Cyber Forces, NETWARCOM Get New Commanders

From Navy Cyber Forces and Naval Network Warfare Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Navy Cyber Forces and Naval Network Warfare Command (NETWARCOM) held a change of command during a ceremony May 14, aboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Virginia Beach, Va.

Rear Adm. Thomas P. Meek relieved Vice Adm. H. Denby Starling II, as commander, Navy Cyber Forces; and Rear Adm. Edward H. Deets, III assumed Starling's role of commander, NETWARCOM. The ceremony also honored Starling for 36 years of distinguished service to the U.S. Navy.

"Admiral Starling possesses everything you want in a leader and that is (his) greatest strength," said guest speaker, U.S. Fleet Forces Commander, Adm. John C. Harvey Jr. "We see in Admiral Starling leadership in the purest sense of the word."

A native of Virginia Beach, Starling was commissioned through the University of Virginia NROTC program in 1974, and was an aviator, commanding VA-145 before commanding USS Shreveport (LPD-12) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69). He also commanded Carrier Group 8 as George Washington Carrier Strike Group. Prior to taking over NETWARCOM, Starling served as the 26th commander of Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet in Norfolk.

He assumed command of NETWARCOM on June 15, 2007, and was named commander of Navy Cyber Forces upon its establishment on Jan. 26, 2010.

"I leave with just a little sorrow, but a great sense of satisfaction and optimism for the future operation of both of these organizations," Starling said. "Admiral Meek and Admiral Deets are perfectly suited and perfectly prepared to take over these commands."

Commissioned through Aviation Officer Candidate School in 1982, Meek has risen through the ranks of the intelligence community, most recently serving as director of the National Maritime Intelligence Center (NMIC).

Meek is a graduate of the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, the Naval War College and Joint Forces Staff College.

"I'm mindful that this changing of the guard today is a signature step for the United States Navy," Meek said. "With my friend and colleague Rear Adm. Ned Deets assuming command of NETWARCOM, and with this intelligence officer taking command of Navy Cyber Forces, the Navy further asserts the significance of the information disciplines to Naval operations. It is indeed an exciting time to be serving at Navy Cyber Forces."

Deets, a native of Charlottesville, Va., was commissioned through NROTC at Duke University in 1979 and has served the Navy in the intelligence community both afloat and ashore since then. He also graduated with honors from the National War College at Fort McNair in Washington.

In three years as vice commander at NETWARCOM, Deets has seen the rising threat of cyber warfare.

"You maintain a vigilant watch in the newest warfighting domain targeting against those who are intent on denying the very way of life which we hold so dear," Deets said. "We now have the opportunity to write a new chapter. We must be able to fight and win in the digital domain, ensuring our unfettered ability to maneuver in the new cyber sea lanes of the world."

Deets was the commanding officer of the Center for Cryptology Corry Station, Pensacola, Fla., before assuming his most recent position as vice commander, NETWARCOM. He reminded NETWARCOM of its pivotal point in the Navy's mission, today and in the future. "Remember today is only today for us. Shortly, it will be history for those who will stand in your ranks tomorrow," Deets said. "Write this important chapter so that admirals who follow us will tell young Sailors of your heroic deeds. Go make history, and thank you for the opportunity for me to help take you there."