The Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Technology and Innovation Community of Practice (T&I COP) strives to break down barriers and integrate innovative technologies into the current business processes of the shipyard and the Department of Defense (DoD). In order to properly tackle the challenge, the team has partnered with the Information Technology Department (Code 109) to see what technologies, software, and more are feasible for shipyard use.

Information Assurance/Cybersecurity (IA/CS) Subcommittee Lead Eric Goughenour works hard alongside his counterparts in the other subcommittees to aid and support in innovation implementation at America’s Shipyard.

"It is my duty as a Code 109 representative to work with the teams supporting the Community of Practice to ensure they are aware and understand the cybersecurity implications and what is required to support cybersecurity in their operations," said Goughenour. "For example, the teams seek out new technologies to bring onboard the shipyard and travel to attend trade shows to see what’s new and exciting that could play a role for our workforce. With Code 109 involved, we are able to see what software or technology fits into the DoD policies and procedures and begin the process to get them accredited and ready for use at NNSY. It is a lengthy process but having all parties collaborating at the very beginning means working together to address implementation requirements to mitigate barriers."

In addition, Code 109’s involvement means being able to find solutions to problems from across the shipyard and across the DoD, even temporary ones.

"We help streamline the process for getting applications available and work together to navigate through the hurdles in getting new technologies onboard," said Goughenour. "We can also pinpoint if there are applications to be used to support while we work to get the needed applications onboard."

Goughenour is the IT/CS subcommittee lead and focal point for Code 109 in the NNSY T&I COP, ready to face the challenges head on whatever they may be.

"With the Community of Practice, they know they can contact me with any obstacles they may be facing and I can work with them to alleviate those problems and streamline the process," said Goughenour. "I also ensure that we have as much attention as needed for all the innovative technologies and software coming into the shipyard. I try to be a representative at every demonstration we have for these new technologies and bring back what I’ve learned to the command. This way we know well in advance what’s going to be coming down the pipeline and begin those initial conversations for how we will get it accredited and ready for shipyard use."

Goughenour added, "We have to look at innovation and cybersecurity from all angles. Our staff has to understand the data we’re working with. We need to know what can be shared and what can’t be shared. Like in health and safety, there are procedures and policies in place for cybersecurity to protect our information. And it’s my job as a Code 109 representative to ensure everyone is aligned in that regard."

For more information regarding innovation and cybersecurity, contact the NNSY T&I Lab at 757-396-7180 or email the REAL Ideas program at NNSY_REALIdeas@navy.mil.

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