SUFFOLK, Va. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian Arnett, a native of Powell, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command (NCDOC).

Arnett graduated from Licking Heights High School in 2019. Additionally, Arnett earned a bachelor’s degree in cyber security in 2024 from Western Governors University.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Powell.

“Before I joined the Navy, I had several jobs that taught me the importance of a strong work ethic,” said Arnett. “In the Navy, it is important to show up and do the job you are being paid to do and excel at that. This is especially important when competing against others in the Navy for advancement. Having a strong work ethic shows you deserve the next pay grade.”

Arnett joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Arnett serves as a cyber warfare technician.

“A lot of factors inspired me to join the Navy,” said Arnett. “However, the primary contributing factor was my step-father being in the Marines and him mentoring me on his time in service.”

NCDOC is responsible for protecting the Navy’s networks and data from cyberattacks. The command executes defensive cyberspace operations and enables global power projection through proactive network defense.

Navy information warfare (IW) plays a role in every Navy mission, every day, around the globe. NAVIFOR’s mission is to ensure the more than 60,000 IW sailors and civilians in the fleet – experts in cyberspace, communications, intelligence, meteorology, oceanography, cryptology, electronic warfare and space – are trained, equipped, certified and ready to meet the Navy’s warfighting missions.

“Information Warfare extends from seabed to space, and is critical to our Navy’s success in competition, crisis and conflict,” said Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza, the Navy’s IBoss and commander of NAVIFOR. “The more than 60,000 IW professionals across the globe are our asymmetric advantage – their expertise, professionalism, imagination and creativity are key to our Navy overcoming any adversary at pace and at scale.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Arnett serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Arnett has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“Receiving a plaque from a previous customer thanking me for the work I did on their network is probably my proudest accomplishment,” said Arnett. “It is something the customer didn’t have to do but did out of appreciation for the work we did on their network so that was very meaningful to me.”

Arnett can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me,” said Arnett. “It means protecting my family from threats that may impact their day-to-day lives and the freedom they have. It also means serving the country that has allowed me to purchase a home, graduate and get married.”

Arnett is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank a few individuals for helping me get to where I am now,” added Arnett. “Firstly, my previous commanding officer, Capt. Podrazik, for his leadership and inspiring me to commision as an officer. Additionally, I would like to thank Chief Carpenter and Chief Reinert for their mentorship during my naval career. Most importantly, I want to thank my wife, Rachel, for inspiring me to become the best version of myself.”

Submitted by the U.S. Navy Office of Community Outreach.