by Aaron Weis - October 23, 2019
It is my pleasure to greet you as the Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy for Information Management and Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer. While the DON CIO position is one that you're familiar with, the Special Assistant role was created to ensure the highest level of visibility and support for the position.
January 23, 2019
Walk-in registration onsite at the West Coast DON IT Conference scheduled for Feb. 13-15 at the San Diego Convention Center will be available for three categories of attendees: 1) Non-TAD DON civilian and military attendees; 2) local and TAD government support contractors who provide a CAC or contact information of government sponsor; and 3) local and TAD non-DON government attendees.
The schedule, session ...
by Capt. Damen Hofheinz - July 13, 2018
It is my pleasure to be selected to serve as Director, Office of the CIO (OCIO). The DON CIO recently consolidated and reorganized. Certain functions not statutorily required to be done by the CIO were delegated to the Navy and Marine Corps. This is resulting in streamlined processes, workflow efficiency, and a leaner CIO organization. Mr. Thomas Modly, Under Secretary of the Navy, is also both the Chief Management ...
by Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Yarborough, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East - April 27, 2018
Rear Adm. Danelle Barrett, Navy Cyber Security Division Director, and senior leaders from the Office of the Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer (DON CIO) awarded eight recipients for their work, drive and innovation that advanced the Navy and Marine Corps Information Technology (IT) communities during the DON IT Conference at The Main Hilton, April 24.
by Dr. Kelly E. Fletcher - April 16, 2018
It has been a great honor to serve as the Acting Department of Navy Chief Information Officer for the past eight months. Effective with his March 16 memo, the Under Secretary of the Navy restructured parts of the Secretariat, including the DON CIO. I want to expand upon what this new organizational structure will achieve.
February 23, 2018
NAVSUP Business Systems Center hosted a booth at WEST 2018, which was held at the same time and location as the West Coast DON IT Conference. Interviewed at the booth by NAVSUP BSC Public Affairs Officer Vickie Hardy, Dr. Fletcher shared her insights into cybersecurity, risk management and the digital transformation. View excerpts from the interview.
by Dr. Kelly E. Fletcher - October 30, 2017
My first few months as Acting DON CIO have been busy, challenging, and rewarding. I am truly inspired by the excellent work occurring throughout the DON community, and I'd like to take this opportunity to highlight a few of the DON individuals and initiatives that are drawing accolades from DoD and the broader IT community.
August 23, 2017
I am very pleased to address you as Acting Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer. Though I am sad to see Rob Foster go, I’m excited by the things that are happening here in DON information technology and the contributions IT will make to Navy and Marine Corps capabilities. As Mr. Foster wrote in this space recently, DON CIO and the Service CIOs have been hard at work on improving cybersecurity and the DON's ...
by Robert Foster - July 20, 2017
There is no question that seapower is a central element of our nation’s physical security and economic well-being. The challenges to that security are great, complex, and growing at an exponential rate that cannot be countered with a Fleet the size we have or with the one that is now authorized. Yet, sheer numbers alone are not the answer. Our future Navy not only needs to be larger, but much more flexible and more ...
by Robert Foster - April 17, 2017
The need for innovation never diminishes – to harness technology; to do more with less in budget challenged environments; to challenge the status quo. The Department of the Navy continues to cultivate an environment that promotes, fosters, and rewards innovation.
by Robert Foster - October 31, 2016
With increasing frequency, we read about computer networks being hacked — in both the public and private sectors. You may have been affected by one of the latest incidents on your own home network, the attack that brought several popular websites, including Amazon, Twitter and Netflix, to a standstill for hours. Though it did not affect our DON network, it is a compelling reminder that cyber intrusions are increasing in ...
by Robert Foster - October 31, 2016
With increasing frequency, we read about computer networks being hacked — in both the public and private sectors. You may have been affected by one of the latest incidents on your own home network, the attack that brought several popular websites, including Amazon, Twitter and Netflix, to a standstill for hours. Though it did not affect our DON network, it is a compelling reminder that cyber intrusions are increasing in ...
