Information Technology/Training Management Professional and Military Veteran with a Top Secret Security Clearance and 20 years of proven experience in the United States Navy. Accomplished measurable results while leading teams of 5 – 20 in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Possess a comprehensive background in Information Technology Management and Security derived from conducting domestic and global operations in the United States and Ports Worldwide. Managed risk upon multiple lines to protect assets, property, and equipment valued at over $50M while meeting the expectations of senior leadership. Possess extensive knowledge in Installation, Configuration, and Application. Recipient of multiple awards for outstanding performance and professionalism. Career supported by a High School Diploma and vast military experience, education, and real-world expertise.

• Leadership
• Strategic Planning
• Systems Analysis

• Technology Design
• Training and Development
• Process Improvement

• Operation and Control
• Conflict Resolution
• Troubleshooting

Experience

Founder – Phoenix Harbor

URL: phoenixharbor.net

Founded: 2021

Founder – Castle Phoenix

URL: castlephoenix.com (migrated to dark web in 2023)

Founded: 2019

Creative Writing and Freedom of Speech powered portal.

Broadband Specialist

Company Name: Mediacom Communications
Dates Employed: Aug 2017 – Jan 2018
Employment Duration: 6 mos
Location: Marshalltown, IA

Completed new installations of cable television and broadband services. Utilized a company van, completed installations in customer homes, and represented Mediacom every day to customers. Performed a variety of duties including installation, changes of service, additional outlet installation, disconnection of service, payment collection, and any special requests customers may have regarding installation.

• Completed customer drop installations (exterior and interior) from tap to antenna terminals on customer equipment in both single and multiple unit dwellings, including pre-wired units.
• Performed new connects, reconnects, requested and non-pay disconnects; adds outlets; installs and/or removed converters; performed upgrades and downgrades of service.
• Analyzed picture quality and judged acceptability of picture delivered following installation of cable service.
• Worked with connectors, fasteners, wire, and hand tools to complete installs.
• Used customary CATV hand and power tools in performance of job duties.
• Analyzed signal levels through use of a field strength meter; adjusted levels during installation problems; installed connectors on different types of drop cable; maintained proper clearances; installed tap-off devices.
• Completed work on utility poles with proper equipment (safety belt, safety strap and climbers), ladders or other structures as needed. Lifted and carried loads up to 75 lbs. (including line ladder); Worked within limited confines, such as crawl spaces.
• Properly used, stored, and maintained a VOM or DMM to check for “open” or “short” on line as well as AC and DC voltages.
• Analyzed general drop system layouts from blueprints.
• Informed customers of FCC Rules and Company policies as they pertain to customers.
• Generated additional company revenue through effective sales techniques and by offering information about product options, sales campaigns and promotions.

Information Systems Technician/Cryptologic Technician Communications

United States Navy
Dates Employed: 16 Jul 1997 – 31 JUL 2017
Employment Duration: 20 years
Locations:

• Information Systems Technician Petty Officer First Class (IT1) Surface Warfare/ Information Warfare – Feb 2016 – 1 yr 6 mos – NCTS Bahrain
• Information Systems Technician Petty Officer First Class (IT1) Surface Warfare/ Information Warfare – Jul 2015 – Feb 2016 – 8 mos – FACSFAC San Diego CA
• Information Systems Technician Petty Officer First Class (IT1) Surface Warfare/ Information Warfare – Oct 2014 – May 2015 – 8 mos – USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) – Network Security Leading Petty Officer: Facilitated network system administration, maintenance and training in accordance with mission requirements and standards resulting in streamlined tasking and strategic planning
  Managed, planned and coordinate unit-level information systems security and integration across platforms, fleets, and services resulting in sustained superior performance
  Implemented server and special mission system security fixes, operating system patches, and antivirus software IAW mission requirements and priorities resulting in sustained superior performance Network Security Vulnerability Technician
  Recognizes microcomputer operating systems (i.e. MS-DOS, Windows NT, UNIX, and Novell Netware) vulnerabilities and performs corrective actions to ensure maximum system availability. Assists the Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) with the System Security Plan (SSP) and systems accreditation in accordance with IN-225. Uses commercial off the shelf software and operating system specific tools to perform virus protection and detection, system backups, data recovery, and auditing functions. Creates, configures, and maintains user and group accounts across multiple operating systems. Assesses protocol and proxy service vulnerabilities and their relation to firewalls. Develops and implements solutions, with regard to protocol and proxy service vulnerabilities, guarding against hostile attempts of compromise or inadvertent disclosure of sensitive material. Verifies and writes Access Control Lists (ACL) and programs screening routers.

