Direct Line

NCTS Sicily Commanding Officer Cdr. Robert Matthias

Buongiorno, Sigonella! As we head into the spring, it is a good time to recognize the growth and renewed energy surrounding us all. Just these past few weeks have been filled with Sailors’ advancements, academic inductions, COMREL events, spring sports, road racing, the Active Duty Fund Drive, the Chiefs’ birthday, and local leadership signing pledges to prevent Child Abuse and Sexual Assault. I am continually impressed by your spirit of enthusiasm, commitment, hard work, and creativity in making Sigonella a connected community. Know that any and every effort in taking care of our Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, civilians, and families contributes to both our shared values and important missions. My command, family, and I appreciate all you do to ensure success in others.

Today, Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Sicily stands as your local defenders for cyberspace operations and communications with subject matter expertise in networks, computer systems, satellite communications, cyber defense, information & knowledge management, and command and control. NCTS Sicily is expected to apply our expertise in support of maritime operations ranging from coordination with allies, to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, to defense of the Nation against terrorism, and to combat operations. Our personnel help translate the requirements of combat forces into capabilities that effectively employ command and control at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels of war, under all conditions. Our command is responsible for the maintenance, operation, and development of cuttingedge cyberspace systems, as well as global telecommunications and space systems that have been designed to operate under the most adverse conditions, from the deep ocean environment to outer space. NCTS Sicily is technically adept, as well as effective communicators, able to translate complex data and system issues into operationally relevant information for naval and joint commanders.

Our Information Warfare teams plan, acquire, integrate, operate, maintain, and secure networks, communications, and combat systems that support Navy missions, and ensure they are reliable, available, survivable and secure. We conduct defensive cyberspace operations by securing and protecting Navy information and systems from adversaries and ensuring continuity of operations and mission assurance. NCTS is essential to multi-lateral operations, driving interoperability with the other services in the Department of Defense, other government agencies, allies, and coalition partners. We optimize naval effectiveness through the introduction of cutting edge technologies, knowledge management techniques, and a culture of innovation with continuous improvement.

I encourage those interested to read our Secretary of the Navy’s March 19 Cyber Security Readiness Review. The review examined cybersecurity at the governance layer and identified five critical pillars key to cybersecurity readiness: culture, people, structure, processes, and resources. The SECNAV team interviewed dozens of senior military leaders as well as CEOs and leaders from Fortune 500 companies with deep experience in implementing successful cybersecurity measures following significant incidents of their own. They identified best practices in both government and private sector organizations who are demonstrating success in contending with cyber threats.

At every level, let’s engage in discussions for growth of cybersecurity awareness and readiness. Seek out Information Warfare qualified chiefs and Sailors to learn more about this exciting profession. Challenge us with your questions and concerns.

Finally, I’ll end with a quote from Gen. Robert Neller, commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps: “If you’re asking me if I think we’re at war, I think I’d say yes…We’re at war right now in cyberspace. We’ve been at war for maybe a decade. They’re pouring oil over the castle walls every day.”