Sunday, July 31, 2011

Go Deep

More from my fellow blogger, Seth Godin...The Information Dominance Corps mission area is a fairly broad slice of the pie. 

Seth suggests - As the deluge of information grows and choices continue to widen (there's no way you could even attempt to cover the breadth of knowledge about the  Information Dominance Corps from scratch today), it's easy to forget the benefits of acquiring this sort of (mostly) complete understanding in a particular field. I'm not even sure it matters which field you pick.  (I would pick Information Warfare, myself.)

Expertise is a posture as much as it is a volume of knowledge.  Read every single professional journal, briefing and other document you can get your hands on in your field--there are countless ways to GO DEEP instead of merely paying lip service to the current flavor of the moment.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Navy

Motivating Sailors can be a formidable leadership challenge. To be effective, our Navy requires cohesiveness, a sense of community. Liberalizing the Navy does not help our Sailors or our Navy.

The Navy needs a unique set of values to be effective. These include Honor, Courage, Commitment - discipline, obedience, integrity, a high order of technical excellence in military skills, and dedication to a well-defined purpose—defense of the country.

No one need remind us that the mission of the Navy remains "Conduct sustained combat operations at sea."

Friday, July 29, 2011

Captain David Bondura assumes command of Navy Information Operations Command Texas

At a ceremony rich in Naval tradition, today, Friday 29 July 2011, Captain David Bondura relieved Captain Greg Haws as Commanding Officer of Navy Information Operations Command Texas.  Captain Greg Haws retired from active Naval service.  The NIOC Texas website is available HERE.

Congratulations Captain Bondura.  Fair winds and following seas Captain Haws.

Super post here entitled "Cookie Cutter Leadership" by a thoughtful young Ensign who is a member of the NIOC Texas wardroom.

OPNAV N2N6 - FCC/C10F Staff Synchronization

On Tuesday, 26 July 2011, VADM Kendall L. Card (DCNO for Information Dominance (ID)/Director, Naval Intelligence (DNI)) and a large group of his staff (from O8 to O3) met with VADM Barry McCullough (Commander, Fleet Cyber Command/TENTH Fleet and his staff on the Ft Meade, Maryland complex for Staff/Fleet Synchronization discussions.  

The staffs exchanged presentations on mission, organization, manning, training, programming and collaboration efforts across the Navy.  This all day session was the first of its kind (lengthy, large scale, on-site, face to face) between the two staffs at this level (O9-O9) which included such large numbers of other department heads and staff action officers.  VADM Kendall Card assumed his duties as DCNO for ID/DNI just last month.

After the formal session, staff action officers from both staffs met off-line with their counterparts to continue the dialog.  The two staffs agreed that this large scale face to face discussion was very useful in synchronizing staff efforts.  Expect to see more of these in the future.

Informal synchronization across the Information Dominance Corps has been going on for two years now.  It's nice to see the staffs come together formally to collaborate, coordinate and synchronize their important efforts.

Rear Admiral Metts delivers KEYNOTE address to University of the District of Columbia SYMPOSIUM on CYBER SECURITY

Our information warfare officer Flags are actively involved in telling the Navy story and soliciting high quality college graduates to serve our country as naval officers in the Information Dominance Corps. 

Rear Admiral Will Metts, as the Director of Intelligence (J2) for U.S. Cyber Command at Fort Meade, Maryland was cited in HISPANIC Engineer Magazine - Spring 2011 for his KEYNOTE address at the University of the District of Columbia SYMPOSIUM on CYBER SECURITY.

