FORT MEADE, Maryland – Retired Master Chief Petty Officer Cassandra Roulhac, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, protects America from cyber threats as a member of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amber Weingart |
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.
Roulhac attended Lake Clifton High School and graduated in 1987. Today, Roulhac uses skills and values similar to those learned in Baltimore.
“When I grew up in Baltimore in the 1970s and 1980s, I remember the strong work ethic,” said Roulhac. "My father worked for the Coast Guard Yard as a painter."
Today, Roulhac 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 Roulhac is so important.
Serving in the Navy means Roulhac 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.
“The Navy helps prevent cyber attacks,” said Roulhac. "We also protect the seas around the world. With our ships, submarines, airplanes and the expeditionary forces we cover all the needs to defend 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.
Roulhac and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of making master chief in 2010,” said Roulhac. "I retired after 30 years of service in 2018 and now I serve as a government civilian."
As Roulhac and others continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I've had an awesome opportunity to work with a diverse group of people from different backgrounds,” added Roulhac. "We all come together for one common purpose. Having a background serving in uniform, it's an honor to continue serving now as a civilian."