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Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
(Bernard Gotfryd, Photographer)

DIA mourns the loss of President Jimmy Carter

By DIA Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING – DIA mourns the passing of President Jimmy Carter, whose devotion as a U.S. naval officer, President, statesman, human rights leader, and Nobel Peace Prize recipient made him a remarkable figure in our nation’s history.

Carter’s tenure as president came at a turbulent time, as the Cold War approached its most contentious years, and global issues such as terrorism dominated the headlines. Carter alluded to how much he relied on intelligence in his decision-making in his 1981 State of the Union Address, when he stated: “Our national interests are critically dependent on a strong and effective intelligence capability … Maintenance of and continued improvements in our multi-faceted intelligence efforts are essential if we are to cope successfully with the turbulence and uncertainties of today’s world.”

Carter’s primary concern was the possibility of a nuclear war — a war where the U.S. policy was one of mutually assured destruction. DIA contributed significantly to a study that Carter approved as Presidential Directive 59, which established a policy of flexible response. DIA also provided substantial support to Carter’s arms control initiatives, alerted President Carter of the Soviet’s violation of the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention and warned of the Soviet buildup of combat forces readying to invade Afghanistan.

DIA also supported President Carter in his interactions to improve relations with China, to conclude the Camp David Accords, and throughout the Iran hostage crisis. A lesser-known effort of the Carter Administration through DIA was to resolve outstanding cases of prisoners of war and missing in action from the Vietnam War.

President Carter’s legacy remains today in the form of the Defense Intelligence Analysis Center, DIA’s headquarters building, which was approved and funded by his administration.

DIA’s mission is to provide intelligence on foreign militaries to prevent and decisively win wars.

DIA officers are united in a common vision — to be the indispensable source of defense intelligence expertise for the Nation. For 63 years, DIA has met the full range of security challenges faced by the United States. DIA intelligence officers operate around the world, supporting customers from forward-deployed warfighters to national policymakers.

President Carter faced numerous challenges during his time as Commander in Chief, from the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan to the Iranian hostage crisis. These events imparted a deep appreciation for the IC’s work. He emphasized:
“Our national interests are critically dependent on a strong and effective intelligence capability.”

Image of a man being saluted

Former President Jimmy Carter is piped aboard during his arrival at the change of command ceremony for USS Jimmy Carter (SSN 23) at Naval Base Kitsap- Bangor, Washington, May 29, 2015. Carter’s previous visits to the ship included its christening and commissioning.
(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kenneth Takada.)

“As a staunch supporter of the Intelligence Community and its critical role during times of uncertainty, President Carter’s legacy is perpetuated in the halls of DIA—his administration initiated and funded the Defense Intelligence Analysis Center, our current headquarters building.
On behalf of DIA, we offer our sincere condolences to President Carter’s family and friends.”
-Jeffrey A. Kruse, Lt Gen, USAF
Director, Defense Intelligence Agency