

If you think Apollo Rises turned some heads, wait until you read Nea Makri.

"Hi Mike, Just received and finished Nea Makri. I love your writing style - 4.0. Hope you're busy with the next Rigney Page adventure."
Ron Schwab, Former NST sailor

"Just finished reading Nea Makri ... outstanding. You have a very unique talent. When can I expect the next Rigney Page story to appear? Congrats on another winner. A loyal fan and reader."
Ron Biswell, U.S. Navy Ret.

At first glance, this small U.S. Navy installation on Greece's Aegean Coast appears to be paradise shore duty for the 200 assigned sailors.

Rigney Page: ONI counterintelligence agent. He accepts another mission; this time he hunts spies and black marketers.

Commander Oliver Caldwell: Commanding Officer. He crusades to change the nature and conduct of his crew.

Lieutenant Commander Mary Blakely: Executive Officer. She struggles to succeed in a male-dominated navy.

Master Chief Radioman Raymond Rodgers: Once, he was a dedicated navy man. Now, he plots to secure his future.

Anna Heisler: assigned by ONI to oversee Rigney's mission in Greece. She resists Rigney's rugged sexuality.

Dottie Caldwell: daughter and niece of senior naval officers. They do not approve of her romantic relationship with Rigney Page.

Back in the 60's there just wasn't anything on the local air waves in the way of good ol' American Rock and Roll. To meet that need, some resourceful radiomen and electronics technicians reportedly built and operated a low power pirate FM radio station dubbed "WEAK" in the village of Nea Makri. Recycling their ample supply of empties, the first transmitting antenna was said to have been constructed from beer cans soldered together.
Fortunately, Ken Pletz recorded and preserved some of those transmissions.
Here are some clips from 1969 . . .

Alternative content

Although we're fairly confident the statute of limitations has long since expired, we'll continue to maintain the anonymity of those pirate DJ's who sacrificed much of their free time to provide us with a taste of home.