Some of the key points of his address:
  • THE GENERATIONAL CONVERGENCE OF THE CYBER DOMAIN HAS MODIFIED OUR LIVES AND THE WAYS WE COMMUNICATE, IN A MATTER OF TWO DECADES.
  • CYBER SECURITY IS A STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE.
  • THREATS TO OUR NETWORKS AND CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE COME FROM A VARIETY OF SOURCES INCLUDING FOREIGN ACTORS, TERRORISTS, CRIMINAL GROUPS, AND HACKERS.
  • THE COST IN 2008 WAS OVER ONE TRILLION DOLLARS SPENT ON REPAIR COSTS AND LOSS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.
  • STARTING TO SEE THESE ATTACKS MOVE FROM NETWORK EXPLOITATION AND DISRUPTION OF NETWORK FUNCTIONS, SUCH AS DENIAL OF SERVICE ATTACKS, TO POSSIBLE DESTRUCTION.
  • OVER THE PAST TEN YEARS, THE FREQUENCY AND SOPHISTICATION OF INTRUSIONS INTO U.S. MILITARY NETWORKS HAVE INCREASED EXPONENTIALLY.
  • EVERY DAY, U.S. MILITARY AND CIVILIAN NETWORKS ARE PROBED THOUSANDS OF TIMES AND SCANNED MILLIONS OF TIMES.
  • THE 2008 INTRUSION THAT LED TO OPERATION BUCKSHOT YANKEE WAS NOT THE ONLY SUCCESSFUL PENETRATION. ADVERSARIES HAVE ACQUIRED THOUSANDS OF FILES FROM U.S. NETWORKS AND FROM THE NETWORKS OF U.S. ALLIES AND INDUSTRY PARTNERS, INCLUDING WEAPONS BLUEPRINTS, OPERATIONAL PLANS, AND SURVEILLANCE DATA.
  • IN ORDER TO ADDRESS THE THREATS WITHIN THE CYBER DOMAIN, THE DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS IN ITSELF IS NOT THE ANSWER. AUTOMATED SOULTIONS COMBINED WITH A CYBER-SAVVY WORKFORCE WILL BE NECESSARY.
  • BECAUSE EVEN THOUGH IT IS A TECHNOLOGY DRIVEN ENVIRONMENT, TECHNICALLY ADEPT AND TRAINED PEOPLE ARE STILL OUR NUMBER ONE ASSET.
  • IT IS GOOD TO BE A “TECHNOLOGIST.”   WHETHER MILITARY, CIVILIAN GOVERNMENT, OR PRIVATE INDUSTRY, SUCCESS FOR ALL OF US IN CYBERSPACE WILL REQUIRE EVERYONE TO BE A BIT “TECHSAVVY.”
  • CYBER IS A TEAM SPORT.
  • I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU ALL TO CONSIDER JOINING THE TEAM. THE NATION CAN NOT BE SUCCESSFUL IN CYBERSPACE WITHOUT A TECHNICALLY ADEPT, TRAINED, AND HIGHLY MOTIVATED WORKFORCE…PEOPLE LIKE MANY OF YOU WHO ARE HERE TODAY. 
Thank you Admiral Metts and Lieutenant Commander Herlong for sharing the Keynote address so it could be highlighted here.   You can read the magazine free in its entirety HERE.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

RADM Ned Deets' Presentation on Importance of Cyber in IAMD

On 14 July 2011, Rear Admiral Edward H. Deets III, Commander, Naval Network Warfare Command gave a 45 minute presentation to industry on the Roles and Importance of Cyberwar in Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Command & Control at the 2nd Annual IAMD Symposium 2011.  The briefing was classified and is available from his EA, Mr. Tim Bovill.  Interested parties know how to reach him.  This was an excellent forum to expand the understanding of the contributions of cyber and cryptology to countering air and missile threats.  This symposium was sponsored by the National Defense Industrial Association.  You can check out their other important events HERE.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Mr. Jerome Rapin - N2N6F3 - Director, Cyber, Sensors and Electronic Warfare (EW) on the OPNAV N2/N6 Information Dominance Staff

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Rapin is a member of the Senior Intelligence Executive Service.  He entered Civil Service in March 2001 following a 31½-year enlisted and officer career in the U.S. Navy and a brief period as a consultant in the private sector.  He has represented the Navy Service Cryptologic Element, Commander, at executive level operational, policy and resource forums as the Director of the Navy Cryptologic Office at the National Security Agency.

Mr. Rapin enlisted in 1968 as a Cryptologic Technician (Technical) “CTT” serving as an Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) operator and analyst at various shore and afloat assignments including submarine direct support operations with U.S. Forces, Republic of Vietnam.  Participating in the Naval Enlisted Scientific Education Program (NESEP), he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry at the University of Utah and was commissioned an Ensign in August 1975.

