Naval Postgraduate School

09/01/2026

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Steven Nelson, a student in NPS’ Applied Design for Innovation program, was one of four Airmen recognized by USAF Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach with the Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award.

“To have your name associated with one of the greatest heroes in Air Force history is one of the highest honors our service can give you,” Wilsbach said during an award ceremony early this Summer. “Each of you has made an impact on your units, your teammates, and the mission. Your actions strengthened readiness and helped generate combat power for our Air Force."

Nelson’s selection for the award recognized his service as flight chief and wing survival, evasion, resistance and escape (SERE) superintendent for the 1st Special Operations Support Squadron (1SOSS). There, he guided the Air Force's largest operational SERE flight, directed global training and deployments, and his overhaul of SERE field training standards established a new Air Force-wide benchmark.

As he nears the halfway point in his NPS master’s program, Nelson hopes his thesis research will build upon the work he was recognized for.

“My research will be connected to the SERE career field, but not for SERE training standards,” he explained. “I wanted to focus on a bigger impact that would positively affect not just SERE, but warfighters writ large. Taking a broader approach, my work will focus on personnel recovery and how we could improve the warfighter's chance through a more proactive approach.”

Recognizing exceptional leadership in both service and conduct, the Sijan Award is named in honor of Capt. Lance P. Sijan, an Air Force fighter pilot who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism and resilience while a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.

Receiving this award is “truly an honor, and I am grateful for the opportunity,” Nelson said, “but I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the 1SOSS and, specifically, all the Airmen in aircrew training who helped me get here, because without them, this wouldn’t be possible.”

• Learn more about the Sijan Award: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4501378/four-airmen-honored-with-lance-p-sijan-leadership-award/
• More about NPS’ Applied Design for Innovation program: https://nps.edu/web/da/programs-of-study

U.S. Navy | U.S. Marine Corps | United States Air Force | Air Force Special Operations Command | Hurlburt Field

08/31/2026

Passive ocean acoustic neural networks and novel cyber security defensive operations are just the beginning!

Today on Federal News Network’s Federal Drive program, NPS Vice Provost for Warfare Studies and AI Task Force lead U.S. Navy Capt. Michael Owen discussed some of the school’s initial research efforts to capitalize on the recent installation of an NVIDIA DGX GB300 AI supercomputer.

⬇️ Check out the full interview to learn more! ⬇️

U.S. Navy | U.S. Marine Corps | NVIDIA | Federal News Network

This is not the first time that a technology giant, if you will, has seen the need to partner… with the Naval Postgraduate school," said Capt.

08/28/2026

Last day to submit your proposals for JIFX 27-1!

Preparations are underway for the next Joint Interagency Field Experimentation (JIFX) event … If you've been thinking about testing an emerging defense capability, now is the time to submit your experiment!

• Learn more about JIFX, check out recent events, and submit your proposal at: https://nps.edu/web/fx/home

U.S. Navy | U.S. Marine Corps | Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao | The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

08/27/2026

The U.S. Department of War set the imperative in its DOW AI Strategy — the military must be an AI-first warfighting force. U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Archie Bass is advancing this effort, exploring the potential for machine learning to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the intelligence targeting process, and his initial research is gaining attention and accolades.

Bass’ thesis is split into two parts. The first is an in-depth analysis of each step of the Joint Targeting Cycle, evaluating individual tasks against AI capabilities. His goal is to establish a sound analytical framework, grounded in doctrine, that optimizes human-machine teaming in targeting operations.

“In an era of ubiquitous technical surveillance, persistent collections, and hybrid threats, intelligence analysts cannot keep pace with the volume of reporting required to build and maintain target networks,” Bass explains, leaving analysts challenged to deliver “ruthlessly accurate assessments at the speed of relevance.”

“As we work to implement AI into our processes, leaders are being asked to make decisions on AI adoption without a deliberate process for risk assessment,” Bass continued. “My methodology provides a framework to break down a military workflow and identify the risks associated with AI adoption at each step.”

Bass presented his framework during last month’s European Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security, one of seven NPS student projects shared at the conference. Bass’ work was recognized by his academic peers with the event’s top research poster award.

Up next, Bass begins the second phase of his research to operationalize the work. Through a cooperative research partnership between U.S. Special Operations Command and Incerta Intelligence, Bass will be utilizing the capabilities of NPS’ CORE Lab to deliver tools analysts can use.

“We are developing a platform that allows analysts to ingest large volumes of multi-int material and make sense of that information to better inform commanders' decision-making,” Bass said. “The goal is to work with U.S. government agencies ... to synchronize our efforts to solve this persistent problem by transitioning this to a program of record and getting a solution to the force.”

Bass’ recent selection of a Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC-PAC) Fellowship will provide him with additional mentorship and broader access to naval assets to further support this work.