• Information Systems Technician Petty Officer First Class (IT1) Surface Warfare/ Information Warfare – Feb 2014 – Oct 2014 – 9 mos – USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76): Database Systems Leading Petty Officer – Managed personnel in the performance of installation, configuration, administration, repair, and basic operation of the GCCS-M 4.0.3 system on either legacy or common computing environment (CCE) architectures. Maintains databases, establishes accounts, and configures communications and system interfaces. Performs basic troubleshooting and disaster recovery procedures. These functions are performed at afloat and ashore commands.

• Information Systems Technician Petty Officer First Class (IT1) Surface Warfare/ Information Warfare – Aug 2010 – Feb 2014 – 3 yrs 7 mos – CID Learning Site San Diego CA: Navy Instructor – Individuals direct teaching and learning activities in schools, training centers, and selected reserve units; write learning objectives; prepare test items; evaluate instructional materials and results; and counsel students on academic learning problems. Electronic Key Management System Manager Instructor
  CT3/DMD Instructor
  Tier 3 EKMS Manager
  Information Warfare Specialist (IW)
  Master Training Specialist (MTS)

• Information Systems Technician Petty Officer First Class (IT1) Surface Warfare – Jun 2008 – Jul 2010 – 2 yrs 2 mos – MCM Crew Confilct – USS Ardent (MCM-12)/USS Chief (MCM-14)Provides basic and in-depth levels of instruction in Local Area Networks (LAN) and Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN), with focus on system administration. Prepares technical personnel to administer commercial network operating systems within the functional areas of configuration, system, and performance management. Manage/maintain internal site networks to include but not limited to MS Exchange, NetWare, Novell, UNIX, and Windows NT. Conduct first level network software and hardware corrective actions. OC01 Division Officer/Lead Petty Officer – Communications Officer/EKMS Tier 2 Manager
  • Led, mentored and supervised subordinate unit members in accordance with mission requirements and standards resulting in sustained superior performance and increased unit readiness
  • Oversaw overall operations and maintenance of 2 satellite communication suites, voice and data circuits and all Automatic Data Processing (ADP) assets on board ensuring seamless critical operations and sustained superior performance
  • Provided Electronic Key Management System (EKMS) management in accordance with security protocol resulting in zero losses and zero incidents
  • Managed, maintained and trained Combat Systems Trainer Team (CSTT) in accordance with mission/training requirements resulting in successful training implementation
  • Supported information warfare operations within strictly controlled parameters and provides real-time intrusion detection and firewall protection for all networked resources.

• Information Systems Technician Petty Officer First Class (IT1) Surface Warfare – Jul 2006 – Jun 2008 – 2 yrs – USS Bataan (LHD-5)Communications Watch Officer/Joint Message Center Supervisor – Responsible for the activation and troubleshooting of all HF/UHF/VHF/EHF tactical/non-tactical voice and data circuits. Transmission, reception, and dissemination of message traffic utilizing NAVMACS II, Fleet Messaging, and SHF Gateguard. Transmission Systems Technician
  Operates and performs system monitoring, fault isolation and circuit restoration of communications suites in the HF, UHF, SHF, and EHF frequency spectrums afloat and ashore, to include; communication transmission paths, input/output devices, cryptographic devices, interface equipment and patch panels, familiarization with signals, multiplexers, modulators/demodulators, and applicable system transmitters, receivers, couplers and antenna subsystems. Maintains signal quality through the use of circuit and system performance tests, determines point of signal distortion and identifies preventive or corrective action as required. Prepares and maintaines all necessary circuit, watch to watch, operational and administrative logs, and ensures accountability of cryptographic publications and associated materials.

EKMS Clerk
Tier 3 Local Holder
Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS)

• Cryptologic Technician Communications Petty Officer Third Class (CTO2) – US Navy – Jun 2003 – Mar 2006 – 2 yrs 10 mos – COMNAVNETSPAOPSCOM Dahlgren VA – Joint Message Center Supervisor
  • Supervised and maintained proper transmission, reception and dissemination of all message traffic in accordance with directives and instructions resulting in improved streamlined secured communication management process
  • Enforced proper security, handling, accounting, reporting, and control of Communications Security (COMSEC) materials, systems, and equipment resulting in strong security compliance
  • Performed proactive security functions to deter, detect, isolate, contain, and recover from information system and network security intrusions IAW instructions and directives resulting in secure compliant process
  • Managed implementation/installation and ensures architecture, configuration, and integration conformity in accordance with mission requirements and priorities meeting or exceeding expectations of senior leadership Cryptologic Network Configuration Manager
  Analyzes networking conflicts; resolves connectivity/network and operating systems compatibility issues; plans/manages overall command network architecture; controls site configurations/systems and network integration; provides technical oversight to local/command information systems staff.

