Category: United States of America

Source: United States Navy

More than 45 participants from four NavalX Gulf Coast Tech Bridge partner commands—Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), the Naval Research Lab (NRL) Stennis, the Naval Meteorological and Oceanography Command (CNMOC), and Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVO)—collaborated to demonstrate the acceleration of technology development. This exercise successfully integrated multiple unmanned systems from contracting partners to collect and transmit real-time environmental data to a forward-deployed shore station. The experiment also tested novel data exfiltration methods, demonstrated regional partnering, and leveraged prior Navy and non-Navy development efforts to advance subsea warfare (SSW) mission capabilities.

“This experiment was important because it demonstrated a process for rapidly moving from focusing on the warfighter need, sourcing technologies and industry partners, understanding lessons learned from the fleet from using relevant systems, understanding how to accelerate capabilities, and then executing an experiment to demonstrate the sourced capabilities,” said Holly Gardner, NSWC PCD director of Strategic Engagement and NavalX Gulf Coast Tech Bridge director. “It highlights our command’s capabilities and expertise as leaders not only in unmanned systems, but also in systems engineering, integration and test and evaluation. It also highlights NSWC PCD’s role as the lead command in the NavalX Gulf Coast Tech Bridge.”

This exercise illustrated a process for rapidly moving from focusing on warfighters’ needs, to sourcing technologies, and executing successful experiments to demonstrate emerging capabilities. The initial integration testing was completed on schedule, followed by at-sea testing, real-time data collection and processing.

“As a project lead in developing systems, I really appreciate events that focus on integration and forward progress versus ‘demos’ that show the same capabilities over and over,” said Erica Davis, NSWC PCD Skylla Project lead. “This event allowed for development and integration of the systems with the people who support them at other commands. Instead of reinventing the wheel, we worked directly with the teams who are experts in their systems and we all gained a lot of knowledge in other systems and came away with creative ideas how we could integrate in the future.”

This effort was the culmination of nearly a year’s worth of planning that began with an initial workshop focused on developing a collaborative vision for the Gulf of Mexico ranges and selecting capabilities that address undersea warfare mission needs. The experiment included at-sea testing, the collection, fusing and display of data collected from those systems in real-time at a forward-deployed shore station, and transmission of the data to NAVO for further analysis. The experiment is a precursor to CNMOC’s Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX) 2025 event series, which consists of technical vignettes occurring throughout FY24 & 25 and ends with a culminating event which will be held in conjunction with the Marine Technology Society’s (MTS) Gulf Coast Oceans-In-Action Workshop in April 2025.

It also included four Navy STEM students from programs like SSEP (STEM Student Employment Program), Pathways, and NREIP (Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program) who participated in a real-life, mission scenario experiment. They provided at-sea support and gained exposure to cutting-edge concept of operations, demonstrating the Navy’s commitment to fostering future STEM leaders.

“The demonstration team’s success is the result of planning, passion, commitment and a lot of hard work dedicated to delivering capabilities to the fleet,” said CNMOC Commander Rear Adm. Ron Piret. “Over the past year, our ANTX 2025 team, which is comprised of industry, academia and Navy partners, has focused on proving and integrating technologies through a series of test cases in preparation for the OCEANS In Action 2025 culminating event. The results have been inspiring, and by gauging the team’s enthusiasm – innovation can be great fun.”

The geographical location of NSWC PCD demonstrates the value of the Eastern Gulf Test and Training Range, the largest military test and training range in the continental United States, a national asset. The experiment took place in the Panama City Operations Area’s Surface and Subsurface Range and also highlights the multi-domain SSW operations, which play a critical role in its recent organizational re-alignment to support the U.S. Navy.

Source: United States Navy

Each institution is essential to promoting the National Call to Maritime Service by building the Department of the Navy’s civilian maritime workforce and enhancing the Navy’s warfighting capability by equipping service members through education opportunities.

