Navy Commits to Improving Cyber Mission Force Readiness

The U.S. Navy has expressed its commitment to improving the readiness of the Fleet Cyber Command to meet the U.S. Cyber Command requirements. 

Craig Clapperton, commander of Fleet Cyber Command, 10th Fleet at the Navy Space Command, said in an interview with DefenseScoop that the service has been working with USCYBERCOM to coordinate training to make it more accessible and has also created cyber-specific roles for enlisted and ranked officials.

Congress has been raising concerns over the preparedness of the Cyber Mission Force, claiming that the Navy’s forces were significantly inadequate, DefenseScoop reported.

To ensure improved contributions, Elizabeth Nashold, deputy commander of Naval Information Forces, said at the recent WEST conference that the service branch is focused on addressing shortcomings in terms of manpower, training and equipment.

The Cyber National Mission Forces is a joint cyber force responsible for defending the United States in cyberspace against a full spectrum of threats. It is capable of deterring, disrupting and defeating adversaries’ attacks. In July 2023, the U.S. Coast Guard sought the DOD’s approval to recognize the service’s cyber unit as part of the Cyber Mission Force in hopes of supporting the Department of Homeland Security and other partners.