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Hunter Pugh

@hunterpugh

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Defensive cyber and IT systems professional specializing in vulnerability assessment and threat hunting.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking to continue in defensive cyber and network operations—owning vulnerability assessment, threat hunting, and incident workflows—while working in a fast-moving, team-focused environment that values rigorous compliance, clear troubleshooting, and measurable detection improvements.

I’m transitioning out of the Navy in July 2026 after 14+ years, with my work centered on Information Technology and Defensive Cyber Operations. I bring a strong, practical foundation in helpdesk operations, cyber security, and analytical troubleshooting in fast-paced environments.

In multiple roles as a Primary Information Systems Security Officer, I’ve orchestrated ACAS network vulnerability scans, maintained baseline compliance, and supported enterprise security suite deployment and remediation. I’ve also authored patching memorandums and translated governing directives into actionable local security procedures to strengthen organizational cyber posture.

Most recently, I’ve led network operations and mobile network infrastructure deployment while conducting advanced threat-hunting using the ELK/Kibana stack and Security Onion UI, including custom dashboarding to streamline detection. Across my career, I’ve supported executive-level mission readiness, managed complex incident lifecycles through ServiceNow/ITSM ticketing, and supervised helpdesk operations that improved end-to-end resolution performance.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Network Operations Technician

Current

Navy Information and Operations Command

Jul 2023 - Present (2 years 11 months)

Oversaw deployment and configuration of multi-million dollar mobile network infrastructure, integrating virtualized Windows/Linux environments and Palo Alto Firewalls for tactical cyber defense. Executed threat hunting using ELK/Kibana and Security Onion UI, troubleshooting Security Onion services and tuning server performance to maximize uptime and end-user throughput.

ELK Kibana Dashboards Security Onion UI Threat Hunting Security Onion Service Management Palo Alto Firewalls Mobile Infrastructure

Vulnerability Assessment Specialist

USS Barry

Jun 2021 - Jun 2023 (2 years)

Served as Primary ISSO orchestrating ACAS vulnerability scans and auditing endpoint agent policy configurations to enforce strict security compliance. Developed patching memorandums and supervised a 15-member helpdesk, streamlining workflows to strengthen risk management and network defense.

ACAS Vulnerability Scans Endpoint Agent Policy Audits Security Compliance Patching Memorandums Workflow Management Risk Management

Vulnerability Assessment Specialist

USS John S. McCain

Jan 2019 - May 2021 (2 years 4 months)

Served as Primary ISSO executing ACAS network vulnerability scans and auditing McAfee/Trellix agent policy configurations for baseline compliance. Authored patching memorandums and hardened enterprise perimeters using Cisco ASA, Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), and Cisco Prime Infrastructure while supporting 100% operational readiness for virtualized Windows/Linux infrastructure.

ACAS McAfee Trellix Agent Policy Auditing Patching Memorandums Cisco ASA Cisco Identity Services Engine Cisco Prime Infrastructure

Communications Specialist

Commander Naval Forces Europe/Africa

Oct 2016 - Oct 2018 (2 years)

Provided mission-critical technical support for a 4-Star Admiral and joint/international military staff, maintaining 100% operational readiness for executive communications. Resolved complex end-user issues using ServiceNow/ITSM ticket workflows and collaborated with cross-functional teams and vendors to expedite resolution.

ServiceNow ITSM Ticket Lifecycle Executive Communication Vendor coordination Cross Functional Collaboration

IT Systems Administrator

USS San Antonio

Mar 2013 - Sep 2016 (3 years 6 months)

Served as Primary Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO), orchestrating routine ACAS vulnerability scans and deploying McAfee/Trellix enterprise security suites. Directed IT helpdesk operations for 1,000+ personnel and maintained network routing and connectivity using Cisco routers and switches.

ACAS Windows Server Administration Linux Administration Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO)