DMEA - History


	The Defense Microelectronics Activity evolved in 1981 as a small unit in the Engineering Division of the Sacramento Air Logistics Center at McClellan Air Force Base near Silicon Valley. Initially called the Advanced Microelectronics Section, its start coincided with the incipient use and growing necessity of microelectronics in weapons systems.

The unit was created to assist the U.S. Air Force, but as more of the services learned—often firsthand—about its work, it came to serve all of the Department of Defense. On March 23, 1997, the unit was given the name it has today—Defense Microelectronics Activity—and taken out of the administrative structure of the Air Force and put within the Office of the Secretary of Defense. U.S. Secretary of Defense Dr. William Perry declared this highly specialized group of engineers and facilities to be a unique national resource. DMEA was placed under the authority, direction and control of the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense (Logistics and Materiel Readiness). DMEA was also made the U.S. government’s official authority on microelectronics obsolescence. Because of its increased involvement in applied research and development, on July 26, 2006, the Under Secretary of Acquisition, Technology and Logistics transferred the reporting relationship of DMEA to the Director, Defense Research and Engineering. Although McClellan Air Force Base closed in 2001, DMEA remains at its original location close to Silicon Valley at what is now McClellan Park.

Why Sacramento?

DMEA’s location is crucial to completing a unique mission. Located in Sacramento, California, the facility is close to the vast microelectronic resources of California’s famous Silicon Valley. This gives DMEA access to enormous technical and personnel assets that can be applied to military supportability problems.