“Our Navy is committed to building a diverse warfighting team of not only Sailors and Marines, but also talented civilians to bolster warfighting capabilities across the Department of the Navy that operates around the globe,” said Parker. “This begins by seeking motivated students who take interest in maritime service, in or out of uniform.”

Mr. Parker began the trip by visiting Cal State Maritime Academy and highlighting the opportunity for maritime service at a pivotal point in their education. The school offers a unique pathway to maritime service and underscores the importance of U.S. Maritime Heritage, Military Sealift Command and Military to Mariner transition.

The visit comes at a fundamental time as the Department of the Navy seeks to encourage civilian commitment to the maritime service. The Navy aims to educate Americans on the careers available to them across a broad range of industries and government agencies that directly support the United States global standing as a maritime nation.

Mr. Parker also visited the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) highlighting the school’s recent successes and progress implementing the Secretary of the Navy’s Naval Education Strategy, such as the efforts modernizing education programs, and enhancing partnerships. One example of the Department taking action to implement the Secretary of the Navy’s guidance is the Department’s Naval Innovation Center at NPS, which is a collaborative academic facility, applied research, and innovation capability that will bring industry, academia, and the Department together to develop technological talent throughout the total Naval Force and accelerate the creation of relevant defense solutions at speed and scale. The Naval Innovation Center at NPS will provide a venue for NPS

students and faculty to further hone innovative research and an intellectual edge that will permeate the fleet.

The trip culminated with a visit to the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation at Stanford University. In a partnership with the Office of Naval Research, the center features a network of national security professionals, all dedicated to mentoring and nurturing the future generation of leaders.

Education is a critical warfighter enabler and the Department of the Navy is committed to providing a range of learning opportunities for service members and the Department’s civilian workforce across the fleet.

Source: United States Navy

The symposium, sponsored in part by the Department of State as part of the U.S. International Military Education Training (IMET) program, is in direct support of the Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro’s strategic priorities to strengthen international alliances for collective defense. It also supports the “Enhance Partnerships” objective in the Naval Education Strategy by offering opportunities to learn alongside our allies and partners, which is a key component to succeeding in deterring conflict and the strategic power competition.

“In so many ways, [educational institutions] are the engines of what happens in the future,” said Adm. Stuart Munsch, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples, during his welcoming remarks. “They not only equip individuals with the skill sets to think about particular knowledge areas but, more broadly, to think critically and strategically. These institutions are what provide this foundation for our future, and the Naval Postgraduate School is among them.”

Building on the Indo-Pacific NPS Alumni Symposium held last year, the European symposium agenda spanned a full three days, packed with plenary sessions, panels, and keynote addresses, which included discussions ranging from energy security and space systems to contested logistics and climate change. NPS faculty presented and discussed cutting-edge research in emerging defense technologies, furthering academic collaboration, shared learning, and strategic engagement with international partners.

Beyond the formal sessions and professional exchange, the symposium also provided an opportunity to advance important relationships, maritime statecraft, and reconnect NPS with its global community of alumni.

“These relationships matter and continuing to cultivate them matters because our alumni network is a vital resource,” said U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, Supreme Allied Commander and Commander, U.S. European Command. “It provides us with an unparalleled opportunity to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and foster innovation all around the globe.”

In addition to robust discussions on security and defense, participants valued the chance to reconnect with former classmates, professors, and new colleagues from across Europe.

“NPS helped us reach a deeper understanding of where we’re going together. In terms of cooperative security and collective defense right now, NPS is very well represented in key positions in NATO, not only in the operational side of the house but also in the future planning,” said Maj. Gen. Claudiu Dobocan, commander, Romanian Special Operations Command and a 2004 NPS Defense Analysis graduate. “NPS is on the forefront for relation building but also on the front of conceptual theories which will push forward NATO and U.S. instruments.”

Among the many discussions held during the event, one key session focused on climate and energy security in Europe, featuring panelist Kristen Fletcher of NPS’ Energy Academic Group who highlighted important ongoing research in the field. Symposium attendees and NPS faculty visited the Schneefernerhaus Environmental Research Station, Germany’s highest environmental research facility, where they learned about the facility’s history and ongoing climate research, which furthered the discussion.

