Akron native battles cyber threats for U.S. Navy

By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach

FORT MEADE, Md. - Petty Officer 1st Class Kellie Price, a native of Akron, Ohio, protects America from cyber threats as a member of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command.

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class

Amber Weingart, Navy Office of Community Outreach

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.

Price attended Tallmadge High School and graduated in 2002. Today, Price uses skills and values similar to those learned in Akron.

“Growing up, I learned the importance of perseverance,” said Price. "When I was in high school this helped me a lot. I still take on challenges today thanks to the perseverance I learned growing up.”

“My father (Spencer Price) was in the Marines, and his service was a big influence on my decision to join the military,” said Price. “He told me that some of the life lessons he learned in the Marines built the foundation for his life, so my dad influenced me to join initially. What keeps me going is my amazing husband, who retired from the Marines. He's supported me in my career since we first got together 13 years ago."

Today, Price plays a crucial role in defending against cyber threats in support of the command’s mission to collect, analyze and report on communication signals using computers, specialized computer-assisted equipment, and video display terminals.

According to Navy officials, 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.

“As leaders and experts in Information Warfare, our sailors and civilians are at the forefront of disrupting the ability of bad actors to execute their plans, which often degrade U.S. interests,” said Vice Admiral Ross Myers, commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command and U.S. 10th Fleet. “Because of our workforce and their world class skills and dedication to service, today’s Navy has the agility, tactical skills, advanced technologies and innovative mindset to succeed. Alongside our sister services, Fleet Cyber Command is on the frontlines to thwart malicious efforts in cyberspace – we are engaged against adversaries, around the globe and around the clock – 24/7/365.”

That’s why the work being done by Price is so important.

Serving in the Navy means Price is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“We're the global force for seapower,” said Price. "You put a ship off the coast of another nation, and it shows the strength of our nation."

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Price and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“Being able to wear the uniform is a great honor,” said Price. "Being in this career for such a long time gives me a sense of purpose. I'm paving the way for something bigger than myself."

As Price and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving in the Navy is a sense of selfless service,” added Price. "I'm representing my family and my community. When you put me in a position with service members from all walks of life it's very interesting. I've learned a lot about myself and others during my time in the military."

Price’s father, Spencer Price, is a Akron, Ohio, native who currently resides in Winthrop, New York.