CDCA 2025 Eastern Defense

Justin Hodges
Division Head, Advanced Non-Kinetic Effects & Research (ANKER), RCO
NIWC Atlantic


Justin Hodges hails from everywhere and nowhere but calls Charleston area of South Carolina home. Both of his parents worked for a large technology company and he began an interest in computers at very early age. After High School, he briefly attended American University before joining the Navy to gain maturity, focus, and discipline. After completing initial Nuclear training in Charleston, he attended Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU) Ballston Spa, New York where he was selected to stay on as an instructor for his first duty assignment. During his instructor tour, he attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute pursuing a Physics and Nuclear Engineering Degree. Following his first instructor tour, Mr. Hodges reported to the USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN-730). While aboard USS Henry M. Jackson, he completed an Engineering Refueling Overhaul, Demonstration and Shakedown Operation, and six deterrent patrols. After his tour at sea, Mr. Hodges reported to Naval Nuclear Power Training Command (NNPTC) as an instructor. During this time, he met his (now) wife and volunteered to become the Information Systems Department Chief. At the end of his tour at NNPTC, Mr. Hodges chose to separate from the Navy and remain in the Charleston area where he began working as a contractor at the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic (SPAWAR Atlantic). In just over two years, Mr. Hodges became a Naval Civilian and took over as the Director of SPAWAR's Computer Network Defense Service Provider (CNDSP) where he led and managed defensive cyberspace operations on military networks. Circa 2018, Department of Defense (DoD) CNDSPs were officially renamed to Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSSPs). From 2016 until 2022, Mr. Hodges led and managed the growth and evolution of NIWC's (renamed from SPAWAR) CSSP until he took over the DHIT Division. Mr. Hodges' individual awards include the NSA Frank B. Rowlett Award, Defense Health Agency Distinguished Civilian Service Award and Medal, Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award and Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. Justin and his wife, Carrie, are the proud parents of Griffin, Weesie, Hampton, and Fitz.

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