Located on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal, the Galeta Island Communications Facility used sophisticated satellite surveillance equipment to gather and share intelligence. Though much of its activities probably had to do with the Defense Department's counter-drug effort, Galeta Island's mission and capabilities were classified. After a Naval Security Group Activity was deactivated in 1995, Galeta Island passed from U.S. Navy to Army control. The facility is to be turned over to Panama by late 1999.