• More about NPS’ Department of Defense Analysis: https://nps.edu/web/da

U.S. Navy | U.S. Marine Corps | United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) | Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) | Marine Forces Special Operations Command | U.S. Department of War

08/26/2026

This week, the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) proudly hosted senior leaders across U.S. Pacific Command for a commander’s conference focused on aligning operational priorities and strengthening the partnerships necessary to rapidly develop and field capabilities across the Indo-Pacific.

“It was a privilege and honor to host industry and military leaders at NPS to reinforce our American advantage and build deterrence through strength and deep partnerships,” said NPS President retired Vice Adm. Ann Rondeau.

NPS’ role in developing operationally experienced military leaders and connecting real-world challenges with advanced education, applied research, innovation, and industry partnerships provided a productive environment for conference discussions, building on the school’s longstanding relationship with the operational forces and its role in developing leaders and advancing research in support of national security.

⬇️ Check out today’s release from U.S. Pacific Command for a full report.

U.S. Navy | U.S. Marine Corps | The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations | Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao | U.S. Pacific Fleet

Senior commanders from across U.S. Pacific Command convened at the Naval Postgraduate School Aug. 24-26 for a commander’s conference focused on aligning operational priorities and strengthening the partnerships needed to rapidly develop and field capabilities across the Indo-Pacific.

🔗 https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Articles/Article/4583916/us-pacific-command-commanders-convene-at-naval-postgraduate-school-to-accelerat/

08/25/2026

At NPS, a patented innovation is more than just an invention, it’s a solution to a warfighting challenge. But transitioning these inventions into capabilities that can be fielded by warfighters requires partners.

NPS’ Office of Research and Innovation is accelerating that transition through a series of reverse pitch events, where NPS inventors showcase their discoveries to potential industry partners, investors and technologists.

Up next, the Lab-to-Launch BlueTech Nexus — Sept. 22 at Hopkins Marine Station in Monterey, 6:00 p.m. — will showcase several leading edge maritime and defense innovations by NPS inventors as well as our educational partners. And registration is still open!

A preview of some of the technologies to be featured …

➡ Water Submersion Detection Switch – A compact water-activated sensor that automatically triggers a connected device or system when personnel or equipment are partially or fully submerged. By enabling immediate response, this invention enhances safety, protects equipment, and supports maritime and autonomous-system operations.

➡ Spatial-Temporal Photogrammetry System – Unstable drone and aircraft video makes real-time measurements challenging. The Spatial Temporal Photogrammetry System uses direct, kinetic image motion compensation and geo-referencing to turn these aerial platforms into a data-gathering powerhouse with precision, repeatability, and lower costs.

• Learn about all the technologies to be pitched at BlueTech Nexus and register to attend: fleetwerx.org/opportunities-new/bluetech-nexus
• More about patents at NPS: nps.edu/web/research/patents

U.S. Navy | U.S. Marine Corps | Stanford University | California State University, Monterey Bay | TechLink | Naval Postgraduate School Foundation & Alumni Association

08/24/2026

What happens when operational experience meets innovation?

At the Warfare Innovation Continuum (WIC) Workshop, operationally experienced NPS students work alongside faculty, government leaders, and industry experts to explore emerging concepts that could help shape the future naval force.

This year's "Naval Forge 20XX" theme examines the Navy's Hedge Strategy and challenges participants to think through how AI, autonomy, robotics, and modular force packages can generate combat advantage in an increasingly complex security environment.

WIC Workshop | Sept. 21-24 | In person or online

• Learn more and register for this year's WIC Workshop: https://event.nps.edu/conf/app/NWSI/home #!/page/830?c=81

U.S. Navy | U.S. Marine Corps | The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations | Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao

08/21/2026

The institution is deeply saddened to share the passing of Dr. James G. Roche, a naval officer, Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) alumnus, and one of the first inductees into the NPS Hall of Fame when it was formally established on Sept. 27, 2001.

“Throughout his life, Dr. Roche demonstrated a steadfast commitment to military excellence, innovation, and public service,” noted NPS President retired Vice Adm. Ann Rondeau in a message to the campus. “His legacy endures through the countless service members, leaders, and institutions he influenced, and through the example he set as a scholar, officer, and statesman.”

A 1966 operations research graduate, Roche was appointed the 20th Secretary of the Air Force by President George W. Bush in January 2001, leading the service through one of its most consequential periods in modern history following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.

During his naval career, Roche served as a surface warfare officer, leading combat search-and-rescue missions in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War. His command of USS Buchanan (DDG-14), a guided-missile destroyer, from 1973 to 1974 led to the ship’s receipt of the Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy as the Navy’s most improved combat unit in the Pacific.

