Select Criteria: Tracks = Panel Session

Tuesday, January 28, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

WEST Primary Stage Panel: Are Warfare Community Leaders Able to Advance Operational Capabilities in the Current Environment?
  • Room: Primary Stage (Hall C)
In today’s rapidly evolving global security environment, Sea Service community leaders are at the forefront of advancing operational capabilities to ensure U.S. military superiority and readiness. China as the pacing threat, plus Russia, North Korea, Iran, and their proxies all present an increasing array of complex, multi-domain threats, and these senior leaders are driving innovative approaches in how they train, equip, and maintain their forces for operational deployment. This session will explore how these commanders are adapting their operational strategies to meet the demands of modern warfare—preserving peace, responding in crisis, and winning decisively in combat. Navy panelists will discuss their... ...read more...
Speaker(s)
Moderator (confirmed)
VADM Peter H. Daly, USN (Ret.)
Former CEO and Publisher
U.S. Naval Institute
Panelist (confirmed)
RDML Brad Andros, USN
Commander
Navy Expeditionary Combat Command
Panelist (confirmed)
LtGen Eric E. Austin, USMC
Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command
Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration
Panelist (confirmed)
VADM Daniel L. Cheever, USN
Commander, Naval Air Forces
Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
Panelist (confirmed)
VADM Robert (Rob) M. Gaucher, USN
Commander, Naval Submarine Forces
Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet/Commander, Allied Submarine Command
Panelist (confirmed)
VADM Brendan R. McLane, USN
Commander, Naval Surface Forces
Commander, Naval Surface Force, Pacific Fleet
Panelist (confirmed)
RADM Milton J. Sands III, USN
Commander
Naval Special Warfare Command
Panelist (confirmed)
VADM Michael (Mike) Vernazza, USN
Commander
Naval Information Forces
Tracks:
Sponsored by:

    Tuesday, January 28, 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

    Panel: What Lessons Are We Learning from Ukraine and the Red Sea and How Will They Drive Future Requirements?
    • Room: Operations in Focus Stage (Sails Pavilion)
    The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the complex security environment in the Red Sea have highlighted new challenges and strategic dynamics that are reshaping the future of global military operations. From the evolving tactics in conventional warfare to the growing importance of naval power in contested regions, these events offer valuable lessons on how the U.S. and its allies must adapt their forces and strategies to stay ahead. This session will offer key insights from senior leaders on how these two pivotal theaters are informing future requirements for U.S. military readiness. Watch Livestream ...
    Speaker(s)
    Moderator (confirmed)
    ADM James (Sandy) A. Winnefeld Jr., USN (Ret.)
    Former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
    Department of Defense
    Panelist (confirmed)
    VADM Daniel W. Dwyer, USN
    Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans, and Strategy, and Warfighting Development, N3/N5/N7
    Panelist (confirmed)
    RDML Michael S. Mattis, USN
    Commander, Task Force 66; Director, Strategic Effects
    U.S. Naval Forces Europe; U.S. Naval Forces Africa
    Tracks:

      Tuesday, January 28, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

      Panel: Marine Corps Network Modernization
      • Room: Sharpening Our Competitive Edge Stage (Hall C)
      USMC is in a driving towards a unified network at echelon. This panel will lay the progress the policy/governance, acquisition, technology and operational perspectives and inform the industry partners on areas where we can gain further advantages through further transport agnostic, data centric, cyber secure, and have reduce the signature footprint. Watch video...
      Speaker(s)
      Panelist (confirmed)
      Daniel Corbin, Ph.D.
      DC(I) C4 Technical Director
      USMC Senior Information Security Official
      Panelist (confirmed)
      Gaurang Dave
      Cyber Technology Officer
      Marine Corps Systems Command
      Panelist (confirmed)
      Keegan Mills
      Engineering IT & Cyber Tech Lead
      Marine Corps Systems Command
      Panelist (confirmed)
      Shery S. Thomas
      Cyber Technology Officer
      U.S. Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command
      Tracks:

        Tuesday, January 28, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

        Panel: Preparing the Forward Deployed Force to Meet High-End Threats
        • Room: Operations in Focus Stage (Sails Pavilion)
        This panel will discuss changes in Navy/Marine Corps fleet training to prepare carrier strike groups, expeditionary strike groups, and Marine air-ground task forces for deployment to today’s high-threat areas and possible combat operations. Watch Livestream...
        Speaker(s)
        Moderator (confirmed)
        CAPT William (Bill) Hamblet, USN (Ret.)
        Editor-In-Chief, Proceedings
        U.S. Naval Institute
        Panelist (confirmed)
        RADM Joseph F. Cahill III, USN
        Commander
        Naval Surface Force Atlantic
        Panelist (confirmed)
        LtGen Michael S. Cederholm, USMC
        Commanding General
        I Marine Expeditionary Force
        Panelist (confirmed)
        VADM John F. G. Wade, USN
        Commander
        U.S. THIRD Fleet
        Panelist (confirmed)
        LtGen Calvert L. Worth, Jr., USMC
        Commanding General
        II Marine Expeditionary Force
        Tracks:

