Brunswick, Pender County natives battle cyber threats for US Navy

Cheryl M. Whitaker, Wilmington StarNews
·2 min read
Martishius
Martishius

Two North Carolina natives are currently protecting America from cyber threats as a member of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command. They are Petty Officer 1st Class Zachary Martishius of Leland, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Benjamin Hounshel of Burgaw.

Information technology advances at a staggering pace, practically all major systems on ships, aircraft, submarines, and unmanned vehicles are networked to some degree. This includes most combat, communications, engineering, and navigation systems.

Martishius, a 2011 graduate of North Brunswick High School, uses his skills and values similar to those learned in Leland.

“I learned how to be resilient,” said Martishius. "I had to learn how to figure things out for myself."

Martishius is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“Serving in the Navy means that I'll be remembered for doing something good,” Martishius said. “When I first joined, I wanted to make positive changes for the world, and I’ve gotten to do that.”

Hounshel
Hounshel

Hounshel attended Pender Early College High School and graduated in 2020. Today, Hounshel uses skills and values similar to those learned in Burgaw.

“At home, I was taught the value of hard work and persistence,” Hounshel said.

Hounshel plays a crucial role in defending against cyber threats in support of the command’s mission to collect, analyze and report on communication signals using computers, specialized computer-assisted equipment, and video display terminals.

“I am most proud of serving as a cryptologic technician,” Hounshel said. “We're one of the smallest rates in the Navy with a highly diverse mission.”

As Hounshel continues to train and perform the missions he is tasked with, he takes pride in serving his country.

“The Navy offers an opportunity to serve my country and go to far-away places doing interesting work,” Hounshel said.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Brunswick, Pender County natives battle cyber threats for US Navy