Dallas Native Battles Cyber Threats for U.S. Navy

By Lt. Charity Edgar, Navy Office of Community Outreach

FORT MEADE, Maryland – A 2012 L. G. Pinkston High School graduate protects America from cyber threats as a member of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class NaKenneth Brown is an information systems technician.

“When I decided to join the Navy, I read the descriptions of available jobs and I like computers so it made sense to become an IT,” said Brown, a Dallas native.

Information technology advances at a staggering pace. Practically all major systems on ships, aircraft, submarines and unmanned vehicles are networked to some degree. This includes most combat, communications, engineering and navigation systems. While connectivity provides the military with speed, agility and precision, it also opens numerous attack opportunities for adept cyber adversaries.

Brown plays a crucial role in defending against cyber threats in support of the command’s mission to execute command and control over assigned forces in support of Navy or joint missions in cyber/networks, information operations, electronic warfare, cryptologic/signals intelligence and space. U.S. Fleet Cyber Command, through its operational arm U.S. 10th Fleet, ensures Navy and Joint freedom of action and decision superiority while denying the same to our adversaries.

“The U.S. Navy’s success in cyberspace is necessary for all missions that our nation expects us to be capable of carrying out including winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas,” said Vice Adm. Mike Gilday, commander of FCC. “While The Navy continues to make great strides in maintaining its technological edge in the cyber domain, it is our Sailors and civilians who form the basis of our success. Their drive and creativity are critical to winning in such a competitive environment.”

Networks are under continuous threats of attack by a broad array of state actors, terrorist organizations, ‘hacktivist’ groups, organized crime and individual hackers. Motivations include personal gain, information theft, discrediting the United States, sabotage, political gain, denial or degradation of the Navy’s access to cyberspace.

The future of U.S. maritime power depends on the Navy’s ability to achieve their vision for cyberspace operations, which is based on careful consideration of the threats, trends, and challenges facing the Navy in cyberspace, according to Navy officials.

Brown said he is proud to serve at the forefront of technology innovation and cyber operations, helping to protect America from threats around the world.

“I think the Navy has set up a future for myself and helped me achieve my goals,” said Brown. “I enlisted with my cousin, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jacoby Tutson, a logistics specialist. He said we should join the Navy. I’m glad we did.”