Led by the audacious Command Senior Chief Grisel Marrero, who installed an unauthorised Wi-Fi network on the ship, the vessel was exposed to significant cybersecurity risks.

This covert operation involved procuring and installing a Starlink satellite internet dish and a private Wi-Fi network whimsically named "STINKY."

The saga began as the USS Manchester prepared for a deployment to the West Pacific. Marrero, with her impressive background in Navy intelligence and a master’s degree in business administration focusing on information security and digital management, teamed up with other senior enlisted leaders to set up the unauthorised network.

This exclusive network was intended for the chiefs, allowing them to check sports scores, send texts home, and stream movies while the regular sailors were left to twiddle their thumbs and think patriotic thoughts.

The Starlink satellite dish was discreetly mounted on the ship’s exterior, specifically on the O-5-level weather deck. The network sprang to life the night before the ship’s deployment and remained operational for several months. The chiefs indulged in this network extensively, blissfully ignoring the risks it posed to the ship’s operational and information security.

Such networks are strictly prohibited on Navy vessels due to cybersecurity concerns, including the potential for cyber threats and compromising mission integrity.  This network could have allowed unauthorised access to sensitive information and disrupted critical ship operations.

The clandestine Wi-Fi network was unearthed mid-deployment after a crew member reported suspicions about it to the commanding officer. However, Marrero intercepted this information and conveniently forgot to disclose it to her superiors. The investigation revealed that over 15 Manchester’s chiefs mess members were involved in the conspiracy, and those who did not report the misconduct were held accountable.

Marrero was relieved of her duties due to losing confidence in her ability to serve as a senior enlisted leader. She was subsequently tried and convicted at a court martial, pleading guilty to charges of willful dereliction of duty and making false statements. She was found guilty of obstruction of justice and demoted from E-8 to E-7. Other sailors involved in the conspiracy also faced disciplinary actions.

Marrero had a background in Navy intelligence and information security so should have known better.