Fayetteville native battles cyber threats for U.S. Navy

By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach

FORT MEADE, Md. - Petty Officer 1st Class Jaquan Stinson, a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, 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.

Stinson attended Douglas Byrd High School and graduated in 2012. Today, Stinson uses skills and values similar to those learned in Fayetteville.

“I learned the importance of diversity,” said Stinson. "This is a wonderful opportunity to travel the world and experience so many different cultures and meet people from different backgrounds."

Today, Stinson 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 Stinson is so important.

Serving in the Navy means Stinson 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 is a premier defense system,” said Stinson. "We're able to ward off threats from potential foes and to support friendly forces."

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.

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

“I'm proud of earning Junior Sailor of the Year in 2021,” said Stinson. "I'm thankful for leadership's confidence in me, and now I get to encourage other sailors to motivate them to do their best."

As Stinson 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.

“It's a new experience every day in the Navy,” added Stinson. "You never know what you're going to do or who you're going to meet. I've learned valuable skills that will help me throughout my life."