FORT MEADE, Md. (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert visited U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet (FCC/C10F) headquarters at Fort Meade, Dec. 17.
Greenert received an update on FCC/C10F operations and plans, met with Sailors and civilian staff, held an all-hands call, and presented the Navy Unit Commendation award to the command.
"The bar is set very high for this award," Greenert said. "It shows the command's mettle. You educated the entire Department of Defense about how to respond to an incident and how to in turn, drive positive change."
Vice Adm. Jan E. Tighe, commander, FCC/C10F, received the award on behalf of the crew for their actions during Operation Rolling Tide.
Operation Rolling Tide was the Navy's first named operation launched specifically to counter cyber activity directed against Navy networks and command and control capabilities.
The operation took place from Aug. 9, 2013 to Feb. 23, 2014 and is the most sophisticated network maneuver in U.S. Navy history, according to the award citation.
"I want to personally thank all those who spent countless hours both maneuvering and hardening our networks at cyber speed against a very persistent adversary," said Tighe.
The Navy Unit Commendation was established Dec. 18, 1944 to award any ship, aircraft, detachment or other unit of the United States Navy or Marine Corps that distinguished itself in action against the enemy with outstanding heroism as seen fit by the secretary of the Navy.
During the all-hands call, CNO answered questions ranging from training for the Navy's newest Sailors to retirement benefits, as well as the importance of growing the cyber workforce.
Asked about the future of the cyber warfighting and full spectrum cyber capabilities, Greenert said, "Anything that projects electromagnetic energy will become extensions of cyber capabilities."
The CNO's presentation of the Navy Unit Commendation and outlook on cyber warfare speaks to the value the FCC/C10F team brings to Navy and joint commanders, which, looking ahead, will be measured based on its ability to:
- Operate the Navy Network as a warfighting platform;
- Provide tailored signals intelligence (SIGINT) to supported commanders and the National Security Agency/Central Security Service;
- Deliver warfighting effects;
- Create and share cyber situational awareness; and
- Provide certified Cyber Mission Forces to U.S. Cyber Command.
CNO ended the all-hands call wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday.
"We've not had a great safety year — too many automobile accidents; so, please take your time and, as always, look out for each other," said Greenert.
For more news from Commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/FCCC10F/.