Commander Tony V. H. Tran is a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the University of Oklahoma in 2005 and was commissioned through the Nuclear Officer Propulsion Candidate (NUPOC) Program. He initially served as an instructor at Naval Nuclear Power School before transferring to the Cryptologic Warfare community in 2008.

In 2009, CDR Tran reported to Navy Information Operations Command Yokosuka, Japan, where he served as the Direct Support Signals Intelligence Warfare Officer aboard USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54). During this assignment, he deployed extensively throughout the Western Pacific, including the ship’s response to the 2010 North Korean torpedo attack on the Republic of Korea vessel Cheonan.

After earning a Master of Science in Computer Science from the Naval Postgraduate School, CDR Tran served at Navy Information Operations Command Maryland, where he led cyber operations supporting the Cyber National Mission Force and Joint Force Headquarters–Department of Defense Information Network. He also co-authored the white paper that helped restructure the command, leading to the establishment of Cryptologic Warfare Group SIX.

Subsequent assignments included Navy Information Operations Command Texas, where he supported national intelligence missions, and service as the U.S. Cyber Command Liaison Officer to U.S. Forces Korea, coordinating cyberspace intelligence and operations with the U.S. intelligence community and the Republic of Korea Cyber Command.

CDR Tran currently serves as Chief of the Cybersecurity Directorate Networks Defense at NSA/CSS Hawaii. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, three Navy Commendation Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal.