REVIEWS

Extract of Foreword from Pine Gap

Professor Desmond Ball, BEc (Hons), PhD; Professor, Strategic & Defence Studies Centre, School of International, Political & Strategic Studies,
Australia National University
Pine Gap is one of the largest, most important and most secret US intelligence collection stations in the world. …this is a revealing book. It describes not only Pine Gap’s ‘general intelligence-gathering functions’ but also the role it plays ‘in support of military operations’. …I remain amazed that David received permission to publish this story….he does reveal a litany of activities that would previously have been regarded as being beyond ‘Top Secret’. …All of this makes this book compelling reading. It is a subject redolent of mystery and secrecy. 

Review on the back cover of Pine Gap

Phillip Knightley, UK author and visiting Professor of Journalism at the University of Lincoln, England
David Rosenberg was a high-tech spy who decided to throw some light on the myths and misinformation surrounding Pine Gap, the top-secret signals facility at Alice Springs that eavesdrops on the world. If he had known the hurdles the American authorities would put in his way he no doubt would have given up before he started. But he persisted and this revealing book is the result. The truth at last.

BOOK REVIEWS

August 16, 2020 - K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite 5/5

Pine Gap: Close to God's Ear - NSA Eavesdropping Memoirs is a work of non-fiction written in the autobiographical and memoir style by author David Rosenberg. As the title suggests, this collection of memories and experiences seeks to shed light on the fascinating world of military surveillance, particularly at the Pine Gap facility where the author worked in a high-level security position. The book recounts missions and intelligence collected during such times as the Iraq wars, the Balkans and the War on Terror (to name just a few), giving a fascinating insider's perspective on what went on, but also asking highly important questions about the ethics of eavesdropping in the modern age.

Author David Rosenberg has crafted a fantastic and highly compelling work of non-fiction that will be sure to fascinate anyone who picks it up, whether they had a prior interest in surveillance and intelligence-gathering or not. Offering a unique voice and many, many years of experience in the field, Rosenberg's narration is smooth and confident, delivering high levels of detail and access to little known facts that will certainly fascinate and enthrall his audience. One of the things most vital to the text, I feel, is the ethical and moral discussion around the nature of intelligence gathering, which is in-depth and intelligently penned, with accurate reference to recent events. Overall, this makes Pine Gap: Close to God's Ear - NSA Eavesdropping Memoirs an engrossing and important read for anyone involved and/or interested in military intelligence of the present and past.

August 23, 2020 - Asher Syed for Readers’ Favorite 5/5

Pine Gap: Close to God’s Ear: NSA Eavesdropping Memoirs by David Rosenberg is the non-fiction memoir and compilation of experiences from his time as an insider within the titular organization. To emphasize the significance of Rosenberg's tell-all, the book begins with a disclaimer from the National Security Agency/NSA, which is probably one of the smoothest non-denial intros I've seen. Rosenberg holds nothing back as he fleshes out his work as an American spy after his first choice as an FBI Special Agent role was axed because of nominal herbal drug use, which the CIA also questioned. By a process of elimination, Rosenberg was situated with the NSA. Rosenberg details the process and placement, some absolutely key moments in world history which he was at first base with, his stance on some actions taken, his exit, personal life, and life after leaving.

Pine Gap is as engrossing as it is terrifying with David Rosenberg leading the way through things we suspected, things we didn't know, and a couple of things I now wish I didn't know. The last bit isn't entirely true but I admit the processing of Rosenberg's experience took some time. The technical aspects were cool to read up on but, for me, it was the impact his career had on his life and outlook that made the more mechanical aspects palatable. There's a distinct transition that happens with the panache of a fantastic fictional character arc, except that Rosenberg's evolution was from an American on American soil, to an American on Australian soil, to an American who felt let down and left with a for-or-against terrorism ultimatum—this evolution is true. So a book that is factual reads with the delicious insight of one that is not. It's rare to find a memoir that taps into the stranger-than-fiction mold, but Rosenberg does in this spectacular account.

25 August 2020 - Vincent Dublado for Readers’ Favorite 5/5

Eavesdropping is curiously ill-defined under ethical standards, but David Rosenberg’s eighteen-year career as a spy for the United States National Security Agency (NSA) might change your perspective. In light of eavesdropping as a realistic approach to forging alliances and national security, Pine Gap: Close to God’s Ear–NSA Eavesdropping Memoirs discloses his experience within the tall gates of Pine Gap. Despite apprehension from the lingering thought of divulging classified information to the world, he doesn’t hold back in revealing an exclusive look at the intelligence operations jointly conducted by the US and Australia over the course of his eighteen years as a Pine Gap insider. He sheds light on the common misconceptions about Pine Gap, and on the ethics of eavesdropping as a legitimate function in ensuring safety for the citizenry.

