I sincerely hope the IWRON initiative addresses the ongoing cryptologic afloat issues, because what I recently heard is deeply concerning. I had a very serious 90-minute conversation with an 1810 currently serving on a DDG, and the situation described was unacceptable. While I won’t go into full detail, this officer—and the entire division—has been marginalized by the ship’s leadership. Even more troubling, there are eight other officers across the waterfront experiencing the same treatment, and all eight are planning to separate at their first opportunity.
This is a systemic problem that cannot be ignored. VADM Mike Vernazza needs to sit down directly with these junior officers, confront the issue head-on, and fix it—immediately. If that’s not possible, then leadership needs to make a hard decision: stop the bleeding and pull 1800s and CTRs off these ships altogether.
BT
From Navy Information Forces:
Day 2 of the NAVIFOR Commanders’ Summit is complete!
The energy and focus continue today as our Information Warfare leaders are diving deeper into the key topics that will define our future success: technology and talent.
Breakout sessions are in full swing, with commanders and subject matter experts discussing how we can best integrate cutting-edge tools like Artificial Intelligence and, most importantly, how we recruit, train, and retain the brilliant sailors who operate them.
It’s all about making sure our people have the advantage. We’re proud of the collaborative work being done here to build a more lethal and ready Navy!
Station HYPO 
31 March 2026 at 18:35
It is always interesting that the crypto guys get brushed aside and not respected.
Being a CT5 1961 – 1967 Kamiseya, Japan there was always scuttle butt about how we were special and looked down upon We busted our rear ends to do the best we could to defend our Navy on the seas in the Pacific area +++ Europe +++ and rarely get an attaboy
It was the best time of my life and would do it over again even though I am 86 year old
God bless the US Navy CT group
Tom Luyster
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31 March 2026 at 18:52
Pulling 1810s and CTs off ships would be detrimental to afloat cryptology. IWOs and CT Chiefs afloat WHO BECOME AN ACTIVE PART OF THE SHIP can build massive respect and trust in SSES, the EW Mod, and the IWC as a whole. Unfortunately, to many want to hide behind the SSES door and not be active in the wardroom or mess. It crushes our community. Instead of shying away from afloat cryptology being pcs afloat we need to embrace it. Become part of the ship and part of the crew. Stand watch in Combat, learn to fight the ship, and be an active voice in tactics, planning, and daily briefs.
Removing IWOs and CTs from ships just gives the perception of our community thinking we’re special and grows the divide between us and the other communities. Missions will become more difficult to accomplish and our intel/I&W less trusted.
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31 March 2026 at 19:42
agree with anon above at 1852. It’s on the sses leadership to get out and make it known what they can bring to the fight and how they contribute to the running of the ship. When I was a CRC I heard this a lot … in most cases the sses leadership was self-marginalizing and needed some guidance on how to ingrate. LT, CTRC, and CTR1 standing tactical watches go a long way in this regard
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31 March 2026 at 20:25
A marginalized attitude toward CT’S wasn’t only afloat, 1976-79 site Seminole., Homestead. I returned from Gelata Island Canal Zone 30 day TAD back to Homestead, next day was a pick and choose who of us received awards for the deployment. 3 marines, 3 sailors went, guess who didn’t receive an award. Needless to say our leadership was lacking. Never got any better, 4 months later I rotated into a civilian, can you believe they wanted me back in? Maybe it was cause I was a good R brancher. No thanks.
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