Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI)

The Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI), founded in 1882 in the United States, is a government military intelligence agency of the U.S. Navy and the oldest member of the U.S. Intelligence Community. It specializes in collecting, analyzing, and disseminating maritime, scientific, technical, geopolitical, and military intelligence to support Navy, DoD, and national requirements. Key activities include operational intelligence, counterintelligence, and support for naval operations from the Spanish-American War through WWII, the Cold War, and post-9/11 conflicts. Notable achievements encompass advancements in ocean surveillance against the Soviet Navy, establishment of the National Maritime Intelligence Center, and major reorganizations like the 2009 conversion into a command structure. Currently active with approximately 3,000 personnel worldwide, ONI remains the premier source of maritime intelligence.