The mission patch serves as a tribute to the lives and sacrifices remembered on September 11, 2001, embodying NRO’s unwavering commitment to protect our warfighters, defend freedom, and help build a safer world. The lighthouse characterizes enduring strength and the ability to provide information to those in need, even in difficult times. The endpoints of the light beam align to the locations of 9 and 11 on a clock face in honor of the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Four prominent stars represent the four aircraft lost on 9/11, and the moon phase is shown as it appeared on September 11, 2026.