Athol native battles cyber threats for U.S. Navy

By Lt. Egdanis Torres Sierra, Navy Office of Community Outreach

FORT MEADE, Md. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Haleigh Paul, a native of Athol, Massachusetts, protects America from cyber threats as a member of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command.

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class

Amber A. 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.

Paul attended Franklin County Technical High School and graduated in 2018. Today, Paul uses skills and values similar to those learned in Athol.

“Growing up, the life lessons I have carried over to my naval career are kindness, respect and hard work,” said Paul. “I went to a technical school where I was challenged with an academic curriculum and a technical program in cosmetology. I had to learn fast because we had to complete two programs during the same amount of time as a regular school with only an academic approach. In the Navy, I have to do the same. If I do not know a topic, I have to prepare myself for it, no excuses, and learn it fast."

Today, Paul 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 Paul is so important.

Serving in the Navy means Paul 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.

“National security runs on intelligence,” said Paul."We are the first people who get indications and warnings about instances, and we provide expeditious updates to the proper channels. Without us, there is no knowledge of real immediate danger."

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.

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

“I am most proud of being selected as Sailor of the Year in 2018 coming out of my first command.,” said Paul.

As Paul 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 means that I can help people,” added Paul. "It means keeping my family and everyone else safe."