Chicago native battles cyber threats for U.S. Navy

By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach

FORT MEADE, Md. - Chief Petty Officer Brenda Flores, a native of Chicago, Illinois, 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.

Flores attended Madonna High School and graduated in 2000. Today, Flores uses skills and values similar to those learned in Chicago.

“I learned the importance of diversity,” said Flores. "Growing up in Chicago I was exposed to a lot of different cultures and backgrounds. When I joined the Navy, I noticed that we also have a lot of diversity, so I felt well prepared for that aspect."

Today, Flores 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 Flores is so important.

Serving in the Navy means Flores 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.

“Being in the intel field, I know that a lot of operations we were involved in are not open to the public for obvious reasons; however, there are many opportunities for us to show our presence around the world,” said Flores.

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.

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

“I really love being able to influence junior sailors and help them with their professional development,” said Flores. "I'm always looking for opportunities to advocate for our sailors."

As Flores 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.

“I'm honored to be part of something bigger than myself,” added Flores. "There were many people who came before me, so I want to make way for others. I’m trying to leave it better than I found it."