Photo By Steven Stover | FORT GORDON, Ga. – The Soldiers of the 915th Cyber Warfare Battalion (the Hydras),...... read more read more
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FORT GORDON, Ga. -- The Soldiers of the 915th Cyber Warfare Battalion (the Hydras), accompanied by friends and Family, bid a fond farewell to Lt. Col. Matthew Davis, the departing battalion commander, and welcomed Lt. Col. Benjamin Klimkowski, during a change of command ceremony hosted by Col. Matthew Lennox, the commander of the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade (Cyber), in Signal Theater, June 3.
The 915th Cyber Warfare Battalion, “Global Reach…Global Impact” is a fairly new organization and Davis was the organization’s first battalion commander.
Established by order of the Secretary of the Army on June 6, 2018, the organization has since activated three companies, a Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Alpha and Bravo companies; and participated in over a dozen training events supporting the Army and various echelons and exercises worldwide. The battalion is a force of more than 170 Soldiers, will continue to grow and build, all while supporting ARCYBER with cyberspace operations, electronic warfare, and information advantage efforts.
“The 915th is a unique battalion, it’s not a normal-sized battalion – if anything is normal in cyber,” said Lennox. “The Hydras are capable of offensive and defensive cyber operations, as well as electromagnetic and information operations… in support of Army tactical formations.”
“However, it’s not just what the Hydras can do that makes them special,” explained Lennox.
“During my last visit with the 915th I had a discussion with a lieutenant. She started talking to me about pre-combat checks and pre-combat inspections, the need for rehearsals and how she learned how to fill out a 5988 E, Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services form, for a vehicle, and all this was in preparation for a weapons qualification range.” said Lennox. “These are not common discussions amongst cyber officers. It is a common discussion for those of us who started out in other branches, like the Field Artillery, who recognize those terms.”
“This battalion has come a long way over the last few years. It takes time and leadership to achieve that level of greatness and success, and for as long as I’ve known him, Matt Davis has been that person,” sad Lennox. “I found Matt to be action oriented, caring and committed.”
After talking about the battalion’s achievements, Lennox talked about what mattered most to Davis – his Soldiers.
“They all took a risk joining the tactical cyber unit and accomplished remarkable things, in his (Davis) words ‘with ingenuity and resourcefulness, despite ambiguity and changing conditions,’” remarked Lennox.
When he spoke, Lt. Col. Davis said he initially struggled when preparing his remarks; however, the words flowed easily once he started at the beginning – which for a new unit came with both challenges and opportunities.
“Starting a new battalion comes with a lot of challenges, but anything worth doing has challenges, and anything with challenges has opportunities. Learning that lesson throughout life came from my parents who are here today,” said Davis. “From that first day (in command), I was never alone in this endeavor, and am humbled and honored by the talented and dedicated professionals who helped build this battalion.”
In addition to his parents, Davis thanked the many Soldiers who helped build the battalion to where it is today, including Lt. Col. Louis Etienne and the original first crew
“Lt. Col. Etienne, Capt. Allyson Hauptman, Lieutenants L’Hommeideu, Sullivan, Neal, Cushman, and Cordial, in addition to Sgt. Rios, the original battalion S6 (communications), and then Capt. Schinder, Sgt. 1st Class Boyer, and the 782nd ECSD (Expeditionary Cyber Support Detachment), formed the basis of our first crew and the battalion staff. We started there. To that intrepid, dedicated, and exceptionally talented first crew, I say thank you. This battalion stands today, two years later, on your shoulders,” said Davis
Davis went on to thank the Iron Majors, Master Sgt. Welch, the senior NCOs, officers and company commanders, the warrant officers, and his senior enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Marlene Harshman.
“I’ve seldom met an NCO, or any leader for that matter, so dedicated to taking care of the Soldiers in her charge, or in ensuring they’re properly trained and led,” said Davis. “I’m privileged to have served with you, and this battalion is fortunate to have you. Wherever you go, your care for Soldiers’ welfare and high standards, will follow and make that organization a better place for it.”
Davis ended his comments by thanking his wife, Deborah, and their two girls Grace and Lillie.
The 915th Cyber Warfare Battalion welcomes only its second battalion commander, Lt. Col. Klimkowski, and his Family. Born and raised in Wantagh, N.Y., Klimkowski is a graduate of the United States Military Academy, was commissioned as an Infantry Officer. He was part of the original transition to Army Cyber, and recently served in the U.S. Army Cyber Protection Brigade. He holds a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Maryland, a MS in Telecommunication from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from USMA.
| Date Taken: | 06.03.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 06.03.2021 16:07 |
| Story ID: | 398091 |
| Location: | FORT GORDON, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,646 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
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