Pine Gap has been on the frontline of gathering intelligence. Whenever the lives of American and Australian military personnel are under threat, Pine Gap satellites serve as the all-seeing eyes and all-hearing ears. This secretive base continues to monitor potential threats, and Mr. Rosenberg’s reflections hope to address concerns of anti-Pine Gap protest groups. “They will never let you write this book,” as his colleagues put it, on account of the classified information he intends to reveal. Yet he took the risk because his story is worth telling, and to help people realize the truth about what Pine Gap does. We could learn from reading this work how we benefit from the US and Australia’s security interests that Pine Gap nurtures.

31 August 2020 - Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite 5/5

Pine Gap - Close to God's Ear: NSA Eavesdropping Memoirs by David Rosenberg provides a look into military surveillance and how it remained a major part of the author's life for 18 years. David Rosenberg worked at the Pine Gap facility himself, which is why he has a wealth of knowledge about military surveillance and gives a first-hand look into things unknown to the common public. From talking about “simple” eavesdropping missions to collecting information during the Iraq wars and the Afghanistan conflict, the author holds nothing back and shares it all. He details and recounts his career through three different USA presidencies until his career ended at Pine Gap. He also shares his stance on the ethics of eavesdropping and how it has become common in the grand scheme of things.

Pine Gap is an engrossing book. The author’s narrative style is very professional, yet there is an element of genuine interest in the topic that makes reading this book another experience. Reading about the ins and outs of modern eavesdropping and spy work should be boring but it isn’t. David Rosenberg's “voice” is very soothing yet very enthralling at the same time. There is a confidence in the way he tells his story so that the reader cannot help but become engrossed in the book. He very intelligently shares his heart and mind with the reader about intelligence work he did in the past, and how he considers the moral dilemma behind it. Reading about intelligence work and getting a first-hand account of it is fascinating. This book contains some very interesting information. I can imagine this book becoming the basis for a documentary series.

16 August 2020 - Renee Guill for Readers’ Favorite 5/5

Pine Gap by David Rosenberg is a fascinating book. You get to see behind the scenes of the government and the facility... I thought David Rosenberg did a wonderful job in world-building. I was able to see it all so clearly, though I have never been there. I thought the photos were a nice touch too. I liked that he explained why there are a lot of Xs (redactions) in the book, but they did not make it confusing. I liked that he went into great detail about how he got the job and what his life was like…The movies make it more fascinating than what it really is. If you like CIA spy type movies/books, or if you like history and anything dealing with the government, then this is a must-read.

July 9, 2019 - Amazon Customer Phil

Quite a brilliant book about a very complex subject. The author by all accounts was a brilliant analyst in an area the general public know little about and yet their work helps to keep us safe from all manner of threats.

July 23, 2014 – Paul, via Facebook
Just finished 'Inside Pine Gap', read it in one go. I really enjoyed it as I have been inside this facility many years ago when I was in the RAAF. You have a great writing style and look forward to anything else you may produce in the future. Cheers.

Date unknown
Google Book Review
I found this book to be a very interesting read. I actually lost sleep reading it because I couldn't put it down! Sure, it may not be everyone's cup of tea but if you are interested in technology development, radio technology, satellites and a behind the scenes view of the allied forces role throughout the world, you will without a doubt enjoy the read.
The book is more like David is talking to you; written in the first person. This humanises the story, making it easy to relate to.

June 18, 2012
By Elizabeth
Like so many Australians, I grew up with the enigma of Pine Gap - a name often referred to in newspapers and TV bulletins when I was a child but a part of our country that we seemed to know little about. So I was intrigued to read this book and learn more about the facility from someone who had worked there for so long.

Rosenberg's style is very approachable and he rides a nice path between the technical and the personal. This book is as much the tale of someone discovering another country and its possibilities as it is a story about the US and its Pine Gap station.

Throughout the book there is a clear sense of the control that bodies like the CIA and NSA exert on their staff - from Rosenberg's stories on his first job interviews with the agencies right through to his protracted attempts to have the book published and the resulting redacted paragraphs.

