By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach
FORT MEADE, Md. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Benjamin Hounshel, a native of Burgaw, North Carolina, protects America from cyber threats as a member of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command.
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.
Hounshel attended Pender Early College High School and graduated in 2020. Today, Hounshel uses skills and values similar to those learned in Burgaw.
“At home, I was taught the value of hard work and persistence,” said Hounshel.
Today, Hounshel 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.
“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 Hounshel is so important.
Serving in the Navy means Hounshel 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's mission is the security of the seas countering our rivals through presence and providing security of our maritime borders,” said Hounshel.
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.
Hounshel and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of serving as a cryptologic technician,” said Hounshel. "We're one of the smallest rates in the Navy with a highly-diverse mission."
As Hounshel 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.
“The Navy offers an opportunity to serve my country and go to far-away places doing interesting work,” added Hounshel.