          Tuesday, January 28, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

          Panel: AI - Enabled Warfighters and Warfighting: Foundations for Talent and Technology at Speed and Scale
          • Room: Defense in Depth Stage (Hall A)
          Breakthroughs in AI and related applications are dramatically and rapidly changing the character of war. Can we match pace? How quicky and how well we operationalize AI-enabled decision-support tools, robotic autonomous systems, and associated capabilities has profound implications for how we fight as well as how we develop and acquire capability, maintain and sustain systems, train and retain the talent we need. We must adapt and innovate at the “speed of technology” to prevail.  What are the cornerstones of our new foundation as we develop AI talent and technology at faster speed and at greater scale? Watch video...
          Speaker(s)
          Moderator (confirmed)
          VADM Ann E. Rondeau, USN (Ret.)
          President
          Naval Postgraduate School
          Panelist (confirmed)
          RADM Mike Brookes, USN
          Commander, Office of Naval Intelligence
          Director, National Maritime Intelligence-Integration Office
          Panelist (confirmed)
          Capt Ace Padilla, USMC
          Operations Analysis Masters Student
          Naval Postgraduate School
          Panelist (confirmed)
          LTC Charlie Rowan, USA
          Interim Director & Assistant Professor
          The MOVES Institute, Naval Postgraduate School
          Panelist (confirmed)
          LT Artem Sherbinin, USN
          Chief Technology Officer, Task Force Hopper
          U.S. Naval Service Forces
          Panelist (confirmed)
          RADM Christopher Sweeney, USN
          Director, Integrated Warfare (N9I) Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
          Tracks:
            Panel: How Are Current Operations Influencing Disruptive Technology and Future Requirements?
            • Room: Operations in Focus Stage (Sails Pavilion)
            As global threats intensify, traditional military systems are increasingly challenged to adapt to new forms of warfare. The nexus of current operations and disruptive technology offers an opportunity to redefine defense capabilities. In this panel, senior leaders from the military and industry will discuss how lessons learned from recent operations are influencing the development of future technologies and capabilities, ensuring they remain relevant in an ever-changing global security context. The panel will highlight industry and government partnerships essential for readiness. Watch Livestream...
            Speaker(s)
            Moderator (confirmed)
            CAPT Colin Corridan, USN
            Deputy Director, Disruptive Capabilities Office
            U.S. Navy
            Panelist (confirmed)
            VADM Michael (Mike) Connor, USN (Ret.)
            Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
            ThayerMahan
            Panelist (confirmed)
            VADM Thomas Copeman III, USN (Ret.)
            Vice President, Strategy and Naval Systems, Missiles and Fire Control
            Lockheed Martin
            Panelist (confirmed)
            VADM Bob Harward, USN (Ret.)
            Executive Vice President, International Business Development
            Shield AI
            Panelist (confirmed)
            RDML D. Wilson Marks, USN
            Commander
            Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center
            Tracks:
            Sponsored by:

              Wednesday, January 29, 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

              WEST Primary Stage Panel: Strengthening Alliances: Advancing Maritime Security and Stability in the Indo-Pacific
              • Room: Primary Stage (Hall C)
              The Indo-Pacific region is the center of gravity in the 21st century’s global security landscape, where partnerships and alliances are vital for maintaining stability and deterring aggression. This panel brings together senior naval leaders from key allied and partner nations to discuss how shared goals, interoperability, and collaborative operations are shaping the strategic environment in the region. Panelists will address the challenges and opportunities of working together to counter common threats, enhance maritime security, and sustain a rules-based order. The discussion will also explore how evolving partnerships, such as AUKUS, and deepened bilateral ties are redefining defense strategies in the... ...read more...
              Speaker(s)
              Moderator (confirmed)
              ADM Harry B. Harris Jr., USN (Ret.)
              Former Commander, U.S. Pacific Command
              Former Ambassador to the Republic of South Korea (2018 – 2021)
              Panelist (confirmed)
              RADM Stephen Hughes, AM, CSC, RAN
              Head Navy Capability
              Panelist (confirmed)
              ADM Stephen T. (Web) Koehler, USN
              Commander
              U.S. Pacific Fleet
              Panelist (confirmed)
              RAdm James Parkin, CBE, RN
              Navy Director Develop
              Royal Navy United Kingdom
              Tracks:
              Sponsored by:

