FORT MEADE, Maryland - Senior Chief Petty Officer Tristen Hendricks, a native of Herman, Nebraska, protects America from cyber threats as a member of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amber A. Weingar |
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.
Hendricks attended Tekamah-Herman High School and graduated in 2004. Today, Hendricks uses skills and values similar to those learned in Herman.
“Growing up on a small farm taught me about hard work and making sure my work is complete no matter how difficult it is,” said Hendricks.
Today, Hendricks 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 Hendricks is so important.
Serving in the Navy means Hendricks 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 defend the American way of life, both here at home and overseas,” said Hendricks.
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.
Hendricks and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Helping establish the Cyber Mission Force and seeing the progress we've made over the last seven years is an important accomplishment for me,” said Hendricks. “I'm especially proud of the contributions my sailors have made to ensure our critical networks are secure and unable to be accessed by our adversaries.”
As Hendricks 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.
“This has been an opportunity for me to serve my country and give back to those who have come before us,” added Hendricks. “I'm proud to help protect our way of life.”