Navy Honors Information Warfare Pioneer
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Naomi VanDuser
WASHINGTON (NNS) - Navy personnel throughout the Information Warfare Community attended a memorial service Thursday afternoon to honor the memory of a pioneer in cyberspace operations.
Rosemary S. Wenchel, the chief technology officer (CTO) at Navy Cyber Warfare Development Group (NCWDG), passed away on passed away May 11, but her legacy to the information warfare and cyberspace communities has and will continue to shape the way the Navy conducts cyber operations.
Wenchel’s service to the Navy cyber community began in 1989 as a computer systems programmer at the Naval Security Group. Throughout the years, her vision and technical acumen highlighted the significance of the cyberspace and information environment in the 21st century.
Following her time at Naval Security Group, Wenchel worked in multiple roles for the Naval Information Warfare Activity that culminated in her appointment as the Chief Scientist. In 2016, She returned to NCWDG as the CTO, providing technical leadership and strategic guidance for the research, development and operational delivery of cyber warfare capabilities.
According to Cmdr. Michael Herlands, assigned to NCWDG, Wenchel was a mentor, a leader and a friend for the officers and enlisted personnel with whom she worked.
Herlands met Rosemary as a junior officer while working for Naval Security Group in 2002.
“While there, I found a love for the cryptologic warfare community, and I learned the principles of determination and innovation,” Herlands shared with the gathered crowd of friends, family and co-workers.
“She completely embraced me and provided mentorship and guidance like she did with so many others throughout her career.”
Friend and co-worker, Allan Sontesby, first met Wenchel in 1995 when she became the director of the Naval Information Warfare Analysis Center. He described the domain of cyber and information warfare as the “New kid on the block”.
Sontesby said Wenchel was a champion of U.S. cyberspace capabilities and information dominance. Her role as a leader, developer, mentor and friend to her peers has shaped the cyber capabilities of the Navy and Department of Defense.
“Rosemary’s ability to pioneer and lead the way for the cyber community to benefit the Navy was always one of her top priorities,” Sontesby said. “Whenever a decision would be made, Rosemary would always ask, ‘What is best for the Navy? Just do that’.”
Sontesby recalled Wenchel’s determination to establish the cyber community that the Navy has today.
“Rosemary would say ‘We are not pushing the Navy forward, we are leading it into the future. When we hear no, it is really a slow yes. They just don’t know it yet’.” Sontesby said.
Sontesby said Wenchel’s efforts and influence, as a subject matter expert, played a significant role in the establishment of the U.S. Cyber Command, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command, U.S. Navy 10th Fleet, and NCWDG.
“She brought out the very best in everyone around her and set an incredible example for others to follow,” said Herlands.
“Rosemary was loved and she is still loved. She will be missed.”