Nathan Meeker
Naval Officer
Web-Developer
Security Expert
Technology Manager
Welcome. I am so glad you stopped by. If you scroll down, you will see my story. If you're still interested after that, you will find more highlights on my skills and experience.
In 1997, my "Journey Began" when...
I enlisted in the Navy as an Electronics Technician maintaining radio frequency (RF) communications equipment on submarines. Those early years set the foundation for my love of learning and technology.
Before the Navy, my understanding of the internet came from chatting in an AOL chatroom one or two times at a friend's house. By the time I left my first submarine in 2001, I had developed a love for communications, network administration, and cyber security. Technology was changing and I loved staying ahead of the curve.
Accelerate your life...
By my second submarine, communications had transitioned from mostly dedicated SATCOM broadcasts and voice networks to faster IP network connections. My early investments in network administration made it easier to thrive in the new environment and prepared me for my next big transition.
From operations to oversight...
in 2013, I Commissioned as a submarine communications Limited Duty Officer. The move into policy and evaluation required additional up-skilling. I complete undergrad and graduate education in Innovation and Technology Management along with pursuing various cyber and personnel security certifications. The experience helped balance my technical and management skills, but didn't really scratch the creative itch within me.
Rigid Rules with creative passion...
When COVID started, the Navy once again needed me to up skill. I hadn't planned to "learn to code" at the time, but as the boss requests, so let it be.
So, I ordered some books and Udemy courses, and taught myself to code. Though I didn't "save the day", I did built some small ReactJS and Sharepoint integrations that helped synthesize information and ease telework barriers. I didn't know it at the time, but coding was the thing that would scratch my creative itch and set a new course for my life.
The New Course!
Today, I have am blessed to work at the SATCOM Integrated Operations Division (SIOD) of Space Force developing global SATCOM management software. I completed the Space Force "Supra Coder" software developer course and found the perfect blend of my love for innovation, information analytics, and software development.
The future...
We never know where the Lord will lead, or exactly how today influences tomorrow. However, I sometimes like to pause and understand how it wove together.
People say you aren't defined by your past, and I agree, but that doesn't mean we can't learn from our past. Reflecting on past growth and resilience is a good tool for understanding our capacity to change, since life is always changing.
So as for me, I will keep doing what I always have, find the skills of tomorrow and master them today. Change is less frightening when you're prepared.
Experience
Cyber
10 years overseeing cyber security compliance and providing technical assistance on US Navy submarines.
- Troubleshooting Support
- Policy Compliance
- Configuration Management
- Disaster Recovery
- Incident Response
- Developing Evaluation Criteria
CompTIA Security+ certified since 2015.
Security
15+ years of DoD physical, information, and personnel security management throughout my navy career.
Current Security Professional Education Development Certifications (SPeD):
- DoD Security Fundamentals Professional Certified since 2018
- DoD Physical Security Certified since 2018
Routinely used applications:
- Defense Information System for Security (DISS) (since rollout)
- Electronic Questionaires for Investigations Processing (e-Qip) (6+ years)
- National Background Investigation Services (NBIS) (since rollout)
Processed tens of thousands of requests for access to classified materiels and facilities. Ensured accurate and timely background investigations, oversaw inquires to security violations and incidents, certified secure facilities, and developed security policy.
Transitioned classified materiel destruction to a waste-to-energy conversion facility reducing personnel and maintenance costs while producing an additional 30K KWHs of clean energy for the state of Hawaii.
Crypto
20+ years managing Communications Security (COMSEC) keying materiel. Served as a COMSEC user, manager, and inspector ensuring that thousands of encryption keys and equipment have been properly handled and protected in accordance with National Security Agency and Navy policy.
- COMSEC User since 1998
- COMSEC Manager since 2007
- COMSEC Inspector since 2011
Web-Dev
I have been building websites since 2020, and completed the US Space Force Supra Coder certification. I taught myself web-development during COVID while taking a break from my MBA. I have built various applications with Node, Express, React, MongoDB, Electron, and SvelteKit. Most projects were related to things needed for work at the time. Various items are highlighted below under projects, or on my GitHub. Feel free to contact me here with any questions.
Technologies I have recently worked with:
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
- TypeScript
- Node
- React
- Svelte
- MongoDB
- Prismic
- ThreeJS
Education
College:
- MBA in Technology/Innovation Management (Excelsior University) (2023) (4.0 GPA)
- Bachelors in Business Administration (Excelsior University) (2015) (4.0 GPA)
- Sigma Beta Delta National Honor Society for Business (2019)
- SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society (Excelsior University Chapter) (2023)
Military Professional Education:
- US Space Force Supra Coder
- Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM)
- Operational Security (OPSEC) Officer
- Emergency Management Officer
- Navy Security Manager
- Command Managed Equal Opportunity (CMEO) Manager
- Electronics Technician Submarines "A" school (14RO 14AB 14AA)
- Extremely High Frequency Satellite equipment maintainer
- Information Sytems Administrator (ISA) (NEC 2735)
- Network Security Vulnerability Technician (NSVT) (NEC 2780)
- Advanced Network Analyst (ANA) (NEC 2781)
- various others
About Me:
We live in a world of technology overload. We have forgotten the point of innovation. Technology isn't just a means of producing more all of the time. It was supposed to free up time to focus on the most important things! Everywhere I look, people are buried in devices, lonely, and overworked, missing the world around them. Our best work is done when we are working towards things we believe in and for people we care about. Technology should connect, inspire, and improve lives, not isolate and drain people. Used properly, it produces better, not just more.
Years of leading young people has taught me that leadership is example. Nothing you say will mean more than what you do. Treat people as though you expect them to be impressive and you will be impressed by them. Technology and teamwork are the keys to a better future.
If you want to know more, reach out.
Public Work:
Pacific Northwest Tours & Pours
A Washington-based small business providing brewery and winery tours.
- SvelteKit
- LeafletJS
- NodeMailer
- PeekPro
- Prismic
Sanctuary Readiness Services
A Hawaii-based security readiness company providing training and consultation to religious worship centers.
- SvelteKit
- LeafletJS
- nodeMailer
- Prismic
- Threlte
Nutrition Rooted
Nutrition Rooted is a Texas-based small business providing nutrition services.
- SvelteKit
- Prismic
Submarine Electronic Access List
A digital access tracker for shipboard security watches to clear visitors for entry and track status of personnel onboard the ship.
- React
- Styled Components
- PouchDB
KMI Requirement Tracker
Track required tasks, automate scheduling, digitally sign completion, and retain inspection logs for review.
- SvelteKit
- MongoDB
- Event Calendar
Automated Plain Language Address (PLA) Scanner (APLAS)
Validates Naval Message Plain-Language Addresses (PLA). Validates Navy Casualty Report addressees based on location and equipment.
- Electron
- SvelteKit
By Request Work:
Submarine Trouble Ticket Manager
A simple trouble ticket manager to support tracking of shipboard IT department support requests
- NodeJS
- Express
- EJS
- MongoDB