Full marks to Rosenberg for his perseverance in telling his engaging story and shedding some light on the role of Pine Gap.

May 15, 2012
By kaysie (Sydney Australia)
This book was a surprise. I expected a history of the pine gap facility in central Australia, got that and more. A real human interest story woven thru the threads of interesting facts on this "mysterious" piece of American spy intelligence on Australian soil. David takes us through how he, an American, landed up in the Australian desert and ended up a "native", with a love for the Australian landscape. For those who are looking at an in-depth expose' of a secret spy facility, they will probably be disappointed, as his hands were tied as to what he could tell, but what he was able to convey was of interest. For me the human interest side was what won it over. Mystery, history or a love story. It has it all.

April 20, 2012
By Gina M
I had heard about Pine Gap but had no idea what went on there. When given the opportunity to read this book, I was amazed! It was a wonderful holiday read. I loved this personal account of the authors life mixed in with his work at Pine Gap and for exposing what happens in these 'secret facilities'. It is quite incredible that the author was even able to publish this much information. I loved it!!

April 19, 2012
By Jamie MN (Sydney Australia) 
This book is fantastic. It talks in some detail about daily operations at Pine Gap, and as no books have covered these operations from a personal perspective before, this is truly a unique book. I highly recommend this book.

March 3, 2012
Keir C (Los Gatos, California USA)
Since we are about to travel to Alice Springs in March I read this with great interest. Since I worked for the company that installed the first antenna and having spent 30+ years in the community supporting this effort from afar it is great to get the feel of the site. Thanks David

August 30, 2011
By ER Florida USA
This book is a great introduction to Australia for an American! The author writes so clearly about his own introduction to Alice Springs, Australia, and the US spy community. The reader gets a first-hand look at so many of his experiences. It's an enjoyable read as well as a mini history lesson and travelogue!

Date unknown
American Review Mag
Peter C

The Australian effort in Afghanistan has not been limited to the Special Forces or the Mentoring Task Force; it has also included the intelligence gathering of the joint US-Australian defence facility at Pine Gap near Alice Springs.

Professor of Strategic and Defence Studies at the Australian National University, Desmond Ball, says the base is “one of the largest, most important, and most secret US intelligence collection stations in the world.” Its satellites suck up signals from around the world “like a vacuum cleaner”, as described by former CIA employee Victor Marchetti, and beam them down to Pine Gap for analysis.

In his autobiographical and jargon-free Inside Pine Gap: The spy who came in from the desert, the American David Rosenberg describes his 18 years as “a hi-tech spy” in the facility, where he had access to top-secret data and operations, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It ends with his disenchantment with US policies under president George W. Bush, his adoption of Australian citizenship, and his decision to write this book. Desmond Ball advised him that the “intelligence mandarins” in Washington would “have apoplexy” when they heard of his plan. But in the end the US National Security Agency approved his manuscript with only limited censorship, and Ball has written a congratulatory foreword.

The book honours the work of Pine Gap and strongly supports the American-Australian alliance, yet Rosenberg clearly has reservations. When the Afghanistan-based al Qaeda terrorists attacked the United States on 9/11, the American intelligence agencies, including Pine Gap, were taken completely by surprise. Rosenberg’s worried and sometimes panic-stricken American family and friends privately sought his expert advice on what they should do. Rosenberg urged them to do what he was doing: watch CNN. It knew, he said, more about what was going on than he and his colleagues did.

GENERAL PRESENTATION FEEDBACK:

April 14, 2021 - Neutral Bay Men’s Probus “His presenting skills were very professional – one of the best we have had. His slide presentation was very easy to read, follow and understand.” “Very fluent; enthusiastic; confident; articulate; self-assured.” “He’s a normal bloke and comes across very naturally.” “We could not have had a better bloke to talk to us on Pine Gap.”

The members were enthralled with your subject. I guess you could gauge the interest from Question Time, which had to be cut short due to time restraints. You were kind enough to stay back to answer more. We knew a little about Pine Gap - and its importance to the US/Australia alliance -  but what we had not had access to was the scope of what is done and achieved there. Nor the scope of International “espionage” amongst the world powers. You impressively filled those gaps.

September 17, 2019 - Double Bay Probus Club Everyone spoke most favourably about your presentation. Indeed, most members commented that although they had heard about Pine Gap but, did not know the story of it. Your personal input and knowledge of its contribution to security was most enlightening. They found your address absolutely fascinating and thoroughly enjoyed it. You could tell by the rapt attention and number of hands flying up for questions afterwards. The combination of your and knowledge of Pine Gap, and the love of your career was all delivered with subtle understatement, a sense of humour and with a genuine, self-deprecating manner.

