Lawton native assigned to Naval cyber defense command

SUFFOLK, Va. — Lt. Cmdr. Krystina Landry, a native of Lawton, Oklahoma, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command (NCDOC).

Landry graduated from Eisenhower High School in 2001. Additionally, Landry earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2010 and a master’s degree in management in 2022 from American Military University.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Lawton.

“I learned growing up to treat people right,” said Landry. “It’s a simple thing, but it’s so important.”

Landry joined the Navy 18 years ago as a cryptologic technician (technical). She was later commissioned as a naval officer and today, Landry serves as an information warfare officer.

“I come from a military family and grew up in a military town, so service was in my blood and something I always knew I would do,” said Landry. “It was instilled in me to serve at least one tour of active duty and give back to my country. I just happened to love what I do, so I decided to make it a career.”

NCDOC is responsible for protecting the Navy’s networks and data from cyberattacks. The command executes defensive cyberspace operations and enables global power projection through proactive network defense.

Navy information warfare (IW) plays a role in every Navy mission, every day, around the globe. NAVIFOR’s mission is to ensure the more than 60,000 IW sailors and civilians in the fleet – experts in cyberspace, communications, intelligence, meteorology, oceanography, cryptology, electronic warfare and space – are trained, equipped, certified and ready to meet the Navy’s warfighting missions.

“Information Warfare extends from seabed to space, and is critical to our Navy’s success in competition, crisis and conflict,” said Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza, the Navy’s IBoss and commander of NAVIFOR. “The more than 60,000 IW professionals across the globe are our asymmetric advantage – their expertise, professionalism, imagination and creativity are key to our Navy overcoming any adversary at pace and at scale.”

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Landry serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Landry has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I am most proud of being a wife and a mother first, then a naval officer,” said Landry. “My children are my great accomplishments, but with my service, I have achieved several great things. I became the first female to qualify as a warfare tactics instructor, I’ve earned a master’s degree, I’ve earned eight additional qualification designators and I’ve deployed all over the world on almost every surface platform we have.

Landry can take pride in serving America through military service.

“I’ve always felt that I serve God by serving my country,” said Landry. “It is what I was called to do. I love the people I work with and I’m still honored to serve.”

Landry is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my husband, Lt. Cmdr. Timothy Landry, and my children for their sacrifice and support,” added Landry. “I have served with many amazing people and have had great leadership to learn from. I have also had the pleasure to serve many amazing sailors and have learned so much about myself, leadership and love.”