United States Department of State Operations Center

United States Department of State Operations Center

Members of the Ops team in 2019
Center overview
Formed	1961; 63 years ago (1961)
Headquarters	Washington, D.C., U.S.
Parent department	Executive Secretariat of the Department of State
Child agencies	The Watch Crisis Management Support

The United States Department of State’s Operations Center (S/ES-O)

Mission and activities

As part of the Executive Secretariat, located in State Department's headquarters in Washington, D.C., the Operations Center provides senior policy makers with alerts and briefings on world events affecting U.S. interests abroad. The organization's mission is to get the right information to the right people at the right time. To do so, the Operations Center is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In addition to day-to-day operations, when a crisis arises, the Operations Center may set up a task force to address logistics and, in conjunction with the Consular Affairs bureau, assists U.S. citizens in need.^[3] In response to the earthquake in Haiti in 2010, as with many other crises, the Operations Center convened a task force to assist in coordinating humanitarian response, informing domestic and foreign officials, and aiding American citizens.

History and activities

The Operations Center was inaugurated in 1961 at the instruction of President John F. Kennedy. When the President could not reach anyone at State in the midst of a political crisis, he realized the importance of maintaining a crisis response center. At its inception, only one watch officer staffed the Operations Center supplied with a GI-issue bunk bed, a water pitcher, and a telephone. Since then, the Operations Center has grown with the needs of the Secretary of State and the expanding U.S. diplomatic presence around the world. The Operations Center is made up of two parts: The Watch and Crisis Management Support.

The Watch

The Operations Center handles approximately 340,000 calls annually.

overseas, as well as country desk officers at headquarters, to contextualize the information. The most relevant items are shared with senior officials through daily written and oral briefs.

Crisis Management and Strategy

Officers in Crisis Management and Strategy (CMS) analyze information with an eye towards anticipating future hot spots around the world. By preparing for crises before they arise, CMS helps embassies and consulates abroad adjust their security protocols for any natural disaster or potential source of conflict. When a crisis does happen, CMS oversees tasks forces, managing coordination within the State Department and between interagency actors.

In the Media: Reflecting on 50 Years of Service

The Operations Center recently celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. Secretary of State

, who promptly arranged his rescue. These stories highlight how the Operations Center supports the State Department's goal of serving American citizens and safeguarding U.S. interests abroad.

References