September 14, 2016
On August 18, 2016 DoD CIO released a new strategy titled, "DoD IT Environment: Way Forward for Tomorrow's Strategic Landscape." ...
by Rob Foster - August 11, 2016
I want to update you on what the Department of the Navy is doing to protect sensitive personal data from compromise. As you know, personal data loss, which can lead to identity theft, is not always due to outsider threats. It can be the result of an insider’s malicious actions or simply an insider’s lack of proper handling of what we call “personally identifiable information” or PII. The Department has a track record ...
by Rob Foster - May 9, 2016
There are mobile applications for almost everything, and now there are apps that allow Department of the Navy active duty and civilian personnel in any location to access important information and required training on their personal smartphone or tablet. These apps will work on personal devices outside of the Navy Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) domain.
December 11, 2015
The Department of Defense's push to use innovative technology as a path to transforming government is continuing to gain traction and recognition in the federal technology community. More...
November 16, 2015
The Combined Federal Campaign's (CFC) mission is to promote and support philanthropy through an employee focused and effective program that provides federal employees with an opportunity to choose from many worthy charities that support those in need around the world. More...
by Rob Foster - October 29, 2015
While October was designated as National Cybersecurity Awareness month it is always an opportune time to address what the Department is doing to strengthen our security posture as well as reinforce the importance of practicing the utmost care whenever we use a government computer and access a government network. More...
by Rob Foster - July 30, 2015
I am very pleased and honored to address you as the Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer. Much of my first month has been spent meeting key stakeholders in order to understand their roles and gain an appreciation of their interests and concerns for the DON Information Technology Enterprise. More...
November 24, 2014
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert has issued his 2014 Position Report. The Position Report is used to assess the progress that's been made toward the vision and plans outlined in the CNO Sailing Directions and Navigation Plan: 2015-2019. The report also highlights both achievements, and areas which need improvement, and discusses the progress yet to be made while focusing on three tenets: Warfighting ...
by Dr. John Zangardi, Ph.D. - November 14, 2014
I am pleased to address you as Acting DON CIO after having been appointed to serve in that capacity on 24 Oct. Though the office has been aligned with the DUSN (M) organization, the DON CIO will continue to maintain a direct reporting relationship to the Secretary of the Navy on matters required by law, regulation, and policy. In addition to serving as Acting DON CIO, I will remain the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the ...
by Thomas Hicks - October 17, 2014
We are making progress in our efforts to transcend the organizational constructs, processes and technologies of the past. A recent example is the DON information management study, introduced in my last column. With Mr. Halvorsen's departure to become Acting DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO), I was appointed Acting DON CIO to oversee this study and make recommendations to the Secretary of the Navy on the future ...
by Thomas Hicks - July 11, 2014
In today's rapidly evolving environment, the information technology, management processes, and administrative functions of the Department of the Navy are becoming increasingly integrated. All major indicators portend that reliance upon data systems and access to information will be even more critical in the future than it is today. To ensure the DON is properly organized to thrive in this complex environment, we are in ...
by Barbara Hoffman - June 9, 2014
It has been a privilege to serve in leadership positions for the Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer, including as Director of both the E-business and Investment Management teams, Principal Deputy for two very talented DON CIOs, and now as the DON CIO (Acting). Our business IT environment has evolved dramatically over this timeframe, in technology advances as well as in operational and fiscal challenges.
by Terry Halvorsen - April 18, 2014
Is newer always better (or necessary)?
In today's world, where technology changes in the blink of an eye, and the race to be faster, more capable, bigger, etc., moves at lightning speed, we sometimes forget to ask ourselves that very simple question. The government IT world isn't immune to this phenomenon. Cutting edge technology may bring useful new capability, but cutting-edge costs money – usually lots of money. ...
January 10, 2014
The current budget realities faced by the Department of the Navy have created for us a "new normal." And though we still work diligently to find more ways to save money, we also must adjust to the new normal by asking, "Now what?" How do we get from a mindset of "cutting back to save money" to using the cutting edge of technology to transform our business processes?
July 12, 2013
Admiral David G. Farragut once said, referring to Marines aboard Navy vessels, that a ship without Marines is like a coat without buttons. A similar sentiment could be expressed regarding our Department of the Navy civilian workforce.
In today’s climate of austere budgets, sequestration and furloughs for our civilian workforce, we spend a lot of time talking about where and how we’re going to spend – and not spend – our ...
April 16, 2013
In the 1986 movie, "Heartbreak Ridge," Clint Eastwood plays the salty Marine Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Highway, an old-school Marine who realizes he must change some of his ways to succeed in a changing world.
