A 2008 Old Bridge High School graduate helps protect America by delivering information warfare capabilities to the U.S. Navy as a member of Cryptologic Warfare Group Six (CWG-6).
U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Tim Grapentine is a cryptologic technician collection. As an intelligence analyst, the Old Bridge native plays a crucial role in defending against threats in support of the command’s mission to deliver Information Warfare capabilities, such as signals intelligence and cyberspace operations, to the Navy fleet and joint forces, according to information provided by the U.S. Navy.
Signals intelligence helps inform operational commanders and forward deployed operational units in real time about the actions of adversaries and feeds directly into the Navy’s understanding of cyber actors and their potential actions, according to officials.
“Given today’s environment of continuous growth in the information and technology realms, our information warfare missions have never been more important. I’m extremely proud of the sailors and extended team who make our mission possible every day,” CWG-6 Commander Capt. Joe J. Johnson said in the statement.
Members of the Information Warfare Community like Grapentine support the Navy’s ability to maintain power projection, sea control and maritime superiority, officials said.
“My brother Tom is a limited duty officer in the Navy,” Grapentine said of his inspiration to join the military. “He led me to join because he knew I wanted to be a part of, and would excel at, the cryptologic technician field.”
The two brothers served together aboard the USS Roosevelt together, as well as at Fleet Cyber Command.
Grapentine said in the statement that he is proud to serve at the forefront of technology innovation and cyber operations, helping to protect America from threats around the world.
“The intel community is very rewarding,” Grapentine said. “I love the Navy and what it can do for someone’s life. If you want to further yourself, it’s a great avenue to take. I separated from the Navy once and joined the Reserves, but I missed it. I always knew my next step in the Navy and what the mission was. There is a focus and drive behind everything.”