The NPS Annual Report 2024 demonstrates how NPS is addressing operational challenges, enhancing warfighting capabilities and strengthening deterrence through applied research and direct Fleet engagement.
In 2024, NPS made advancements in autonomy, wargaming, artificial intelligence, laser weapon systems, space-based capabilities, positioning technologies and more. Project Kraken supported Task Force 66 with classified research on Robotic Autonomous Systems and innovative acquisition processes. AI-enabled laser tracking improved target classification and response times. Space systems research expanded with CubeSat deployments, strengthening intelligence and communication capabilities. The NPS-led NWPAC wargame enhanced interoperability and operational planning in the Pacific. These advancements were made possible through strategic partnerships with industry and defense organizations.
With the Naval Innovation Center at NPS in development, these efforts will continue to evolve, ensuring the Joint Force remains ready to meet emerging challenges. Read more about these and other projects in the full report.
The challenges our Navy and nation face demand that we do more and at an accelerated pace. Driving our sense of urgency are parallel strategic imperatives: to accelerate readiness for potential near-term, high-end conflict, while strengthening our foundations that provide for long-term advantage. NPS will do its part. - VADM Ann E. Rondeau, USN (Ret), President, NPS
The Naval Postgraduate School is equipping senior DOD leaders with the knowledge and tools to integrate AI and data-driven decision-making into operations. Through the Leading Data and AI-Enabled Organizations (LEAD AI) course, NPS is shaping AI-literate leadership and accelerating the adoption of AI-enabled capabilities across the force.
This course, developed in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office and the Defense Innovation Unit, has prepared more than 300 senior military and civilian leaders to champion data-driven decision-making and implement AI solutions at scale. The course continues to strengthen the DOD’s ability to lead in an AI-enabled battlespace. Next course: March 4-6 at NPS. Learn more.
Operational Impact:
During a Feb. 4 Secretary of the Navy Guest Lecture, U.S. Navy Adm. Stuart Munsch, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, and Allied Joint Forces Command, Naples, outlined ways to gain an advantage over adversaries by utilizing greater proficiency and competency to outthink and outfight the adversary. One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the role of NPS in developing this intellectual advantage, by highlighting NPS’ unique ability to bring together students, faculty, alumni, and the broader Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem to drive learning and military advancements. Read more.
The Chief of Naval Personnel has authorized NPS Meyer Scholar graduates to be rewarded with a unique academic qualification designator (AQD) of “2C5” in their record. Meyer Scholars complete a rigorous program of combat system courses, seminars, field trips, and a thesis directly related to combat systems in addition to their graduate degree requirements, all with the objective of becoming competent and confident in their ability to employ and acquire advanced naval warfare systems. Read more.
NPS Space Systems and Meyer Scholar students visited Vandenberg Space Force Base, where they observed the successful deployment of the latest NPS CubeSat aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and received briefings on launch operations. They also toured the Missile Defense Agency's Ground-Based Interceptor facility, gaining firsthand insight into missile defense systems and interceptor production. Read more.
As NASA's Artemis program advances toward returning humans to the Moon, former NASA Administrator Dr. Michael D. Griffin and Dr. Lisa J. Porter, founding director of IARPA, provided NPS students and faculty with an insider’s look at the mission’s architecture and its implications for national defense during a Feb. 27 guest lecture. Hosted by NPS Distinguished Professor Brij Agrawal, the discussion explored how space technologies developed for Artemis contribute to distributed maritime operations and broader defense applications. Read more.
Tsiporah Fried, Senior Strategy Advisor to the French Chief of Defense, provided an exclusive look at France’s soon-to-be-released Indo-Pacific strategy during a Feb. 24 guest lecture at NPS. Hosted by the Department of National Security Affairs and facilitated by Assistant Professor Aleksandar Matovski, the discussion examined France’s strategic approach to regional security, cooperation opportunities, and emerging challenges. Fried, a respected strategic analyst, has contributed to key French defense policies and recently played a role in the AI Action Summit in Paris. Read more.
NPS Research Explores Regenerative Grazing for Military Training Lands [Podcast]
U.S. Army Special Forces Major Eric Czaja, an NPS researcher, is leading the Regenerative Grazing Open Air Lab (R-GOAL) at Camp San Luis Obispo, evaluating how adaptive grazing can reduce wildfire risks and improve land resilience on military training grounds. The project is assessing its potential for broader application across DOD-managed lands to support sustainability and mission readiness. Read more.