As a junior officer he served as Combat Information Center and Electronic Warfare Officer in USS VALDEZ (FF1096), Cryptologic Division Officer and Operations Department Head in USS SOUTH CAROLINA (CGN37), qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer, completed the postgraduate intelligence curriculum at the Defense Intelligence College, and attended Russian language training at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California.

He served on various shore staff and operational assignments including Fleet Cryptologic Support Officer at CINCUSNAVEUR and as Operations Officer, U.S. Naval Security Group Activity Edzell, Scotland

As a senior officer he served as Fleet Cryptologist with COMSEVENTHFLT, where he was dual-hatted as the senior cryptologic officer assigned to COMUSNAVCENT for the entirety of operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.  His Washington DC area experience includes tours as a National Security Agency "Director's Fellow" and Legislative Affairs Officer and as Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence for Plans Programs and Policy (OPNAV N-20).  He attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and was awarded a Master of Science (cum laude) in National Resource Allocation.  Mr. Rapin retired from active Naval service as a Captain in 1999 following three years in command of the Kunia Regional Security Operations Center (KRSOC) and Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) Kunia.

In December 2009, he assumed duties as the Deputy Director of Cyber, Sensors and Electronic Warfare on the OPNAV N2/N6 Information Dominance Staff.  In July 2011, he became the Director N2/N6F3. 

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Future Navy Submariner is Already a Rockstar in Her Own Right

Peggy S. LeGrand (cyclist) stands on podium - SPOT #1
Much will be said and written about the women who will soon join the Navy's submarine force.  Some of these women will let their actions do all the talking.  One of these action oriented young women is Ensign Peggy S. LeGrand.  She doesn't need a male protector, special attention, waivers or favors to succeed.  This young woman is a nuclear rockstar in her own right.  A June 2010 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, she has been working tirelessly on a number of activities.  She's made the time to continue her semi-professional career as a world class cyclist.  She's also an incredibly talented academic.  She completed her Master's Thesis (ELECTROCHEMICAL STUDIES OF PASSIVE FILM FORMATION AND CORROSION OF FRICTION STIR PROCESSED NICKEL ALUMINUM BRONZE) for an M.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering in June 2011 at the Naval Postgraduate School - Monterey, California.  This young woman has "over-achiever" written all over her.  You know what favor she really needs from the Nay Sayers?  She needs for them to get the hell out of the way.  She has work to do.  Try to keep up.  It won't be easy.  She's already started the breakaway and you just woke up from your nap.

Cryptologic REVIVAL !! Revised Fleet Cyber Command (FCC) Mission Statement


To serve as central operational authority for networks, cryptologic and signals intelligence (SIGINT), information operations (IO), cyber, electronic warfare (EW) and space capabilities in support of forces afloat and ashore; to direct Navy cyberspace operations globally to deter and defeat aggression and to ensure freedom of action to achieve military objectives in and through cyberspace; to organize and direct Navy cryptologic operations worldwide and support IO and space planning and operations, as directed; to execute cyber missions as directed; to direct, operate, maintain, secure and defend the Navy's portion of the Global Information Grid; to deliver integrated cyber, IO, cryptologic and space capabilities; to deliver global Navy cyber common operational picture; to develop, coordinate, assess and prioritize Navy cyber, cryptologic and SIGINT, space, IO and EW requirements; to assess Navy cyber readiness; to manage man, train and equip (MTE) functions associated with Navy component commander and Service cryptologic commander responsibilities; and exercise administrative and operational control of assigned forces.

From 
OPNAVNOTE 5400
Ser DNS-33/11U228501
24 May 2011


Monday, July 25, 2011

Cryptologist Awarded 2nd Bronze Star for VALOR UNDER FIRE - 25 July 1969 - 42 years ago today

BRONZE STAR WITH COMBAT «V» and NAVY COMBAT ACTION MEDAL

In a brief ceremony at the Headquarters Naval Security Group Command on 25 July 1969, the following citation was read to all assembled:

"The President of the United States of America hereby bestows to LCDR James S. McFarland, United States Navy, the Bronze Star with "V" Distinguishing Device (second award) and the Navy Combat Action Medal.

