Navy Reserve Sailor Shatters Barriers, Embraces Legacy of Women Pioneers

WAVES, an initiative that allowed women to enlist in the Navy across various career fields such as clerical work, military intelligence, and cryptography, saw the service of over 100,000 women during World War II. Today, women make up 19% of the Navy Reserve’s personnel.

This year marks the 82nd anniversary of WAVES, and Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic honored Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Petty Officer (IS1) Sarah Redsicker for her exceptional service. Redsicker has achieved significant career milestones and personal triumphs, reflecting the legacy of the first WAVES members.

Redsicker’s journey began in Chili, New York. After joining the Navy Reserves in 2017, she quickly progressed, driven by an interest in digital forensics and inspired by a family legacy of military service. Initially aiming for a Master-at-Arms position, she excelled in her ASVAB tests, thereby aligning her career with Intelligence Specialist roles.

After completing her training, Redsicker’s career shifted when she took on Active Duty for Special Work (ADSW) orders in Rome, New York. Her passion for intelligence operations solidified, and she quickly earned her Information Warfare qualification. She further honed her skills with the Defense Intelligence Agency and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

Joining NIWC Atlantic’s Cybersecurity Service Provider (CSSP) Integrated Product Team, Redsicker’s role in supporting cybersecurity operations became crucial. The team safeguards communications, defends against cyber threats, and supports intelligence operations. Under Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Kapral’s mentorship, Redsicker developed a keen understanding of cybersecurity and led critical training exercises.

This October, Redsicker presented intelligence briefs at NAVWAR Cyber Pillar Gibson Castle 23, an exercise focusing on operational strategies. In December, she was promoted to Petty Officer First Class, a milestone marking increased responsibilities and leadership roles.

Redsicker also balanced personal achievements, welcoming a baby boy in December 2023, shortly after her reenlistment. Her partner, ISC Andrew Brooker, a fellow Reserve Sailor, played a supportive role in her transition to active duty.

Reflecting on her accomplishments and the support she received, Redsicker reenlisted for three more years. The reenlistment ceremony, held aboard a Blue Angels aircraft, was a significant personal achievement, inspired by her father’s admiration for the squadron.

Redsicker’s recent accolades include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for her cybersecurity work. Kapral praised her dedication to training future Reservists and organizing cybersecurity exercises.

Looking ahead, Redsicker plans to continue her education in digital forensics and aims to commission as an officer, hoping to inspire future generations of Sailors. Her journey underscores the opportunities within the Navy Reserve and serves as an inspirational narrative of dedication and resilience.

About NIWC Atlantic
As part of Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, NIWC Atlantic provides systems engineering and acquisition to deliver information warfare capabilities to the naval, joint, and national warfighters. The center focuses on the development, integration, and sustainment of interoperable command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, cyber, and information technology capabilities.