Flourtown native battles cyber threats for U.S. Navy

By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach

FORT MEADE, Md. - Lt. David Layne, a native of Flourtown, Pennsylvania, 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.

Layne attended William Penn Charter School and graduated in 2004. He also graduated from Temple University Beasley School of Law in 2014. Today, Layne uses skills and values similar to those learned in Flourtown.

“Growing up in Flourtown, I learned a desire for service,” said Layne.  “Serving others was ingrained in me from my family and my community.”

Today, Layne 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 Layne is so important.

Serving in the Navy means Layne 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.

“Our Navy gives us the capacity to share our values and way of life around the world,” said Layne. "The Navy has a presence around the world, so no matter what the need is, we have the ability to answer the bell."

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.

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

“I'm proud of a job I had in Virginia advising NCIS,” said Layne. "As part of that job, I was a special assistant U.S. Attorney. The ability to add value to felony-level prosecutions was an interesting experience. The ability to interface with other agencies on behalf of the Navy was also very rewarding."

As Layne 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.

“Serving in the Navy means that I'm part of one of the most diverse, interesting and exciting enterprises that one can work in,” added Layne. "It's about the people you get to work with from all different backgrounds and walks of life."