Bridgeport Native Serves with Navy’s Information Warfare Community

http://navyoutreach.blogspot.com/2016/03/bridgeport-conn-native-serves-with.html

SUFFOLK, Virginia – A 2002 Central Magnet High School graduate and Bridgeport, Connecticut native is serving as part of the Navy’s Information Warfare Community in Suffolk, Virginia. Petty Officer 1st Class Daniel Lopez is an information systems technician, a part of the Navy’s central operational authority for intelligence, information operations, electronic warfare, and space capabilities in addition to cyber and networks operations. “I like working on computers and being able to see new software developments,” said Lopez. The men and women who make up the U.S. Navy’s Information Warfare Community team around the world are warriors who remain motivated and mission focused. These warfighters direct cyberspace operations to deter and defeat aggression while ensuring freedom of action in cyberspace. “The command has a good group of people that work together and want to see each other excel,” said Lopez. “There is a great work atmosphere here.” U.S. Navy’s Information Warfare Community is responsible for addressing cyber threats, key trends, and challenges across four main areas: integrated operations, optimized cyber workforce, technology innovation, and reforming development and execution of requirements, acquisition, and budgeting. Lopez also said he is proud to be a part of the 94 officers, 186 enlisted sailors, and 194 civilians serving at a command that is at the forefront of technology innovation and cyber operations, helping to protect America from threats around the world. “I enjoy being able to see my impact on junior Sailors, from lessons I learned,” said Lopez. “Making sure they don't make the same mistakes I made and give them the advice so they can make the best career decision possible is really rewarding.” Created in 2009, the Navy’s Information Warfare Community was established to execute the full spectrum of cyber, electronic warfare, information operations and signal intelligence capabilities and missions across the cyber, electromagnetic and space domains. “The amount of effort you put in is what you will get out of the Navy,” said Lopez. "The Navy is not about the individual but the overall group.” Naval Network Warfare Command (NNWC) executes tactical-level command and control to Direct, Operate, Maintain and Secure Navy Communications and Network systems; and leverage Joint Space Capabilities for Navy and Joint Operations-as assigned by Commander, Fleet Cyber Command. “NNWC leads two Navy mission partners in operating and directing the Navy's ashore information networks within the Continental U.S. (CONUS),” Cmdr. Kenneth Bates, the Executive Officer of NNWC. “As Commander, Task Force 1010, the commanding officer of NNWC further commands and controls the Navy's afloat and overseas network connectivity across the globe.” “The over 2500 men and women, military and civilian alike, of Task Force 1010 provide all Navy users with a reliable and secure information network to conduct warfighting missions as well as administration and morale,” added Bates. “Within the continental U.S.., the scope of Navy networks is large enough to provide services for 750,000 users accessing and consuming information at a rate greater than 35 GBps per hour each workday.” As a member of a command with multiple responsibilities, Lopez and other information warfare Sailors are proud to earn the trust defending this great nation through the world’s most advanced Information Warfare Community.