Chief of Naval Operations Engages Navy Cyber and Cryptology

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class William Sykes | 190521-N-XK809-1002 FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (May 21, 2019) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson speaks to Sailors and civilian employees from U.S. Cyber Command, National Security Agency/ Central Security Service, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet, and Cryptologic Warfare Group Six during an all-hands call at the National Security Agency. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Sykes/Released)  

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, MARYLAND, UNITED STATES

05.21.2019

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class William Sykes 

U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. 10th Fleet

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (NNS) – Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson held an all-hands call for Navy personnel while visiting the National Security Agency/Central Security Service (NSA/CSS), May 21.

Following an introduction by Vice Adm. Timothy “T.J.” White, commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet (FCC/C10F), the CNO spoke to hundreds of Sailors and civilian employees from U.S. Cyber Command (USCC), NSA/CSS, FCC/C10F, and Cryptologic Warfare Group Six (CWG-6).

The all-hands call gave Richardson the opportunity to engage the Navy cyber and signals intelligence workforce, and emphasize the priority of their mission at Ft. Meade. He expressed his high regard for their skills and abilities, and remarked on the highly adaptable nature of the Information Warfare Community.

“By all measures of performance, you’re as talented a Navy as we’ve ever had,” said Richardson.

Richardson spoke about why the cyber and signals intelligence community is vital to the Navy’s mission.

"Cyber is growing fast and it will continue to grow,” said Richardson. “The demand of the world and the threats out there will have everyone turning to cyber."

After speaking to the audience, Richardson opened the floor for questions. Sailors asked questions ranging in topics from issues concerning family planning and child care to retaining technical experts.

“I received a lot of great information, about different initiatives going on in the Navy,” said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Michael Ward, assigned to FCC/C10F. “It was very eye-opening to understand more clearly the Navy’s mission to its personnel. It feels good knowing we have a great group of leaders working on the matters that mean a lot to us.”

"This visit truly is a great honor,” said Master Chief Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Michael Smith, FCC/C10F senior enlisted leader. “It's not every day you get the opportunity to engage with the CNO. It’s great to know that our senior most leader appreciates what we are doing here."

FCC is responsible for Navy information network operations, offensive and defensive cyberspace operations, space operations and signals intelligence. Comprised of over 14,000 Sailors, Reservists and civilians stationed across the world, C10F is the operational arm of FCC and executes its mission through a task force structure similar to other warfare commanders.

For news and information from Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. 10th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/FCCC10F/ or follow us on twitter @USFLEETCYBERCOM.

• Date Taken: 05.21.2019
• Date Posted: 05.22.2019 13:16
• Story ID: 323454
• Location: FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, MARYLAND, US