The citation reads as follows:
"On 13 April, 1969, Lieutenant Commander McFarland was assigned as liaison officer to the Fifth Special Forces Unit, THUONG DUC SFC, Vietnam. At approximately 1100 hours on the morning of the 13th, the camp was taken under intensive and extremely accurate mortar and rocket attack. Heavy casualties were inflicted on friendly forces within the first few minutes of the attack and within ten minutes seventy per cent casualties were suffered.  
As the attack intensified, the enemy began preparations for a frontal assault of battalion size. The battle raged for over six hours with all perimeters subjected to heavy attack, including hand-to-hand fighting. During this action, LCDR McFARLAND distinguished himself by repeatedly rallying Vietnamese soldiers and directing effective zones of fire. Several times he left the relative safety of his perimeter bunker to assist in repulsing enemy infiltrators. On one such occasion he killed three enemy about to satchel charge the camp command bunker with automatic weapon fire and successfully turned back additional attackers with grenades.
LCDR McFarland's VALOR UNDER FIRE is hereby awarded by presentation of the Bronze Star with "V" (second award) and the Navy Combat Action Medal."

Certified this 25th day of July 1969
William B. Clarey
Admiral
United States Navy


**NOTE** This year, the RADM James S. McFarland NJROTC Scholarship was awarded to Cadet LCDR Brandi Blakley.  She will attend Indiana University - Purdue University of Indianapolis.  Lieutenant Commander Frank Starr (retired 1610) was her Senior Naval Science Instructor at Bloomfield High School in Bloomfield, Indiana.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Leadership of Cyber Warriors: Enduring Principles and New Directions

The core principles of leadership remain the same, but the cyber warfare leader must adapt to the needs of the inherently different missions, personnel, weapons, and environment of cyber war. Leaders must be adept lifetime learners who maintain currency with advancing technology, threats, policy, and tactics, and inspire the same in their subordinates. The leader must create an environment which facilitates innovation and initiative by allowing creativity, underwriting honest mistakes, providing goal-oriented objectives, and boundaries upon proper behavior. Cyber warriors have immense potential, but it is up to the qualified and prepared cyber leader to unleash this potential, and effectively execute cyber warfare missions on behalf of our Nation.

Gregory Conti and David Raymond
Leadership of Cyber Warriors: Enduring Principles and New Directions
11 July 2011
SMALL WARS JOURNAL

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Skipper in the spotlight - Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command (NCDOC)

Captain Alan Kukulies relieved Captain Stephanie Keck as Commanding Officer of Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command (NCDOC) on Friday, 22 July 2011.

Captain Alan Kukulies
United States Navy

After graduating from Purdue University in 1984, Alan Kukulies enlisted in the Navy to become a Cryptologic Technician Interpretive (Russian). He completed “A” school training at the Defense Language Institute and Goodfellow AFB and served a tour of duty at Naval Field Station, Sinop, Turkey.

In 1988 he was commissioned as a Cryptology Officer after completing Officer Candidate School in Newport Rhode Island. Since then, he has served in operational tours as Air Direct Support (DIRSUP) Officer in Rota, Spain; Officer-in-Charge at NSGD Brunswick, Maine; DIRSUP and Communications Officer as NSGA Northwest. Additionally, he has held staff assignments at Fleet Cryptologist for Commander, Second Fleet and as the Operations and Requirements Officer for Commander Atlantic Fleet/Fleet Forces Command.

Between 2003-2005, he was the Commanding Officer of NSGA Bahrain directly supporting Commander Fifth Fleet. Most recently, he served as the Operations Officer and Deputy Office Chief of the Remote Operations Center for Tailored Access Operations at the National Security Agency.

Captain Kukulies is a graduate of the National War College, where he earned a Masters Degree in National Security and Strategy.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Newest Qualified Information Dominance Warfare Officer Joins the Fleet

Congratulations Vice Admiral Kendall L. Card !!
Rear Admiral Titley pins on VADM Card's IDWO pin.

Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Dominance/

Director of Naval Intelligence 

 

Qualified as an IDWO today.

Captain Alan Kukulies assumes command of Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command

Vice Admiral Barry McCullough presides over NCDOC change of command
Vice Admiral Barry McCullough, Commander of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command and U.S. 10th Fleet, delivers remarks during a change of command ceremony for Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia.  Captain Alan F. Kukulies relieved Captain Stephanie T. Keck as Commanding Officer, Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command at a ceremony on Friday, 22 July 2011.