July 18, 2018 – Ettalong Probus Club
Many thanks for your wonderful speech at our Ettalong Probus Club. Everyone enjoyed your knowledge of Pine Gap. I have been in charge of guest speakers for 18 months and never seen a speaker get so many questions.

June 14, 2018 – Camden Probus Club
On their behalf (the members) we thoroughly enjoyed your brilliant presentation. As an ex-Toastmaster of 45 years ago, you would have won any zone competition with distinction. We'll all be interested in viewing the ABC TV presentation of Pine Gap. Of the list of 155 Guest Speakers on the list, (yours is) but one of the few with a 100% rating.

November 28, 2016 – Port Hacking Probus Club
The fact that the members were approximately 15 minutes later than usual leaving the hall yesterday is due to their interest in your talk, regarding your years working in Pine Gap. Thank you for the very enlightening rundown of your time spent in the ‘eavesdropping facility’. Your knowledge and delivery made listening to you very interesting, many members have been in contact to say how much they enjoyed it.

June 20, 2016 – St Ives Probus
Our club members really appreciated your visit today, I’m sure that was evident from their enthusiastic response to your talk. There was much we all learned from you. Pine Gap was previously just a name to most of us. So thank you for making time to speak on such an interesting and vital subject that you are so conversant with.

March 20, 2014 - Rotary Club of Sydney CBD
David your address was one of the best we have had for some time. The members were vitally interested and the questions only stopped because we would have been there all night – I know when they have enjoyed an address and how the questions will roll. We have a time when we must vacate. So thank you so much – the members really enjoyed it.

March 10, 2014 – Parramatta Rotary Club
We were thoroughly impressed with your talk. You have a delightfully disarming manner, exude integrity and present information within a tight timeframe such that no one could lose interest! I can appreciate that only ‘love’ could have drawn you away from a role and work you so thoroughly enjoyed and at which you clearly excelled.

February 23, 2014 – B’nai B’rith Lodge and Chapter Aviv, East Sydney
Our feedback was very good. In fact, our President said he thought you were the best speaker we’ve had in the past year.

December 1, 2013 – Berkeley Vale Probus Club
WOW. Thank you for being Guest Speaker at our November Meeting. After our meeting closed & all through lunch, our members were still talking about your presentation. FANTASTIC! It was extremely interesting & everyone enjoyed it. 

November 14, 2013 – Chatswood Central Probus Club
Many members expressed their appreciation of your interesting, talk, engaging personality and professionalism, particularly concerning the way you repeated questions so that the whole company knew what was asked and then your precise and knowledgeable answers.

October 29, 2013 – St George Probus Club
On behalf of the members of Probus St George, I wish to thank you for your brilliant presentation today. The topic had all the audience riveted and the general consensus of opinion was that it was the best talk of the year. 

February 12, 2013 – Erina Rotary Club
I thank you most sincerely for your wonderful talk last night about the Pine Gap facility. We were all riveted by your professional, friendly presentation. I have seldom seen everyone so attentive and, judging from the number of questions and the number of books you sold, you could have spoken to us for much longer than the allotted time.

August 14,2012 - Balgowlah Rotary Club
Like all members I really did enjoy your talk and story for your interweaving of personal life made the subject so much more alive. 

July 27, 2012 – Mount Colah Probus Club
… Several of our members have told me how much they enjoyed your talk and that you were the best speaker we have had.  My husband has now read your book and now I am doing so.  JJ

October 2011 – Lane Cove Rotary Club
Many thanks for suggesting our Rotary Club ask David to be our guest speaker for our annual SIC meeting that was held last night. David instantly warmed the hearts of our members as soon as they met him even before the official commencement of our meeting and from thereon, our members proceeded to appreciate his gentle and easy manner. His presentation was most professional and throughout the entire time he was speaking, he held his audience spell bound about Pine Gap and its purpose of being in existence.

I was extremely happy to notice how both our male and female members were “glued” to the images of his presentation as he described the details of the history and the operational activities in such a easy and general way. David even came up with the right answer to a very difficult question during our normal fine session. Overall we all had a very good evening and our club’s President as well as some of our members have contacted me this morning asking to again give the Club’s appreciation to David for making last night such a success.  Many thanks again to you. KW