LCDR Porter masterfully led a federated 200 person team in the planning, coordination & execution of multi- faceted organic, theater and national collection operations across seven CTFs. He directed and prioritized all cryptologic tasking and was an integral part of high-priority collection efforts against unpredictable and dangerous adversaries during a period of maritime conflict not seen since World War II. His efforts to ensure cryptologic system and personnel readiness laid the groundwork for SIGINT threat warning for over 30 U.S. Navy Warships operating within the weapons engagement zone of Houthi-held Yemen.
Over the last year, U.S. Navy ships were attacked over 200 separate times by a combination of anti-ship ballistic missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and unmanned surface vessels while U.S. naval ships transited the Gulf of Aden, Bab al Mandeb Strait and Red Sea; during almost every attack there was SIGINT threat warning and each attack was thwarted. Without a doubt, LCDR Porter’s meticulous determination to ensure the readiness of SIGINT operators ashore and at sea was critical to the resultant zero casualties to the thousands of U.S. Navy Sailors and billions of dollars’ worth of warships under direct threat. Additionally, during an unprecedented FIFTH Fleet Continuity of Operations (COOP) execution during the 12-Day War, LCDR Porter took charge as acting Chief of Collections and rapidly re-established ownership of Cryptologic and ISR assets supporting CENTCOM and FIFTH Fleet operations and requirements. His development of collection strategies was essential to support multiple choke point transits and preparation of the environment prior to Carrier Strike Group operations conducted within the Arabian Gulf.