Operates on-line cryptographic devices and teletype equipment. NOTE: Many of the duties required for this rating involve highly classified materials, equipment, and activities; therefore, not all the competencies and knowledge associated with the rating were evaluated. Sends and receives communications processing systems; maintains logs, records, files, and publications; inspects, cleans, and makes operational adjustments to keyboard equipment; performs computer software applications. Requisitions supplies and maintains stock levels; prepares messages. Prepares operations and technical reports; plans and conducts operations; identifies the purpose of the various special security communications systems and networks operated by naval security; supervises and evaluates subordinates.

• Cryptologic Technician Communications Petty Officer Third Class (CTO2) – Jun 2001 – Feb 2003 – 1 yr 9 mos – USS Princeton (CG-59): Operates on-line cryptographic devices and teletype equipment. NOTE: Many of the duties required for this rating involve highly classified materials, equipment, and activities; therefore, not all the competencies and knowledge associated with the rating were evaluated. Sends and receives communications processing systems; maintains logs, records, files, and publications; inspects, cleans, and makes operational adjustments to keyboard equipment; performs computer software applications. Requisitions supplies and maintains stock levels; prepares messages.
  • Oversaw core and specialty functions of communications operations, message processing, and network administration and security IAW mission requirements resulting in sustained superior performance
  • Established, monitored, and maintained Radio Frequency (RF) communications systems IAW mission requirements, priorities and standards meeting or exceeding expectations of senior leadership
  • Provided networked application resources by designing, configuring, installing, and managing data services, operating system and server applications IAW mission requirements meeting or exceeding expectations
  • Handled, stored, and retrieved incoming and outgoing messages in accordance with unit policy and process resulting in successful completion of all assigned tasks.
• Cryptologic Technician Communications Petty Officer Third Class (CTO3) – Jun 2000 – Jun 2001 – 1 yr 1 mo – USS Princeton (CG-59): Oversaw core and specialty functions of communications operations, message processing, and network administration and security IAW mission requirements resulting in sustained superior performance
  • Established, monitored, and maintained Radio Frequency (RF) communications systems IAW mission requirements, priorities and standards meeting or exceeding expectations of senior leadership
  • Provided networked application resources by designing, configuring, installing, and managing data services, operating system and server applications IAW mission requirements meeting or exceeding expectations
  • Handled, stored, and retrieved incoming and outgoing messages in accordance with unit policy and process resulting in successful completion of all assigned tasks.
• Cryptologic Technician Communications Petty Officer Third Class (CTO3) – Mar 1999 – Apr 2000 – 1 yr 2 mos – NSGD Guam: Operates on-line cryptographic devices and teletype equipment. NOTE: Many of the duties required for this rating involve highly classified materials, equipment, and activities; therefore, not all the competencies and knowledge associated with the rating were evaluated. Sends and receives communications processing systems; maintains logs, records, files, and publications; inspects, cleans, and makes operational adjustments to keyboard equipment; performs computer software applications. Requisitions supplies and maintains stock levels; prepares messages.
  • Oversaw core and specialty functions of communications operations, message processing, and network administration and security IAW mission requirements resulting in sustained superior performance
  • Established, monitored, and maintained Radio Frequency (RF) communications systems IAW mission requirements, priorities and standards meeting or exceeding expectations of senior leadership
  • Provided networked application resources by designing, configuring, installing, and managing data services, operating system and server applications IAW mission requirements meeting or exceeding expectations
  • Handled, stored, and retrieved incoming and outgoing messages in accordance with unit policy and process resulting in successful completion of all assigned tasks.
• Cryptologic Technician Communications Petty Officer Third Class (CTO3) – Dec 1998 – Mar 1999 – 4 mos – SUSLAK: Operates on-line cryptographic devices and teletype equipment. NOTE: Many of the duties required for this rating involve highly classified materials, equipment, and activities; therefore, not all the competencies and knowledge associated with the rating were evaluated. Sends and receives communications processing systems; maintains logs, records, files, and publications; inspects, cleans, and makes operational adjustments to keyboard equipment; performs computer software applications. Requisitions supplies and maintains stock levels; prepares messages.
  • Oversaw core and specialty functions of communications operations, message processing, and network administration and security IAW mission requirements resulting in sustained superior performance
  • Established, monitored, and maintained Radio Frequency (RF) communications systems IAW mission requirements, priorities and standards meeting or exceeding expectations of senior leadership
  • Provided networked application resources by designing, configuring, installing, and managing data services, operating system and server applications IAW mission requirements meeting or exceeding expectations
  • Handled, stored, and retrieved incoming and outgoing messages in accordance with unit policy and process resulting in successful completion of all assigned tasks
  • TACINTEL Communications Operator: Operates both TACINTEL Subscriber and TLCF Communications System. Operator is proficient in shipboard system operations or Link Control Facility operations. Prepares outage logs and reports and maintains circuit quality.