Change of command - USS CONSTITUTION


Fair winds Commander Cooper.
Congratulations Commander Bonner.  God speed.


Thursday, July 21, 2011

Principle of Reciprocity

Given that every human culture (even the officer corps of the USN) follows a rule of reciprocity, we can think of it as a powerful universal law. It’s very simple: “If you give something to me, I am obligated to give something in return.”

In addition, “You are given a moment of power after someone has thanked you. .  .” Take care to use the moment productively. For example, don’t say, “It was nothing, no problem at all.” Use the influence you’ve just won by saying “I was glad to help. It’s what Shipmates do for one another. I’m sure you would do the same for me.”

The idea is uncomplicated:  Get inspired - be inspiring; get a message - send a message; get a call - make a call; get a letter - write a letter; get an e-mail - send an e-mail; receive a favor - give a favor.  And so on.  Keep the cycle going.

This principle explains why successful Navy professionals are so committed to networking. In networking, we share information, leads, and even leadership secrets—relying completely on the principle of reciprocity. Without reciprocity, networking is useless.

Want to learn more?  Hell yes, you do.  Go HERE.

15th Navy Commanding Officer Fired !

Commander Jason Strength, CO, Navy Recruiting District Nashville was fired on 19 July.  The former CO was “found to have acted in an unprofessional manner” both while on liberty around subordinates as well as in uniform at official Navy events in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in June, according to a statement from Navy Recruiting Command.  The Navy has not disclosed the details of the events that lead to Strength’s firing, but Navy Recruiting Command spokesman Commander Alvin Plexico said there was an investigation, and that Rear Admiral Robin Graf, commander of Navy Recruiting Command, relieved Strength for a "loss of confidence in his ability to command."
Rear Admiral Robin Graf's sister, Captain Holly A. Graf, was relieved of command of USS COWPENS for "loss of confidence in her ability to command." On 13 January 2010, Graf was relieved of command of USS Cowpens by Rear Admiral Kevin Donegan, commander of Carrier Strike Group FIVE, as non-judicial punishment stemming from an admiral's mast. The punishment followed an investigation which verified allegations of cruelty and maltreatment of her crew, and conduct unbecoming an officer. Graf was found to have violated Articles 93 and 133 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice during her tenure as skipper of COWPENS.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

News from the Fleet

20 July 2011
At sea

CAPT

I wanted to take a moment and send you a quick update on a recent development here on staff that also impacts the IDC.

Recently SEVENTH Fleet (staff) developed our own Enlisted Information Dominance Warfare Specialist (EIDWS) program. Since this staff has at least one Sailor from each rate that makes up the enlisted component of the IDC it seemed to make sense that the program be opened up to make room Sailors assigned here.

Once we gained approval to attempt this process, we (beginning in AUG 2010) developed and coordinated with the other numbered fleets to draft a "Numbered Fleet Platform Specific" PQS. Followed by the drafting of the required "Unit Specific" PQS for Sailors assigned to this staff.

After almost eleven months of work, we were certified in June 2011 by a CYBERFOR representative and then the subsequent boarding/qualification of our initial set of SMEs. I was lucky enough to be among those in that first group.

SEVENTH Fleet is now the first afloat command to have this program. From now on Sailors, in the IDC reporting for duty to SEVENTH Fleet staff, will have the opportunity to qualify as both ESWS and EIDWS.

I wanted to send you a photo, but haven't had luck yet getting the pictures from the pinning ceremony from the PAO (they are busy during the current exercise). I can tell you that a certain 'young man' you may know, CDR Boz Offord, did the honors and placed the Navy's newest warfare pin on my uniform.

Best Regards and Very Respectfully,

CTRC(SW/SG/IDW) Dennis W. Hunt
Assistant Cryptologic Resource Coordinator
Commander SEVENTH Fleet

Be the change you want to see in the Navy !!

Even in our great Navy, bureaucracy is like the icy surface that glazes over a frigid ocean. Even the smallest of  cracks in the ice can provide enough space for a ship to pass - certainly enough room for a Staff Action Officer to get through. When you sit still, you risk getting stuck. But if you gradually break up the ice as you go, you can keep moving forward. Rather than surrender to bureaucracy, take it upon yourself to break it.

