In June 2024, Lt. Col. Temesha Christensen assumed command of the 89th Communications Squadron at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, where she leads 200 personnel and oversees global command and control communications, executive airborne communications, and cyber security and defense in support of the President, Vice President, cabinet members, combatant commanders, and other senior military and elected leaders. Christensen is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the High-Frequency Global Communications System, which is used by senior leaders, government agencies, combatant commanders, Mobility and Combat Air Forces, and for Nuclear Command and Control. Additionally, she leads the 24/7 Government Security Operations Center, ensuring uninterrupted communications, monitoring, and bandwidth allocation for the nation's top five leaders.
Christensen was commissioned in the Reserve Officers Training Corps in 2007 as a distinguished graduate of North Carolina Central University. During her career as a Cyberspace Operations Officer, she has served in various assignments including tactical communications, special operations, joint operations, and cybersecurity development for aircraft systems. In her previous assignment, Christensen served as the Branch Chief, Cyber Security and Defense, Headquarters Sixteenth Air Force and Air Forces Cyber, Joint-Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. She was recognized as the 2021 Air Combat Command General Larry O. Spencer Innovation Award winner for her efforts in improving tactics, techniques and procedures for defensive cyber operations. In 2022, she was nationally recognized with the Women of Color STEM Outstanding Achievement Award for her lifetime contributions in information technology.
My experience as a student in the Defense Analysis Department helped me understand how to assess a challenge or problem and systematically develop courses of action based on the operational environment, data, history, and current events. From a leadership perspective, it taught me how to ask the right questions when making decisions and developing plans to address defense challenges.
The most pressing need for advancement in cybersecurity is incorporating artificial intelligence. This will significantly reduce the number of internal cybersecurity and defense tasks that require human intervention, thereby enhancing our defensive capabilities. Additionally, technology that can aid cyber operators with system mapping and identifying mission-relevant terrain-cyber will enhance defensive mission planning. When operationally feasible, the military should reduce manual tasks and position cyber operators “on the loop” to leverage the benefits of automation instead of members being “in the loop” and slowing down information flows and decision-making.
HFGCS provides senior U.S. government leaders with reliable, long-range, and survivable communications, which are vital for maintaining command and control in contested environments where terrestrial or satellite assets are degraded. HFGCS provides 24/7 high-frequency monitoring and broadcast operations across 13 global stations, providing worldwide coverage. This capability fortifies national military force direction and nuclear command and control by distributing Emergency Action Messages.
NPS taught me how to analyze complex missions and environments from both tactical and strategic perspectives. This skill set was crucial in my previous role at Air Forces Cyber. I understood how to review a commander's intent and develop clear and actionable lines of effort, which enhanced my ability to lead a defensive cyber campaign. This knowledge enabled me to guide my team in planning campaigns and executing missions that aligned with national objectives and the priorities of Combatant Commanders. Achieving this level of alignment is essential for defending critical technology and infrastructure, as it requires a whole-of-government approach to address both state and non-state threats in the dynamic environment of cyberspace.
Understanding how adversaries influence our partners and allies is not just important, it's crucial. It's a key aspect of protecting U.S. national interests and upholding our alliances. U.S. military operations often depend on collaboration with partner nations, and we must not allow adversaries to undermine relationships that could impact our operational effectiveness. Having situational awareness of adversarial influence strategies and campaigns enables us to proactively strengthen relationships and maintain credibility with our allies and partners.
Current students and graduates should continue to nurture the high level of critical thinking honed at NPS; it will give them an edge to excel in high-stakes roles and create wins for our military. An NPS education requires dedication to reading, and while the volume of reading will lessen after graduation, it’s important to challenge oneself by diving into a diverse range of topics, including strategy, works by military and national leaders, and relevant current events. Also, staying informed about critical findings in your field and emerging technology will enhance military operations. By merging operational experience with extensive knowledge you will be a more capable leader, ready to engage in meaningful discussions with senior leaders, peers, and subordinates.