“This symposium has given us the chance to share global perspectives on climate security,” Fletcher said. “The research shared with us today on increasing greenhouse gas emissions, along with physical observations of a nearly depleted glacier, highlights the need for awareness and partnerships to understand the impacts of climate change on military missions.”

As the symposium concluded, participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to reunite with old colleagues, meet new ones, and discuss shared challenges and opportunities for collaboration.

NPS attracts students from around the globe, advancing their skills while also supporting the development of enduring personal connections. International alumni symposiums focus on strengthening those relationships while addressing present-day challenges, reaffirming the collective dedication to global security.

“NPS gives us the opportunity to connect people from different countries, different cultures, building trust and the feeling that we are stronger together,” said 2024 Security Studies graduate Tea Nikolashvili, director, Defense Institution Building School, Ministry of Defense, Georgia. “Symposiums like this are an additional opportunity for us to communicate with our peers and widen our perspectives as well as build professional networks, supporting both national and international security objectives and implementation processes.”

The event was organized by NPS’ International Graduate Programs Office (IGPO) with additional support from the NPS Foundation and Alumni Association. More than 7,000 students from nearly 130 countries have graduated from NPS since 1954. 

“None of us are as strong as all of us,” said Danial Pick, director of IGPO. “Allied countries send their best to NPS, and they contribute so much to our learning beyond their coursework and research to enhance our culture and strengthen future alliances, which are so important today.” 

Through the institution’s unique, defense-focused graduate education and research programs and a student body reaching all corners of the globe, NPS continues to drive knowledge and relevant innovation to enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States as well as its international partners. 

“It was a privilege to collaborate with senior military representatives and NPS alumni from around the globe to discuss and execute the importance of strategic engagement among international partners,” said NPS President retired Vice. Adm. Ann Rondeau. “I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone who worked diligently to ensure the symposium was a success, especially to the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies and Director retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Barre R. Seguin for graciously co-hosting our first NPS European International Alumni Symposium – it was a great team effort!” 

NPS, located in Monterey, California, provides defense-focused graduate education, including classified studies and interdisciplinary research, to advance the operational effectiveness, technological leadership, and warfighting advantage of the Naval service. Established in 1909, NPS offers master’s and doctorate programs to Department of Defense military and civilians, along with international partners, to deliver transformative solutions and innovative leaders through advanced education and research. For more information, visit NPS at https://nps.edu.

Check out highlights and hear from symposium attendees in this recap of NPS’ first-ever European International Alumni Symposium, https://youtu.be/KSJq5QHAoC8. 

Source: United States Navy

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) James Honea traveled to the Gulf Coast, Oct. 24-25, to engage with active and reserve Sailors and Navy civilians serving in America’s Warfighting Navy.

This visit underscores the CNO and MCPON’s commitment to warfighting, warfighters and the foundation that supports them.

“Our greatest strength in our Navy is our people,” said Franchetti. “We can have great technology, great platforms, and all the best equipment around the world, but without our amazing people to operate it, we can’t go anywhere or do anything.”

At Naval Support Activity (NSA) Panama City, Franchetti and Honea had the opportunity to visit Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Panama City Division to observe the latest advancements in integrating robotic and autonomous systems in littoral operations and hold discussions with experts in the field about how their work advances one of the Project 33 targets outlined in CNO’s Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy: “Operationalize robotic and autonomous systems: Move proven systems into the hands of the warfighters.”

“Our Sailors assigned in the area possess the education and skills that undoubtedly improve our readiness and enhance our warfighting advantage,” said Honea.

The CNO expressed her appreciation for the innovative work being done.

“I am inspired by the remarkable technological advancements and the dedication of our Sailors and civilians. The Gulf Coast is home to some of the Navy’s most innovative and talented individuals, and it was an honor to witness their achievements firsthand,” said Franchetti. “Our investments in unmanned warfare technologies are critical to maintaining our maritime superiority and ensuring the safety and security of our Nation.”

