Virginia Defense Force supports Cyber Fortress 26

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Members of the Virginia Defense Force partnered with military and civilian cyber operators from around the world July 25- Aug. 8, 2026, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia, during Cyber Fortress 26, a joint, interagency, intergovernmental, multinational exercise hosted by the Virginia National Guard’s 91st Cyber Brigade and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. 

Cyber Fortress brings together Active, Reserve, and National Guard components of the U.S. military and NATO partners, along with local, state, and federal government agencies and civilian partners from private industry to respond to a simulated real-world cyber incident. The exercise emphasizes operational technology and emerging technologies as critical areas of focus. 

Read more about Cyber Fortress 26 on the Virginia National Guard web site at https://vngpao.info/5yk9nn2w. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maj. (Va.) Karl J. Blinkinsop, commander of the Virginia Defense Force’s 31st Cyber Battalion, 1st Regiment, presents challenge coins for outstanding duty performance on behalf of the VDF commander to 2nd Lt. (Va.) Michael Boorman and Spc. (Va.) Peter Hu during Cyber Fortress 26 Aug. 4, 2026, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

 

 

 

 

Brig. Gen. (Va.) Rich Diddams, commander of the Virginia Defense Force, joined military and civilian leaders from across the country for the Cyber Fortress 26 Distinguished Visitors Day July 31, 2026, at the State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia.