Virginia Beach native battles cyber threats for U.S. Navy

By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach

FORT MEADE, Md. - Petty Officer 1st Class John Terry, a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, 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.

Terry attended Landstown High School and graduated in 2012. Today, Terry uses skills and values similar to those learned in Virginia Beach.

“Growing up in Virginia Beach, I appreciated the diversity we had with people from all different cultures,” said Terry. "In the military, I'm able to relate to different people because it's similar to how I grew up."

“Having a father who is a veteran of 30 years was my biggest influence for joining the Navy,” said Terry. “However, it wasn’t until I witnessed my cousin’s graduation from Marine Corps boot camp first-hand, that I was interested in enlisting myself.” 

Today, Terry 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 Terry is so important.

Serving in the Navy means Terry 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're the most-advanced Navy in the world,” said Terry. "We're on the forefront of national security in the Navy because we have all the professionals in every career field."

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.

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

“In 2017, I was on a submarine, and I recorded something that had never been recorded at the time,” said Terry. "It was awesome, not because I was involved, but because I was able to share this experience with others so they could see that we can make a difference to national security. It was an honor to be in the right place at the right time"

As Terry 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 is all about integrity,” added Terry. "It's important to always do the right thing, especially when no one is looking. Our Navy core values are important to our service - honor, courage, commitment."