• Cryptologic Technician Communications (CTOSN) – Mar 1998 – Dec 1998 – 10 mos – SUSLAK South Korea: Operates on-line cryptographic devices and teletype equipment. NOTE: Many of the duties required for this rating involve highly classified materials, equipment, and activities; therefore, not all the competencies and knowledge associated with the rating were evaluated. Sends and receives communications processing systems; maintains logs, records, files, and publications; inspects, cleans, and makes operational adjustments to keyboard equipment; performs computer software applications. Requisitions supplies and maintains stock levels; prepares messages. Performs all basic seamanship functions aboard ship that involve line or wire and rigging used to secure the ship to a pier, mooring, or anchor; is able to identify functions of navigation and shipboard equipment; lowers, raises, and launches lifesaving equipment; handles small boats; navigates by using several different types of compasses; keeps records by degrees or points; knows navigational aids, nautical rules of the road, and the buoys of inland waters of the US; knows the nomenclature of decks, superstructures, and parts of the hull; knows the purpose and limitations of first aid and the first aid treatments for electrical shock, simple and compound fractures, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and burns; must be qualified as a swimmer, fourth class; knows how to determine the classes of fire hoses and how to use carbon dioxide, dry chemical, and water portable fire extinguishers; knows the function of the typical fire main system, fixed carbon dioxide system, water washdown system, and magazine sprinkling system; knows the difference between flooding and progressive flooding and the danger involved.
• Cryptologic Technician Communications (CTOSR) – Oct 1997 – Mar 1998 – 6 mos – NTTC Corry Station – CTO “A” School
• Seamen Recruit (SR) – Jul 1997 – Sep 1997 – 3 mos – RTC Great Lakes

Deployments

2001 WESTPAC – USS Princeton (CG-59)
2007 MED – USS Bataan (LHD-5)
2008 MCM Crew Conflict- USS Ardent (MCM-14)
2009 MCM Crew Conflict- USS Ardent (MCM-14)

Overseas Tours

South Korea (1998 – 1999)

Guam (1999 – 2000)

Kingdom of Bahrain (2016 – 2017)

Qualifications

Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (USN-2007)
Information Warfare Specialist (USN-2014)
Master Training Specialist (USN-2014)

Licenses and Certifications

Security+ (CompTIA) (2017)

Computer Peripheral Equipment Operator (US Department of Labor)

Honors and Awards

• Iowa Public Information Board Vexatious Records Requester (1st Award – 2023)
• Single Handedly Motivated an Iowa Legislative Bill (Xbox Achievment – 2023)
• Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4th Award – 2017)
• Overseas Service Ribbon (2017)
• Navy Good Conduct Medal (6th Award – 2015)
• Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3rd Award – 2014)
• Navy Good Conduct Medal (5th Award – 2012)
• Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2nd Award – 2010)
• Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
• Navy Good Conduct Medal (4th Award – 2009)
• Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (1st Award – 2009)
• Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
• Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
• Navy Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award – 2006)
• Navy Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award – 2003)
• Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
• Navy Good Conduct Medal (1st Award – 2000)
• Overseas Service Ribbon (2000)
• Overseas Service Ribbon (1999)
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Korean Defense Service Medal

References:

1. Active Duty Service Record – Michael J. Merritt
2. Kauffman, Clark. “How One Man’s Actions Led to Proposed New Limits on Public-Records Access – Iowa Capital Dispatch.” Iowa Capital Dispatch, 22 Sept. 2023, iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/09/22/how-one-mans-actions-led-to-proposed-new-limits-on-public-records-access/. Accessed 23 Nov. 2023.
3. ‌Kauffman, Clark. “Persistent Newton Requester Inspires Proposal That Could Limit Iowa Public Records Access.” The Des Moines Register, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 25 Sept. 2023, www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2023/09/25/iowa-public-records-access-could-be-restricted-in-reaction-to-one-man/70936174007/. Accessed 23 Nov. 2023.
4. ‌Kauffman, Clark. “Proposed Bill Would Block “Vexatious” Citizens from Accessing Public Records – Iowa Capital Dispatch.” Iowa Capital Dispatch, 15 Sept. 2023, iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/09/15/proposed-bill-would-block-vexatious-citizens-from-accessing-public-records/. Accessed 23 Nov. 2023.