Chesapeake native battles cyber threats for U.S. Navy

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

FORT MEADE, Md. - Petty Officer 1st Class David Bass, a native of Chesapeake, Virginia, 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.

Bass uses skills and values similar to those learned in Chesapeake.

“Growing up, the life lessons I have carried over to my naval career are adaptability and being open minded,” said Bass. "I relocated a lot due to my father's civilian job. I had to learn how to start fresh at each new location meeting new people from all walks of life."

Today, Bass 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 Bass is so important.

Serving in the Navy means Bass 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 provide stability and prompt response to any situation happening globally," said Bass.

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.

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

“During my second duty station, I was tasked with several responsibilities,” said Bass. "I had to get all of the cryptologic assets ready for our second deployment, worked with engineers getting the damage control systems ready, and on top of that, I was also training the team in charge of documenting any interactions with foreign vessels."

As Bassand 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.

“It means having a profession that has a greater meaning and a greater purpose,” added Bass. "My profit is not monetary. It is helping and serving, allowing others to pursue their lives without concern for their national security."