Glenville native battles cyber threats for U.S. Navy

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

FORT MEADE, Md. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Lara Van Patten, a native of Glenville, New York, 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.

Van Patten attended Burnt Hills - Ballston Lake High School and graduated in 2014. Today, Van Patten uses skills and values similar to those learned in Glenville.

“Growing up, the life lessons I have carried over to my naval career are resilience and responsibility,” said Van Patten. "Doing well in school was important to me. Being responsible and accountable for my actions transferred over into what I do for my country."

Today, Van Patten 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 Van Patten is so important.

Serving in the Navy means Van Patten 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 is one policing the oceans, keeping our shores secured,” said Van Patten. "We rely on foreign policies and foreign intelligence to support the mission. That is what I do - intelligence and signal analysis."

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.

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

“My biggest accomplishment to date is being here, getting to this point in my career and overcoming my boot camp and my specialization training,” said Van Patten. "But there is more for me in the Navy. My next milestone is to become an intelligence officer."

As Van Patten 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.

“My father served in the Navy for 26 years as a medical officer,” added Van Patten. "I am just following his example of service and duty. Serving in the Navy means the continuation of his great service."