New Suffolk location, commander for Navy Cyber Forces
Published 10:57 pm Monday, September 30, 2013
The new leader of Navy Cyber Forces, one of four technology-related Navy commands relocating to new buildings in North Suffolk, expressed her commitment to her command during a ceremony in Virginia Beach Friday.
“My commitment to you is to provide every available resource for you to meet these challenges — keeping our mission as our first priority and caring for our people, including our families, always,” Rear Adm. Diane E.H. Webber remarked in closing at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, after officially assuming command from Rear Adm. Gretchen S. Herbert.
![Rear Adm. Diane E. H. Webber addresses the crowd during the Navy Cyber Forces’ Change of Command ceremony, Sept. 27 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Virginia Beach. Webber relieved Herbert as commander of Navy Cyber Forces. (Photo courtesy of Robin Hicks/U.S. Navy)](https://www.suffolknewsherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2013/09/130927-N-XS652-145.jpg)
Rear Adm. Diane E. H. Webber addresses the crowd during the Navy Cyber Forces’ Change of Command ceremony, Sept. 27 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek,
Virginia Beach. Webber relieved Herbert as commander of Navy Cyber Forces. (Photo courtesy of Robin Hicks/U.S. Navy)
Webber, a Missouri native, graduated summa cum laude, with honors, from William Jewell College with a Bachelor of Science degree in music education and most recently served as deputy commander of the U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet, according to a news release.
She also reflected upon how far Navy Cyber Forces has come in the past two years, saying, “You can be justifiably proud of your accomplishments, particularly those of the last two years. Your technical skills are superb, your sense of purpose is strong and your commitment to serve has been, and remains, unwavering.”
Herbert, who was piped ashore for the last time, ending a 29-year Navy career, spoke of the privilege she felt leading the command.
“I hope you can appreciate how privileged I feel that I had the opportunity to serve with you,” she said. “You always impressed me. As a matter of routine, you inspired me. On occasion, you amazed me.
“As I move on, I will always embrace, as a source of enduring pride, that for two remarkable years, I was the Commander of Navy Cyber Forces.”
Keynote speaker Adm. Bill Gortney, commander of the U.S. Fleet Forces Command, spoke glowingly of Herbert’s achievements during those two years.
“Among her professional achievements was her early-on recognition for systems integration as a crucial part of … mission success,” Gortney said.
“We are so proud of all that you have done. Congratulations on an incredible tour and an amazing career — 29 years of dedicated service to our Navy and our nation. Well done, shipmate, well done!”
Gortney presented Herbert with the Legion of Merit. Along with other achievements, she received the honor for addressing “fleet electronic warfare shortfalls and re-establishing electronic warfare as a primary warfare area,” according to the news release.
“Overall her leadership as commander NAVCYBERFOR directly led to the command becoming the driving force in cyber warfare readiness production and capability.”
Gortney expressed clear confidence in Webber’s ability to assume command. “Diane has her orders and I know she will execute. Not only because she is a great leader, but because of the sailors and civilians who make up Navy Cyber Forces and U.S. Fleet Forces N6.”