San Angelo Native Serves at Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command

 

SUFFOLK, VA - A native of San Angelo is serving the U.S. Navy at the Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command, where he plays a role in protecting the Navy’s networks from cyberattacks.

“I learned from growing up in a small town the value of resilience and working together with your community and those around you,” said Lt. j.g Zachary Fleming, a 2018 Wall High School graduate. 

San Angelo native serves with U.S. Navy in Suffolk

San Angelo native serves with U.S. Navy in Suffolk

Fleming joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Fleming serves as a cryptologic warfare officer.

“I joined the Navy because my dad was prior military,” Fleming said. "I really wanted to join because I enjoyed Naval history and was sold when I visited the Pearl Harbor memorial."

NCDOC is responsible for protecting the Navy’s networks and data from cyberattacks, information states. The command executes defensive cyberspace operations and enables global power projection through proactive network defense. 

Navy information warfare (IW) plays a role in every Navy mission, every day, around the globe. NAVIFOR’s mission is to ensure the more than 60,000 IW sailors and civilians in the fleet – experts in cyberspace, communications, intelligence, meteorology, oceanography, cryptology, electronic warfare and space – are trained, equipped, certified and ready to meet the Navy’s warfighting missions. 

“Information Warfare extends from seabed to space, and is critical to our Navy’s success in competition, crisis and conflict,” said Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza, the Navy’s IBoss and commander of NAVIFOR. “The more than 60,000 IW professionals across the globe are our asymmetric advantage – their expertise, professionalism, imagination and creativity are key to our Navy overcoming any adversary at pace and at scale.”

With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America, according to the Navy Office Of Community Outreach. 

Fleming serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Fleming has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service. 

“My proudest accomplishment is graduating from Naval Academy and getting to shake the President's hand,” Fleming said. “Serving in the Navy has been an awesome opportunity to serve my country, but it’s also been a great way to develop personally while working with other people who are also trying to develop themselves and grow." 

Fleming is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my wife, Kristen, and my family,” Fleming said. “I'd also like to thank former Congressman Michael Conaway and Mrs. Joanne Powell for helping me get into the Naval Academy. I'd also like to thank Lt. Jimmy Catina and Lt. Cmdr. Shameeka Colon for being great mentors to me."

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