Roche retired as a captain in 1983 following 23 years of naval service. He soon joined what is now Northrop Grumman, serving in several executive leadership roles before his appointment as Secretary of the Air Force in 2001.

In addition to his NPS degree, Roche earned a Doctor of Business Administration from Harvard Business School, as well as multiple honorary doctorates. He passed away from natural causes at his home in Annapolis, Md., on Aug. 4.

• More about Dr. James G. Roche: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/capitalgazette/name/james-roche-obituary?pid=212056494

U.S. Navy | U.S. Marine Corps | United States Air Force

08/21/2026

At NPS Joint Interagency Field Experimentation (JIFX) events, every day brings a new opportunity to learn. Whether it’s testing emerging technologies, collaborating with others, or learning what does and does not work, each experience can help move a technology closer to operational use.

During the latest JIFX event, held Aug. 10-14 at Camp Roberts, 295 participants conducted 34 active experiments across air, ground, maritime, cyber and electromagnetic domains. And as always, JIFX provided experimenters with opportunities to test their technologies in field conditions, while NPS’ operationally experienced students offered perspective, insight, and the chance to see how capabilities integrate, adapt and change outside of the classroom or lab.

“We are in the midst of multiple technological revolutions with breathtaking innovation in drone warfare, AI and other critical technologies,” said Dr. Scott Gartner, a professor in NPS’ Defense Analysis Department who brought several students from one of his classes to the event. “Understanding how these technologies work and don’t work, and the factors that drive and constrain their advancement, is critical to addressing current and future Navy challenges and capabilities.”

For students, attending JIFX means seeing more than a finished product. They see the full process behind emerging capability — the test, the mistake, the adjustment and the retest. For experimenters, it means getting feedback from people who understand the operational problem, not just the technology.

That same environment creates opportunities for direct feedback and real-time changes, allowing companies to improve and innovate throughout the week, and beyond.

“People told us what they needed while standing next to the software. We built two to three of those changes during the event, and they saw them working before they left,” noted one of the industry participants . “That does not happen at a conference.”

Through field testing, feedback and collaboration, JIFX brings together experimenters, subject matter experts and operationally experienced students to better understand emerging technologies and how they can support real-world operational needs.

• Stay tuned for full coverage from the latest JIFX, and learn more at: https://www.nps.edu/fx

U.S. Navy | U.S. Marine Corps | Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao | The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations

08/18/2026

NPS and Marine Corps University (MCU) are teaming up on an initiative to harness the power of AI to solve critical challenges across the defense education enterprise. The MCU/NPS AI Learning Initiatives Hackathon, Sept. 15-18 at both NPS and MCU campuses, is an innovation initiative bringing together leading experts from industry, academia, and defense to advance the future of Marine Corps training and education.

Leading the charge at NPS is U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Robert Fusco, a recent NPS graduate through the modeling, virtual environments and simulation (MOVES) program now leading the USMC Digital Transformation Accelerator at NPS.

“Hackathons are idea generators,” Fusco said. “Four days of Marines and students against real educational, administrative, and training problems produces a volume of concrete, use-case-level ideas already pressure-tested by the people who own the problem.”

“This event demonstrates the unique NPS advantage to the Fleet Marine Force outside of graduate education,” he continued, “high-performance computing, academic expertise, and industry partnerships converge on real problem sets inside a hard time constraint.”

Fusco’s NPS thesis developed an AI-powered decision support tool coined MCRAGE supporting the USMC recruiting process, where legacy databases, operations reports and long-standing doctrine all drive the accession process, but require lengthy manual processes to make informed, effective decisions.

“The data exists and the doctrine exists, but they do not talk to each other … MCRAGE closed that gap,” explained Fusco. “But the contribution was more than the planning tool, it was the MCRAGE Trust Framework: semantic modeling, context curation, hybrid architectures, and traceability, the four hardpoints any AI decision support system in a bounded doctrinal environment must satisfy to earn operational trust.”

Applying this foundational knowledge to Marine Corps education is an inherent next step, Fusco says.

“Education is one of the natural next applications, because our education enterprise is one of the most bounded doctrinal environments we have,” he continued, where standards, programs of instruction, and doctrinal publications are already written down, structured, and authoritative.

“The hackathon objectives are fantastic targets,” Fusco added. “Simulation and virtual training, and wargaming, are inherently MOVES problems and NPS is already a thought leader in both. Those two are where NPS brings something no other node in the enterprise can.”

• Learn more about the MCU/NPS AI Learning Initiatives Hackathon: https://cqpub.mcele.usmc.mil/content/adobeconnect/0/7/en/events/event/private/65079/78374696/event_landing.html
• More about MOVES at NPS: https://movesinstitute.nps.edu/

U.S. Navy | U.S. Marine Corps | Marine Corps University