Vice Adm. Michael Gilday told senators during a confirmation hearing that he will prioritize cybersecurity and defense industrial base protection if confirmed as chief of naval operations, Fifth Domain reported Thursday.
Gilday, previously the director of the Joint Staff and commander of the U.S. Fleet Cyber Command and 10th Fleet, said at the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that he wants to drive collaborative efforts with industry, including small companies that have the capacity to develop rapidly scalable technologies.
“The character of modern warfare is changing to a multidomain battlespace with significant emphasis on space, electronic, information and cyber domains,†he wrote in reponse to questions submitted before the hearing. “Digital technologies have the potential to be a force multiplier, putting data at the center of all of our decisions and transforming how we fight, stay ready and conduct business operations.â€
President Trump announced his intent to nominate Gilday as CNO last month.