The leaders also visited the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, which trains military divers from all branches. The center includes diving simulation facilities that can reach depths of 300 feet, along with an aquatics training facility that features the second-largest pool in the U.S.

CNO and MCPON continued their visit at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola engaging with students and staff at Information Warfare Training Command Corry Station. This interaction provided an invaluable opportunity for them to gain insights into the training and education of the Navy’s information warfare professionals.

MCPON commended the students for their dedication and highlighted the vital role the Navy’s information warriors play in providing warfighting capabilities from the seabed to space.

“Our Sailors assigned in the area possess the education and skills that undoubtedly improve our readiness and enhance our warfighting advantage,” said Honea.

Next, the CNO presided over a winging ceremony at NAS Pensacola, where she had the honor of presenting 36 “wings of gold” to new pilots, naval flight officers, and an air vehicle pilot. The ceremony is a tradition that marks the completion of a student’s training and their official designation as a naval aviator. The CNO expressed her pride in the newly winged aviators and their commitment to upholding the highest standards of excellence in naval aviation.

“I’d like to leave you with one final thought. The skill sets, tactics, and training you’ve learned during flight school will stay with you for the rest of your lives, forming the foundation of your careers,” said Franchetti. “Remember the importance of Crew Resource Management and Operational Risk Management, and never forget to aviate, navigate, and communicate.”

Following the winging ceremony CNO and MCPON hosted a roundtable discussion with Pensacola area Major Commanders and their senior enlisted leaders to discuss the NAVPLAN and gain their perspective on the experiences of our Sailors, civilians, and families in the “cradle of naval aviation.”  They also conducted all hands calls at Panama City, Corry Station, and NAS Pensacola.
 

They closed out their trip with a visit to the Transaction Service Center (TSC) Pensacola, where CNO and MCPON met with the Sailors and Navy civilians responsible for overseeing all East Coast gains, losses, and military pay, expressing gratitude for their essential work.

Last year, TSC Pensacola utilized the Get Real Get Better toolset, achieving 99.9 percent accuracy in Sailor pay. This milestone was reached by expanding Human Resources (HR) Service Center workflows, enhancing command triad visibility of Sailor pay and HR professional performance, and collaborating closely with Fleet Commanders.

NAS Pensacola, the proud home of the Blue Angels, will host the NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show, featuring a combined performance with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, on Nov. 1-2, 2024. This event is one of Pensacola’s largest, attracting between 150,000 and 180,000 spectators over the two days. Admission is free and open to the public, with gates opening at 8 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating, or they can opt for paid seating available for purchase.

Source: United States Navy

In line with this year’s NDEAM theme, “Access to Good Jobs for All,” the DON has developed an array of targeted initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the importance of disability inclusion in the workplace and promoting available opportunities for IWD. The DON’s own theme is “Your Abilities. Our Mission. One Team.”

“National Disability Employment Awareness Month is an important opportunity for us to celebrate the talents and skills that individuals with disabilities bring to our workforce,” said Robert Hogue, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs and DON IWD Champions Council Chair. “Our campaign reflects our commitment to harnessing the individual talent and value of our people, regardless of disability, ensuring equal opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission.”

This is part the DON’s ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive and supportive environment that values the contributions of all individuals, including those with disabilities. Demonstrating this commitment, the DON established an IWD Champions Council, which is a collection of Senior Executive leaders taking actionable steps to target recruitment of IWD and promoting a more accessible work environment with accommodations in place necessary for successful employment.

For more information on this initiative, please visit https://www.secnav.navy.mil/navalciviliancareers/Pages/Individuals-with-Disabilities.aspx and youtube.com/@NavalCivilianCareers to view more material showcasing the stories and contributions of DON civilian employees with disabilities, highlighting their critical roles in supporting the mission of the Navy and Marine Corps