Endgame in Ukraine: Time for a Real Strategy
By Siamak Naficy, Senior Lecturer, NPS Department of Defense Analysis
Op-Ed: How the SHIPS for America Act can restore maritime leadership
By Senator Mark Kelly, MS in Aeronautical Engineering '94
The critical role of operational energy in military readiness and resilience [Webinar]
Featuring panelists Capt. Newt McKissick, MBA ’08, and Professor Brenda Shaffer, Faculty Associate – Research, NPS Energy Academic Group
To Be a Peacemaker and Peacekeeper, Trump Must Build Up the Navy
By Cmdr. Paul S. Giarra, USN (Ret.) & Dr. James J. Wirtz, Professor, National Security Affairs
A Threshold Moment in Terrorist Trends and Targeting?
By Bruce Hoffman, David Brannan, Professor, Center for Homeland Defense and Security, and Jacob Ware
Emergency Management has Evolved: Why the All-Hazards Era is Over
By Charles “Chas” Eby, MA in Security Studies ’12, Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of Emergency
CHDS Alum Making a Difference: Creation of a Joint Interagency Air Support Unit
Nicolas Stevens, Emergence Program ‘25
CHDS Alum Calls for Big Tech, Local Communities to Partner on Cybersecurity
Gustavo Rodriguez, MA Homeland Security ‘11
Cmdr. Steven Terjesen, MS in Mechanical Engineering '14, assumed command of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) on January 15, 2025. His prior assignments include serving as Executive Officer aboard USS Higgins (DDG 76) and Commanding Officer of USS Zephyr (PC 8).
Virginia Perkins, MS in Systems Engineering ‘19, has joined the ranks of senior executives as the Chief Engineer for the Missile Defense Agency. With a distinguished career in defense systems engineering, she brings extensive expertise in missile defense technologies and program development. Her leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing MDA’s mission to enhance national security.
Vice Adm. Timothy “TJ” White, USN (Ret.), MS in Systems Technology '95, and NWSI Professor of Practice, has joined Academy Securities' Advisory Board and Geopolitical Intelligence Group. After over 30 years of service, he now applies his expertise from his final role as Commander of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet, where he oversees naval cyber operations and safeguards national security interests in the digital domain.
Craig Cooper, MA in Security Studies ‘21, retired Special Operations Chief from the Las Vegas Fire Department, co-founded Neurova Labs to pioneer VR-based treatments for neurological trauma, including TBI and PTSD. His work aims to revolutionize mental health care through cutting-edge neurotechnology and immersive therapy solutions.
Nitin Natarajan, MS in Security Studies ‘07, former Deputy Director of CISA, has launched NN Global to enhance cybersecurity, emergency management, and resilience strategies.
Rear Adm. Kevin Sweeney, USN (Ret.), MS in Financial Management '92, has been appointed to the Board of Directors at Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc., bringing decades of defense and maritime leadership to the company.
Colonel Matthew Hanley, MA Security Studies ‘15, Virginia State Police, has been appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin as the new Superintendent of the Virginia State Police, bringing extensive law enforcement and homeland security experience to the role.
Nabeela Barbari, MS in Security Studies ‘18, has joined General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) as Vice President of its Cyber, Law Enforcement, Intelligence, and Citizenship Business Area, leveraging her extensive homeland security and counterterrorism expertise to drive strategic initiatives.
Guy Torres, MS in Management ‘97, has been named Acting Chief Procurement Officer at the IRS, where he will oversee acquisition strategies and procurement operations to support the agency’s mission.
Joint Chiefs Chair CQ Brown, CNO Franchetti Relieved, VCNO Kilby to Lead in Interim
In a Feb. 22 statement to the fleet, Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby said he will perform the duties of the chief of naval operations until a new CNO is appointed.
“The work of our Navy continues without disruption. We will sustain forward-deployed lethal forces that enhance the peace and deter our adversaries. We remain focused on improving lethality, strengthening our warfighters, and readying our platform. We will continue to do what the Navy does best: deliver warfighting advantage for the Nation.”
House narrowly passes budget resolution containing $100B for defense
Hegseth draft memo lays out software acquisition reform push
Pentagon may break up tech offices in acquisition-policy shift
Senate confirms Daniel Driscoll as new Army secretary
Black Sea Conflict Informing U.S. Navy Unmanned Systems, Says Admiral
Wargame to Build a Lethal Hybrid Fleet
Avoiding the Fate of Goliath: A Digital-First Approach to Modern Warfare
