Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, MS in Systems Analysis ’15, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, returned to NPS campus to deliver a Secretary of the Navy Guest Lecture and engage with students and faculty on key research supporting the Indo-Pacific region. Paparo emphasized the importance of NPS in preparing leaders to address modern security challenges.
During his visit, Paparo reviewed projects on unmanned systems and force sustainment and discussed the role of artificial intelligence, electronic warfare and space operations in future conflicts. He highlighted the necessity of innovation, collaboration with industry, and the strategic value of NPS in advancing defense capabilities. Read more.
“I can clearly see the importance of NPS today. First, its students have a unique understanding of warfare, second is its geography in such close proximity to the hub of innovation for the world, and third you are in the Pacific – where I need you most.” - Adm. Paparo
As part of the Navy’s Trident Warrior 24 experiment, NPS researchers, led by Dr. Scott Jasper, demonstrated the implementation of Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) in unmanned surface vessels (USVs). This effort directly addressed critical cybersecurity gaps and tested defense solutions in real-world operational environments.
Key Impacts:
Securing Unmanned Systems: Applied ZTA principles—authenticate, authorize, and encrypt—to protect remote operations of USVs, ensuring they remain secure against internal and external cyber threats.
Mitigating Real-World Vulnerabilities: Addressed the risk of cyber intrusions on systems increasingly used for reconnaissance, delivery, and maritime operations.
Operational Testing: Provided a proof of concept for deploying ZTA afloat on small, remote systems, offering a scalable solution for broader fleet adoption.
Industry-DOD Collaboration: Integrated expertise from PMW 130, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, and industry leaders Microsoft and Dell to overcome technical challenges.
This research delivers actionable solutions to strengthen the cybersecurity of autonomous systems, a critical need as adversaries develop more sophisticated cyber capabilities. By safeguarding data integrity and operational control, ZTA implementation ensures unmanned systems can reliably perform their roles in high-stakes environments, protecting fleet missions and national security.
Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta delivered a powerful keynote at NPS' Fall 2024 commencement, recognizing the achievements of 248 graduates from U.S. and international military and civilian sectors. Panetta emphasized the critical role of leadership and the importance of NPS in addressing global security challenges. Read more.
Ocean Power Technologies has finalized the assembly of its AI-capable PowerBuoy for NPS. Featuring advanced subsea sensors, AT&T 5G technology and OPT’s Merrows suite, the system is designed to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness. Once deployed in early 2025, the PowerBuoy will support autonomous monitoring and data collection. Read more.
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Capt. Lucas Vancina, MS in Computer Science '24, is contributing to the Marine Corps' tactical 5G efforts, focusing on secure, mobile networks to support Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations. Lt. Col. Benjamin Pimentel, MS in Electrical Engineering '13 & PhD in Information Sciences ‘22, played a key role in exploring the integration of 5G technologies, leveraging his expertise as a senior technical research analyst with Combat Development and Integration. The initiative demonstrated the potential of 5G to improve battlefield communications and support joint operations. Future plans include establishing a 5G-focused lab to advance this critical technology. Read more.
Nearly 80 high school students and their parents gathered at NPS, with 50 more joining online, to explore naval STEM internships through the Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program. Led by Dr. Jen Carson, NPS' new STEM Director, the event connected students with faculty mentors to discuss real-world research opportunities. Participants selected projects aligned with their interests, showcasing their enthusiasm and potential as the next generation of STEM leaders. Read more.
The Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC) has awarded accreditation to four NPS project management degree programs, including the Master of Science in Defense Program Management andAdvanced Acquisition Studies certificates. As the only defense-focused programs of their kind, these degrees equip graduates with advanced skills and globally recognized certifications, driving innovation and readiness across the Navy and DOD. Read more.
Naval Postgraduate School students, alumni, faculty and staff are actively engaged in impactful discussions across a spectrum of critical topics, reflecting the expertise of the individuals and the institution's contributions to addressing defense and national security challenges.
By Adm. Sam Paparo, MS in Systems Analysis ‘15
The United States strives to maintain regional stability and safeguard the sovereign rights of all nations in the Indo-Pacific—the most consequential theater of operations for the 21st century. China, Russia and North Korea are threatening that stability and security.
The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral Lisa Franchetti’s Navigation Plan 2024 (NavPlan) and its implementation plan, Project 33, set aggressive and necessary goals to improve readiness and prepare for crisis or conflict by 2027—just two years in the future. There can be no bluffing when it comes to deterring adversaries and assuring allies. The U.S. joint force must have unilateral combat capability and the combined power with its allies and partners to fight and win. Project 33 is enhancing those efforts and capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, and I am confident it will give us the capability and capacity to prevail. Read more.
By Eric Brown, MS in Defense Analysis ‘15
By Jihoon Yu, MA in National Security Affairs ‘06
Interview with David Brannan, Sr. Professor, CHDS
By Wade Huntley, Sr. Lecturer, National Security Affairs, Yosep Kim, Student, Security Studies
By David Riedman, MA in National Security Affairs ‘15
Quoted – Brenda Shaffer, Faculty Associate for Research, Energy Academic Group
By retired Capt. John Cordle and retired Cmdr. Robert du Mont III, MS in Management (Manpower Systems Analysis) ‘97
We remember and celebrate the life of Robert "Bob" E. Rice, whose enduring contributions to the Naval Postgraduate School Foundation and the communities he touched will never be forgotten. As a former Trustee of theFoundation, Bob’s passion for education, leadership and service inspired initiatives that strengthened the NPS community and beyond.
Bob’s life was marked by extraordinary achievements—a distinguished career in broadcasting, a commitment to building stronger communities, and a dedication to lifelong learning. His leadership and kindness earned him the respect and admiration of all who had the honor of working alongside him.
Our thoughts are with Bob’s wife, Sandy and his family as we honor his legacy. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Washington DistrictLibrary, the Little Free Library or the Naval Postgraduate School Foundation.
Lt. Gen. Gregory K. Anderson assumed command of the XVIII Airborne Corps at Hercules Gym, Fort Liberty, on Dec. 6, 2024. Anderson recently served as the Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York. His career spans a variety of command and leadership roles, from platoon leader to division commander.
Vietnam POW Cmdr. (Ret.) Everett Alvarez Jr., MS Operations Research ‘76, has been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor bestowed by Congress. This prestigious recognition celebrates his extraordinary courage and service, including his time as a POW during the Vietnam War. Learn more about his remarkable journey and enduring legacy.
Christopher Meyer, MS in Logistics ‘00, joined the Institute for Defense Analyses as an Adjunct Research Staff Member in the Strategy, Forces and Resources Division of IDA’s Systems and Analyses Center. IDA is a nonprofit corporation that operates three federally funded research and development centers in the public interest.
Katherine "Katie" Jeffery, a Hanscom Air Force Base cost analyst, accepted the Business Cost Estimating Individual Achievement Award presented at the Defense Acquisition Awards ceremony Dec. 11. Jeffery, Master of Cost Estimating and Analysis ’21, is the program office cost lead for the Electronic Systems Directorate’s Theater Battle Control Division Long Range Radar Branch.
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