                Wednesday, January 29, 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM

                WEST Primary Stage Panel: Resourcing the Sea Services to Stay Ahead of Emerging Threats
                • Room: Primary Stage (Hall C)
                In this critical panel session, a key member of the House Armed Services Committee and leaders from the Navy and Marine Corps will examine whether the Sea Services are sufficiently funded and equipped to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Together, these leaders will engage in an open discussion on the fiscal, strategic, and technological challenges of staying ahead of emerging threats, the balance between readiness and innovation, and the roles Congress plays in ensuring the Sea Services are ready to defend U.S. interests in the maritime domain. It is also an opportunity to discuss the process and plans... ...read more...
                Speaker(s)
                Moderator (confirmed)
                ADM Jonathan W. Greenert, USN (Ret.)
                Former Chief of Naval Operations
                Department of Defense
                Panelist (confirmed)
                Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT)
                Member, House Armed Services Committee
                Ranking Member, Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee
                Panelist (confirmed)
                VADM John B. Skillman, USN
                Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources, N8
                Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
                Tracks:
                Sponsored by:

                  Wednesday, January 29, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

                  Panel: How Are Current Operations in the Western Pacific Reshaping the Future Fight?
                  • Room: Operations In Focus Stage (Sails Pavilion)
                  The Indo-Pacific theater remains a strategic focal point, with the Seventh Fleet at the forefront of regional deterrence and engagement. As partnerships with allies like Japan and Australia deepen, fleet operations are shaping the way the U.S. Navy and its allies approach the future fight. In this panel, fleet leaders will discuss the role of regional partnerships, mine warfare, and strategic planning in building an agile, capable force to address the distinct challenges of the Indo-Pacific.  Watch Livestream...
                  Speaker(s)
                  Moderator (confirmed)
                  VADM William (Bill) R. Merz, USN (Ret.)
                  Former Commander
                  U.S. SEVENTH Fleet
                  Panelist (confirmed)
                  VADM Fred W. Kacher, USN
                  Commander
                  U.S. SEVENTH Fleet
                  Panelist (confirmed)
                  Rear Admiral S.M. Waddell, RCN
                  Deputy Commander
                  Royal Canadian Navy
                  Tracks:

                    Wednesday, January 29, 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

                    Panel: Speed to Fleet: Prioritizing Capabilities to the Fleet
                    • Room: Defense in Depth Stage (Hall A)
                    Rapid technological advancements are crucial to maintaining operational readiness and sustaining forward-deployed forces. The need for efficient acquisition, swift integration, and effective sustainment methods has never been more pressing. In this panel, key defense leaders will discuss strategies for accelerating essential new capabilities to the fleet....
                    Speaker(s)
                    Moderator (confirmed)
                    The Hon. Ellen M. Lord
                    Former Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment
                    Department of Defense
                    Panelist (confirmed)
                    LtGen Eric E. Austin, USMC
                    Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command
                    Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration
                    Panelist (confirmed)
                    VADM James Pitts, USN
                    Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities, N9
                    Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
                    Tracks:

                      Wednesday, January 29, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

                      Panel: Balancing Innovation and Cybersecurity - How Can We Accelerate Capability Development Without Compromising Security?
                      • Room: Operations in Focus Stage (Sails Pavilion)
                      In parallel to the WEST conference theme, "The Future is Now: Are We Advancing Operational Capabilities That Pace the Threat?" This panel discussion will focus on a variety of questions around technology, innovation, interoperability, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) and industry's role. Senior DoD CIO, Cyber, and Information leaders will explore strategies to accelerate capability development while maintaining robust security in an increasingly complex threat environment. Panelists will discuss the challenges and opportunities of integrating cutting-edge technologies into defense operations, ensuring interoperability across domains, and building resilient, secure systems. Attendees will gain insights into how the DoD and industry... ...read more...
                      Speaker(s)
                      Moderator (confirmed)
                      LTG Susan S. Lawrence, USA (Ret.)
                      President and Chief Executive Officer
                      AFCEA International
                      Panelist (confirmed)
                      LtGen Melvin (Jerry) Carter, USMC
                      Deputy Commandant for Information
                      Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps
                      Panelist (confirmed)
                      Jane Rathbun
                      Chief Information Officer
                      Department of the Navy
                      Panelist (confirmed)
                      RDML Vince Tionquiao, USN
                      Deputy Director, Command, Control, Communications, and Computer / Cyber Systems, J6,
                      Joint Staff
                      Tracks:
                      Sponsored by:

                        Wednesday, January 29, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

                        Panel: The Strategic Value of Science and Technology - Building the Foundation for Naval Superiority
                        • Room: Defense in Depth Stage (Hall A)
                        Technological prowess is not limited to the United States and our allies. In fact, competitor nations have been on the move for decades, studying our strategies and platforms, and developing forces and tools designed to combat us. In some cases, their capabilities have improved exponentially in the last decade alone. As reflected in the Navy’s recently released Science and Technology Strategy, there are multiple areas of critical importance where we must maintain dominance. Come see how the U.S. Naval Science and Technology community is working to achieve the goals of the Naval Science and Technology Strategy, Chief of Naval Operations Navigation... ...read more...
                        Speaker(s)
                        Moderator (confirmed)
                        RDML James Rodman, Jr., USN (Ret.)
                        Chief Executive Officer
                        Mission Focused Systems Inc.
                        Panelist (confirmed)
                        CAPT Jesse H. Black, USN
                        Commanding Officer
                        U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
                        Panelist (confirmed)
                        Thomas Jones
                        Science Advisor to the Commander
                        Naval Air Forces Office of Naval Research Global
                        Panelist (confirmed)
                        Joseph Mathews
                        Superintendent, Information Technology Division
                        U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
                        Tracks:

                          Thursday, January 30, 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM

                          Panel: Future of Indo-Pacific Partner Collaboration
                          • Room: Readiness and Resilience Stage (Hall C)
                          Watch video...
                          Speaker(s)
                          Moderator (confirmed)
                          CAPT Scott Tait, USN (Ret.)
                          Executive Director, National Security Innovation Catalyst
                          University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation
                          Panelist (confirmed)
                          Commodore David Frost, RAN
                          Naval Attache
                          Royal Australian Navy
                          Panelist (confirmed)
                          CDR Alan Parker, RNZN
                          Naval Attache and Assistant Defence Attache
                          New Zealand Defence Force
                          Panelist (confirmed)
                          Commodore Roger Readwin, RN
                          Naval Attache
                          Royal Navy
                          Panelist (confirmed)
                          VADM Robert L. Thomas, Jr., USN (Ret.)
                          Lecturer
                          School of Global Policy and Strategy
                          Panelist (confirmed)
                          Rear Admiral S.M. Waddell, RCN
                          Deputy Commander
                          Royal Canadian Navy
                          Tracks:

                            Thursday, January 30, 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

                            Panel: What is Being Done to Strengthen and Secure Sea Service Capabilities that Pace the Threat?
                            • Room: Operations in Focus Stage (Sails Pavilion)
                            As global security dynamics continue to evolve, the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard face an increasingly complex array of threats—from state actors like China and Russia to emerging challenges in cyberspace, space, and irregular warfare. To maintain superiority and readiness, it’s not enough for the Sea Services to simply keep pace with these threats; they must outpace them through innovation, modernization, and strategic adaptation. This session brings together the System Commanders from the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard to discuss how they are fielding capabilities to stay ahead of current and future threats. Panelists will highlight efforts... ...read more...
                            Speaker(s)
                            Moderator (confirmed)
                            The Hon. Sean J. Stackley
                            Former Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition)
                            Department of Defense
                            Panelist (confirmed)
                            Stephen J. Bowdren, SES
                            Program Executive Officer Land Systems
                            USMC Systems Command
                            Panelist (confirmed)
                            VADM Carl P. Chebi, USN
                            Commander
                            Naval Air Systems Command
                            Panelist (confirmed)
                            Christopher Miller
                            Executive Director
                            Naval Sea Systems Command
                            Panelist (confirmed)
                            RADM Elizabeth S. (Seiko) Okano, USN
                            Commander
                            Naval Information Warfare Systems Command
                            Tracks:
                            Sponsored by:

                              Thursday, January 30, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

                              Panel: Posturing and Building Resilience for the Operational Environment
                              • Room: Readiness and Resilience Stage (Hall C)
                              I Marine Expeditionary Force’s Major Subordinate Command (MSC) Assistant Chiefs of Staff (AC/S), G-6 Communications will discuss their current efforts to posture their formations for the current operational environment and planning, training, and operational activities to build a resilient infrastructure for competition and conflict. Watch video...
                              Speaker(s)
                              Moderator (confirmed)
                              Col Kevin J. Stepp, USMC
                              AC/S G-6
                              I MEF
                              Panelist (confirmed)
                              Col Michael Anthony, USMC
                              Assistant Chief of Staff G-6
                              1st Marine Division
                              Panelist (confirmed)
                              LtCol David Becker, USMC
                              AC/S G-6
                              Marine Corps Installations West
                              Panelist (confirmed)
                              LtCol Maria Harley, USN
                              1st Marine Logistics Group
                              AC/S G-6
                              Panelist (confirmed)
                              LtCol Allen Pollard, USN
                              AC/S G-6
                              3d Marine Aircraft Wing
                              Tracks: