Gen. Paul Nakasone, head of U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM), appointed Navy Vice Adm. Ross Myers as deputy commander of CYBERCOM and promoted Myers to the rank of vice admiral on Memorial Day, May 27, Politico reported today.
As CYBERCOM looks to shore up cybersecurity operations to defend the upcoming 2020 elections from foreign interference, among other priorities, Myers’ appointment fills a vacancy critical to addressing that mission.
The appointment also marks a promotion for Myers from his previous position as CYBERCOM chief of staff – a job he began in May 2018, the same month Nakasone began as head of the organization. Myers now fills the position that Marine Lt. Gen. Vincent Stewart left open when he retired earlier this year after 40 years of military service.
The Defense Department announced in March that Army Gen. John Morrison, who commands Fort Gordon and the Army Cyber Center of Excellence, will take on the chief of staff role at CYBERCOM.