SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- U.S. Space Force Tech. Sgt. Paul Abalos transferred from the U.S. Navy as a Petty Officer 1st Class into Space Delta 6 - Cyberspace Operations, 61st Cyber Security Squadron as a defensive cyber operator on Sept. 15, 2021.
Abalos requested a transfer into the USSF to be a part of the U.S. military’s historic sixth branch. Abalos’ family has a rich service history, his father is a retired U.S. Navy lieutenant and his uncle, a retired U.S. Navy captain, aided in Abalos’ transfer by swearing him into his new service.
“I joined the service to follow in my dad’s footsteps,” said Abalos. “I hear a lot of fun sea stories from my dad, but at the same time stories of defending freedom.”
Abalos joined the U.S. Navy in 2004 as a cybersecurity information systems technician. He was able to travel the world with most of his Navy career spent in forward deployed naval forces.
“My favorite assignment has been being assigned to an Expeditionary Medical Facility in Kuwait,” said Abalos. “Not only did I preform my cyber security duties, but I got to learn and experience the medical side [of the mission]. I learned how to start an IV and give fluids through a needle, as well as using the nasotracheal intubation tube, which inserts into your nose to breathe.”
Abalos, his wife Kathleen and their three kids - Victoria, Alexandra and Francesca - moved to Colorado Springs from Bremerton, Washington.
With his new career in the USSF ahead of him, Abalos has goals to buy a house, finish his bachelor’s degree in cyber security, and learn the processes of the Space Force to achieve the highest possible pinnacle.
“Abalos is adapting very well to his new work environment, said U.S. Space Force 1st Lt. Nathanial Akers, DEL 6, 61st CYS Mission Defense Team crew commander. “He is proactive, very professional, and brings a unique perspective of cyber from the Navy.”
Defensive cyber operators design, install and support systems to ensure they operate properly and remain secure from outside intrusion. These experts enhance capabilities and provide the Space Force with the best and most secure systems to keep them ahead of the curve.
“I whole heartedly believe that my subject matter expertise in cyber security in the Navy will benefit the Space Force, to build upon its cyber field as an additional tool in space technology, to shape our newest service and ensure its success,” said Abalos.
Even though Abalos is excited about joining the newest branch of the military, and wants to experience all of the new technology the Space Force has to offer, there are things from the Navy he will still miss like traveling, the many general quarter exercise drills, and the bells and whistles of the ships.
“The Navy will always be dearest in my heart,” said Abalos. “A lot of experiences and trials I have endured has come from the Navy; which made me what I am today.”
Abalos’ expertise in cyber security is exactly what the 61st CYS needs in a Guardian, to support the DEL 6 mission, to protect the integrity and security of all space-based mission systems and assets; keeping the Space Force above our enemies, always.