His personal mantra — "improvise, adapt, overcome" — is also a teaching point he uses — relentlessly — with the Marines of his underperforming reconnaissance platoon. We, in the Department of the Navy, face a similar ...
January 29, 2013
Chances are you've seen the TV ad for a used-car company that begins with a potential buyer looking for “a car.” He is suddenly facing a sea of automobiles, which he narrows down by being more specific: "A red car. With good gas mileage. With four doors." And so on.
This is a good example of what we in the IT world call "transparency." Contrary to common misconceptions, data transparency does not mean access to all ...
October 24, 2012
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." Albert Einstein said these words two generations ago, and yet they ring even more true today. But, we must not stop there. While it is vital that we use current solutions, best practices and technologies to enable our immediate success, we must also maintain a steadfast eye on the horizon for future requirements, industry trends ...
August 8, 2012
The Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer deployed the next generation of its website today to better showcase content and provide improved access to the information relied on daily by members of the DON IT community.
July 27, 2012
We all save an overabundance of mementos from the past — whether it is a favorite blanket from grandma, a box full of baseball cards (unfortunately, not a Tug McGraw or Ted Williams rookie
card in the mix), or 20-year-old report cards. While it may be comforting to know that we can always find a particular item; in reality, is that box of baseball cards valuable enough to keep around? We, as a department, have long ...
June 5, 2012
At the most recent Department of the Navy Information Technology Conference in Virginia Beach, Va., Terry Halvorsen, DON Chief Information Officer, held a town hall to discuss his strategy for business IT transformation and the future of DON IT. Download the full transcript, which includes questions from the audience, here.
May 30, 2012
During the next five to 10 years, the Department of the Navy is facing significant budget constraints. To support vital warfighting capabilities that protect the safety of the nation, it is necessary to find efficiencies in other areas. As part of this effort, the DON Chief Information Office and its information technology partners, such as internal stakeholders and industry, will thoroughly review all operations from an ...
by Terry Halvorsen - May 17, 2012
As a department, we like to save our data and records -- to ensure we will have a historical record or to meet a regulatory requirement. And indeed, many of the Department's business processes require the legitimate use of sensitive information. However, there are cases in which personally identifiable information (PII) or protected health information (PHI) should not be used, maintained or collected.
by Terry Halvorsen - April 20, 2012
Two years ago, Adm. Mike Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called the national debt the greatest threat to national security. He also emphasized the importance of good fiscal stewardship and the need for Department of Defense leaders to work together to cut spending, which had doubled from 2000 to 2010.
February 14, 2012
The Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer discussed the Department's IT business transformation efforts to prepare for a fiscally constrained future with enterprise and joint solutions that are effective, efficient and agile during the DON Information Technology Conference in San Diego.
by Terry Halvorsen - January 17, 2012
Happy New Year! This year, the Department of the Navy will build on the efforts of 2011 as we continue on our difficult but necessary journey to transform the way the department manages its business information technology. Finding ways to become more effective in how we acquire and operate IT will lead to decreased costs and ensure we hit the target of reducing the IT budget by 25 percent by 2017.
by Jessica Pelenberg - November 18, 2011
As the quest for cost saving efficiencies rages on, three government officials spoke about the challenges their organizations are facing and their plans to tackle them at the Fifth Annual C5ISR Government and Industry Partnership Conference held Nov. 16, in Charleston, S.C.
by Terry Halvorsen - October 27, 2011
It has been a busy year for the Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer staff and the information technology efficiencies integrated product teams (IPT) as we analyze how the DON can improve the way business IT is purchased, managed and operated. This hard work will enhance the department's effectiveness, as well as result in real savings, as we grapple with shrinking budgets.
September 7, 2011
The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign with more than 200 CFC campaigns throughout the country and internationally, helping to raise millions of dollars each year.
by Terry Halvorsen - July 27, 2011
The Department of the Navy must change the way it manages its business information technology (IT) systems. It is the reality of these fiscally constrained times; and frankly, it is the right thing to do as good stewards of taxpayer money.
June 7, 2011
The Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer discussed the Department's work to become more effective and efficient in the information technology domain during the DON Information Technology Conference in Virginia Beach May 10-12.
by Terry Halvorsen - May 4, 2011
Why is the Department of the Navy aggressively pursuing information technology efficiencies? There are a number of contributing factors that led to the recent focus on efficiencies, but the primary catalyst is the realization by Department of Defense and DON leadership that from a fiscal perspective we cannot continue to do business the same old way, or it will adversely affect our ability to direct necessary resources ...
