Whitelaw native battles cyber threats for U.S. Navy

By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach

FORT MEADE, Md. - Petty Officer 1st Class John Komorosky, a native of Whitelaw, Wisconsin, 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.

Komorosky attended Valders High School and graduated in 2007. Today, Komorosky uses skills and values similar to those learned in Whitelaw.

“I learned the importance of hard work,” said Komorosky. "I grew up working outside. We had a lot of acreage, so it was always a lot of work keeping up with all that needed to be done. I also worked on local farms in the area, and this taught me the importance of hard work."

Today, Komorosky 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 Komorosky is so important.

Serving in the Navy means Komorosky 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 contribute through our offensive and defensive cyber operations,” said Komorosky. "While deployed, we offer a show of force around the world."

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.

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

“One of my favorite accomplishments was a flag letter of commendation earned while serving aboard USS Roosevelt in the South China Sea,” said Komorosky. "We were serving with the French Navy, and I had the opportunity to go over to one of their ships to help repair one of their radios. It was one of the most interesting opportunities I had spending time with another Navy, seeing their culture and how they operated."

As Komorosky 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 offers many opportunities to better myself, to gain experience and provide a job that I enjoy doing,” added Komorosky. "I'm learning skills that will serve me well when I decide to leave the Navy."