For Cmdr. Deanna Markey, an info skilled officer at Naval Particular Warfare Command, her curiosity in service started after the tragic occasions of Sept. 11 when she enlisted as an intelligence specialist. Following within the footsteps of her veteran grandfather and uncle, she knew the Navy was the correct alternative for her. After her first enlisted project, she knew she was contributing to the mission by doing her job effectively however felt constraints at as an enlisted Sailor which led to her looking for a fee.
“Changing into an officer was at all times the plan, as a result of I knew I needed to make the biggest contribution I felt I might and go so far as doable,” stated Markey.
As we speak, Markey serves on NSWC’s employees inside the communications division, making certain seamless info circulation to particular operations groups who’re deployed ahead in assist of built-in deterrence.
“Info is the whole lot to the commanders,” stated Markey. “The one solution to make efficient choices is to grasp the battlefield from each the enemy and your allies. Info is how that’s doable.”
As a member of the knowledge warfare neighborhood, which incorporates communications, networks, intelligence, oceanography, meteorology, cryptology, digital warfare, our on-line world operations, and house specialists, Markey emphasised how crucial the knowledge atmosphere is to keep up and the challenges operators face within the info world.
“We take without any consideration simply how a lot info flows on a standard day,” stated Markey. “The largest problem we face is function with the least quantity of knowledge resulting from denied communications.”
Markey says she’s appreciative of the chance to serve inside the NSW neighborhood and the relationships she has constructed throughout her tour.
“Two mentors of mine got here to work at NSW and beneficial me to the [communications] division, and I’ll ceaselessly be grateful to them,” stated Markey. “I really like what I do, and I want everybody might say that about their profession.”
NSW is dedicated to rising the illustration of girls within the pressure so the neighborhood could be reflective of the nation it serves. A method NSWC works to attain this fairness is by using a pressure integration officer (FIO). Lt. Konnor Cutrer, the present FIO, is a floor warfare officer with an operational background serving aboard ships and as an amphibious warfare ways teacher, a troublesome qualification to attain. Because the NSWC FIO, Cutrer ensures the equitable integration of girls into NSW by main the Girls in Particular Operations teacher program. She supplies assist for instructors at NSW Evaluation Command, NSW Primary Coaching Command, and feminine candidates for SEAL and SWCC applications.
“Once I learn the place description for NSW FIO, I used to be instantly excited for the challenges I’d face whereas serving to to pave the best way for extra ladies to affix and thrive within the NSW neighborhood,” stated Cutrer.
Girls in particular operations have contributed honorably to the pressure’s mission because it’s inception.
Throughout World Battle II, Virginia Corridor served within the Workplace of Strategic Providers and supported the resistance in occupied France, which prompted the Gestapo to position a bounty on her. Later, she was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for her heroism and is now honored on the U.S. Particular Operations Command (USSOCOM) Commando Corridor of Honor.
Senior Chief Cryptologic Technician Shannon Kent paved the best way for higher inclusion of girls in Particular Operations Forces, as one of many first ladies to move the NSW Direct Help Course. Kent mastered alerts and human intelligence all through fight deployments and persuaded authorities and tribal leaders, together with retailers and troopers, to provide her info. Her intelligence work ultimately led to the loss of life and seize of a few of America’s most needed overseas adversaries. Sadly, Kent was killed in motion in Syria in 2019.
“As we speak, ladies serve proudly throughout all our SOF formations in numerous management roles and proceed to forge new paths whereas serving in our most elite organizations,” stated Gen. Bryan P. Fenton, commander, USSOCOM in a March letter to the particular operations pressure. “We’re simpler and extra deadly due to their service.”
Celebrating the contributions of girls inside the NSW neighborhood usually are not restricted to at least one month a 12 months. NSW continues to have a good time current milestones of girls locally. In July 2021, NSWC celebrated the primary lady to graduate an NSW coaching pipeline when a girl Particular Warfare Fight Craft-crewman accomplished Crewman Qualification Coaching with Class 115. In 2022, we celebrated Cmdr. Blythe Blakistone, who turned the primary lady to function a commanding officer of an NSW unit when she took command of Tactical Communications Command 1.
Since 1987, Individuals have celebrated Girls’s Historical past Month, an annual heritage month that highlights the contributions of girls to occasions in historical past and modern society. NSW joins the U.S. Navy and particular operations neighborhood in celebrating the service, achievements and contributions ladies have given to make the navy what it’s right this moment.
NSW is the nation’s elite maritime particular operations pressure, uniquely positioned to increase the Fleet’s attain and acquire and preserve entry for the Joint Power in competitors and battle.
For extra information about Naval Particular Warfare, go to www.nsw.navy.mil.