March 28, 2011
The Department of the Navy Information Enterprise Governance Board (IGB) was established March 1 to serve as the Department's single, senior information management, information technology/cybersecurity and information resources management (IRM) policy and governance forum. This executive board serves in both a decision-making and advisory capacity.
by Robert J. Carey - November 17, 2009
Our vision for KM/IM is to, "create, capture, share and reuse knowledge to enable effective and agile decision-making, increase the efficiency of task accomplishment, and improve mission effectiveness."
October 23, 2019
The Electromagnetic "Canary in the Coal Mine"?
Thomas Kidd
Newly Restructured DON CIO Provides Organizational Unity for IT and Cybersecurity
Sharon Anderson, CHIPS senior editor
A Collaborative Environment to Achieve Spec
October 9, 2019
Lieutenant General Loretta E. Reynolds is the Deputy Commandant for Information, Headquarters, U.S.
Marine Corps; and Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Strategic Command. She was commissioned in May
1986 upon graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and assigned as a Communications Officer.
October 2, 2019
Aaron Weis was named Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer effective September 29, 2019. As DON CIO, he is the Principal Staff Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy for information management, digital, data and cyber strategy. In this role, he is also responsible for reviewing the DON budget proposal for Information Technology (IT) and National Security System (NSS) expenditures and investments, and ...
October 1, 2019
Overall leadership responsibility is vested in the CIO, supported a Deputy CIO (Navy) and Deputy CIO (Marine Corps), in addition to a Chief Technology Officer, Chief Data Officer, Chief Digital Innovation Officer, and Chief Information Security Officer.
November 8, 2018
CAPT Damen Hofheinz is a native of San Antonio, Texas. He was commissioned through the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University in May 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology Electronics. He lateral transferred to the Information Professional Community in August 2005
His sea tours include electrical and ordnance officer on USS LAKE ERIE (CG 70); operations officer on MCM Rotational Crew Bravo; ...
November 8, 2018
A native of Erie, Pennsylvania, Vice Adm. Matthew Kohler graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1983 and was commissioned as a naval intelligence officer in 1984 through the Aviation Officer Candidate School. Kohler holds Master’s degrees in Computer Science from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and Military History from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
May 31, 2018
What is the DON CIO?
Federal Chief Information Officers were mandated by the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 and the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 to address information management, information technology, and information resources management (IM/IT/IRM) at the enterprise level.
May 2, 2018
Mr. Bible currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4) Department at Headquarters Marine Corps. In this capacity, he also serves as the Deputy Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Marine Corps, and formulates and provides broad policy guidance governing Information Technology, Cyber Security, and communications infrastructure and applications in support of the U. ...
January 11, 2017
Dr. Fletcher serves as the Principal Deputy Chief Information Officer for the Department of the Navy. In this role, she provides strategic guidance and direction to the DON CIO's functional teams of Cybersecurity, Information Technology Analysis & Internal Controls, Enterprise Infrastructure, Privacy & Information Sharing, and Strategic Spectrum Policy. Dr. Fletcher leads the development of policies, plans, ...
October 21, 2016
Vice Adm. Jan Tighe was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and raised in Plantation, Florida. Tighe is a 1984 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned as a cryptologist. She studied Russian at the Defense Language Institute. She graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, in 2001 with a doctorate in electrical engineering and a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics.
September 14, 2015
Brigadier General Crall assumed the duties of Director – Command, Control, Communications, Computers (C4), Headquarters Marine Corps / Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Marine Corps on July 21, 2015. A native of South Carolina, he graduated from the University of South Carolina and was commissioned in 1987.
July 2, 2015
Rob Foster was selected as the Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer effective June 2015. In support of the Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy for Management, Mr. Foster heads the Office of the DON CIO and is the DON's senior official and advisor on matters related to Information Management (IM), Information Technology (IT)/cyberspace, and Information Resources Management (IRM). He develops strategies, ...
July 1, 2015
The Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer Organization Chart
January 29, 2013
The following are links to past messages from the DON CIO.
December 19, 2007
The book "Power of Team: The Making of a CIO" shares the experiences and insights of the DON CIO as it constructed and implemented an agenda for the newly formed Office of the Chief Information Officer.