FORT MEADE, Maryland – Lt. J.G. Lauren Castillo, a native of Tulsa, protects America from cyber threats as a member of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command.

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.

Castillo uses skills and values similar to those learned in Tulsa.

“The life lessons I have carried over to my career are respect, discipline and integrity,” said Castillo. “My parents were Marines and they instilled in me those values. You need to respect others around you to earn their respect. You cannot function in life without structure. Integrity makes you trustworthy because people will be confident you will do the right thing.”

Castillo 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 Castillo is so important.

Serving in the Navy means Castillo 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 protect cyberspace, gather information and conduct analysis of data of vital importance to national security,” said Castillo.

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.

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

“What I am most proud of is graduating from the Naval Academy,” said Castillo. “I am the first one in my family to accomplish such an honor.”

As Castillo 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 military is a great opportunity and a real honor,” added Castillo. “Being a female in the military and an officer makes me an advocate for others showing with my example never to limit themselves.”