In subzero waters, icebreaker ships rely on a specially designed steel hull to plow forward. In the climate-controlled spaces of our staff offices, we can rely on a different weapon: The persistent question.  Ask it!

Try breaking up the ice with questions like:
  • "Why does it feel like we are having the same meeting and discussion, over and over again?"
  • "Why don't we just try it and see what happens?"
  • "Specifically what (or who) is getting in the way of us making a decision?"
  • "When exactly will we have a final answer on this?"
You don't have to be the Admiral to ask these questions. On the contrary, they are best asked by the staff action officers tasked with operations and execution.
 
Rather than surrender to bureaucracy, take it upon yourself to break it.
 
Breaking up the ice is a painful responsibility, but the Sailor who does it is the person who enables the ship to pass, the action officer who moves the entire project forward.

For the sake of empowering the Navy to make great ideas happen, I make this plea:
  • Be the person who asks the annoying questions.
  • Don't try to get everyone to agree. Instead, put people on the spot to share their objections.
  • When there is ambiguity about the next step, call it out!  Your boss will be glad you did.  Your peers will admire you.  Your wife will beam in your presence.  Your dog will get you the paper.  Life will be good.

STOLEN IN ITS ENTIRETY FROM 
THE GREAT PEOPLE AT BEHANCE
(Scott Belsky, in particular).

You can find them HERE.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Add Number 14 to the Books - Another Navy Commanding Officer fired

VAQ-141's (Shadowhawks) Commanding Officer, Commander Karl Pugh was fired for an 'alcohol related incident' in Manama, Bahrain.  Captain Jeff Davis, Commander Carrier Air Wing 8, fired Pugh after NJP on 19 July 2011.  The incident occurred on 12 July.
Commander Pugh is the 14th Commanding Officer fired this year.  Carrier Air Wing 8 is embarked in the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS GEORGE H W BUSH (CVN-77). Pugh will return to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island for reassignment.

Commander Pugh's Executive Officer, Commander Michael Miller has assumed command of VAQ-141.  He was not involved in the 'alcohol related incident'.  No word on who was Commander Pugh's wingman on 12 July 2011.


The Value of Sharing Information

Decisions about when to release information externally or internally depend, in large part, on the situation. However, commands should understand that there can be negative consequences of holding onto information. Here are some reasons why to release information as early as possible:
  •  The U.S. public, Congress and the media are entitled to “truthful, timely and accurate” information about the military, per the DoD Principles of Information.
  • Early release of information sets the pace and tone for resolution of a problem.
  • If you wait, the story will often leak anyway. When it does, you jeopardize trust and credibility – yours, the command’s and the Navy’s.
  • You can better control the accuracy of the information if you are the first to present it. If the story gets out incorrectly, it will remain incorrect.
  • There is more likely to be time for meaningful public involvement in decision-making if the information is released promptly.
  • Prompt release of information, including visual information, about one situation may prevent similar situations elsewhere.
  • Less work is required to release information early than to respond to inquiries, attacks, misinformation, etc., which might result from a delayed response.
  • If you wait, people may feel angry and resentful about not learning of the information earlier.
  • People are more likely to overestimate the risk if you hold onto information.

Information Warfare Officer Flag Meeting

 

In response to numerous queries about the Information Warfare Officer Flag meeting earlier this month, Tim Bovill, RADM Edward H. Deets' Executive Assistant has prepared the minutes for this meeting.  RADM Deets was the sponsor of the Flag Meeting, as the Information Warfare Officer community and cryptologic community leader until his retirement on 5 August.  Tim Bovill is the POC for queries about the minutes of this meeting. 

The meeting was held at Fleet Cyber Command/TENTH Fleet.  All IWO Flags (except RDML Tighe) and Senior Executive Service civilian IW/CT leaders were in attendance.  VADM Kendall Card, the new DCNO for Information Dominance/Director of Naval Intelligence was also in attendance for the morning session.  Topics of discussion included: cross-detailing, the IWO slating process, the four topics from RADM Deets' April communique to the community, future community leadership and a myriad of other subjects important to the future of the community.   

EVERYONE is reminded that if they have questions, they can contact their IW leadership directly for official information regarding the Information Warfare/cryptologic communities.  You are encouraged to do so.