December 2025 News Roundup

A Message from the Vice Chief, Adm. James Kilby, to NPS Graduates

Combat readiness encompasses both the platforms we bring to the fight and, more importantly, the people who use those tools. NPS is unique in that it develops both sides of the readiness coin. Our platforms and operations benefit from the research and innovation conducted here, and our people benefit from the relevant education, technology applications, wargaming concepts, and hands-on problem-solving that make NPS graduates impactful, sought-after leaders.

In this exciting and dangerous time, we need your critical thinking, rigorous problem-solving, and subject matter expertise more than ever. Your education here has prepared you for this, and now it is time to put it to work. The value of your education isn’t just in what you’ve learned, but in the skills you’ve developed—to read deeply, think critically, and solve complex problems with discipline. Those skills, along with the relationships and networks you’ve built here, are invaluable.

Whether you are in the Navy, Marine Corps, Joint Forces, or an allied partner—lead with courage and confidence. Accelerate change. Challenge the status quo. Attack problems others believe are unsolvable. This is what NPS graduates do.

– Adm. James Kilby, MS in Information Technology Management '93, Vice Chief of Naval Operations

Read more from Fall 2025 Graduation.
‍Watch Adm. Kilby's remarks and the full Graduation Ceremony.

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Capt. Drew Switzer, USAF
MA in Security Studies '25

‍The biggest professional experience I'm taking away from NPS is just the breadth of knowledge that you get from the faculty here. It's one thing to go through training and understand your job, but it's another thing to study it through an academic lens, understanding the broad stroke, strategic effects the work we do has. I'm excited to take that back to the field. Hear Switzer's story.

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‍Lt. Cmdr. Margaret Graves, USNA
MS in Cybers Systems and Operations '25

NPS provided the academic freedom so that I could address a problem that I had lived as an enlisted IT, and see my Sailors live as a shipboard communications and information systems officer, translating a frustrating challenge into a real-world solution. NPS taught me to think systematically to identify not just technical solutions, but the organizational changes that need to be made in order to get those solutions to stick. Hear Graves' story.

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Education, Enterprise Compute, and Hands-On Sprints Turn Into Mission Impact

AI cannot just work in theory. It has to perform in complex real world environments. The Naval Postgraduate School is building a hands on AI curriculum that brings together secure compute, operator in the loop experimentation and rapid, hands on sprints that mirror the challenges students will face in the field. These efforts are strengthened by industry partnerships with technology leaders including Dell Technologies, NVIDIA and Sterling Computers. The result is an education model that turns enterprise compute and practical experimentation into mission impact. Read the full article.

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NPS Impact - Happening Now!:

Naval Aviator Turned NPS Doctoral Student Earns National Recognition for Applied Quantum Research

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Jens Berdahl, a former F/A-18 pilot and current NPS physics doctoral student, received the Margaret Burbidge Award for Best Experimental Research from the American Physical Society for his work on NPS’s atomic fountain for advanced quantum sensing.

His research team is developing a system capable of detecting tiny changes in gravity with extraordinary precision, supporting applications such as submarine tracking and precision navigation.

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Key aspects of this work include:

Demonstrating that NPS students can compete with leading researchers
Advancing quantum sensing aligned with national Critical Technology Areas
Achieving measurements with nine decimal places of precision
Tackling the blend of novel quantum science and major engineering challenges

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NPS News:
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Rapidly Developed Counter-Drone Prototype Succeeds at NATO’s Bold Machina
A team from the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) recently deployed a newly designed system for countering uncrewed aerial systems (c-UAS) aboard a special operations forces (SOF) combatant craft at NATO’s Bold Machina (BOMA) exercise in the Netherlands. (NATO photo by Deacon Westervelt)

A new, innovative detection system for countering uncrewed aerial systems (c-UAS) conducted its first field tests at sea during the Bold Machina (BOMA) exercise in the Netherlands this September. Rapidly developed by a small team led by officer-scholars from the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), the c-UAS system deployed aboard a Dutch Navy fast raiding, interception, and special forces craft (FRISC). Read more.

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NPS Launches New Master’s in Artificial Intelligence Focused on Warfighter Needs

The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) has launched a brand new Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) degree that will confer the advanced knowledge, skills, and practices necessary to develop, assess, and deploy AI for the U.S. Navy, joint forces and allied militaries. Graduates through the new program will be prepared to lead AI integration within their communities and across the U.S. Department of War (DOW). Read more.

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USSOCOM Commander Highlights Innovation and Joint Education at NPS
U.S. Navy Adm. Frank “Mitch” Bradley, MS in Physics '05, commander of USSOCOM, returned to campus to engage with students and faculty on mission-driven research addressing frontline operational challenges. His visit highlighted NPS work in AI, autonomous systems, joint experimentation and counter-uncrewed systems technologies, emphasizing the importance of connecting emerging capabilities with operational needs. Bradley’s discussions underscored how NPS education and research deliver insight and advantage to the joint force. Read more.

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Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies Global Contributes to Advanced Military Exercise
The Naval Postgraduate School’s CAMRE facility partnered with Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies Global to integrate the AMBIT XTRUDE polymer composite printing system into a Navy CNC machine during Trident Warrior 2025. The hybrid setup enabled rapid production of large components, including drone boat hull segments, with service members becoming proficient after only a few hours of training. The effort showcased how combining additive manufacturing with CNC machining can accelerate practical, fleet-ready solutions. Read more.

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The Naval Postgraduate School Provides Defense Acquisition-Relevant Graduate EducationThe recent executive order on “Modernizing Defense Acquisitions and Spurring Innovation in the Defense Industrial Base” highlights the acquisition workforce as a national strategic asset and calls for delivering state-of-the-art capabilities at speed and scale. The article traces decades of acquisition reform and emphasizes that one element has been consistently overlooked: graduate education for the acquisition workforce. NPS stands ready to support this effort by providing defense acquisition-relevant graduate education through flexible, tailored programs in program and contract management. Read more.

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NPS Experts - Conversations on Critical Topics:

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.

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Faster EMCON with Smarter AI
By Vice Admiral Roy Kitchener, MA National Security Affairs '92

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Is the U.S. Prepared for the Next War?
Featuring Seth G. Jones, Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) professor

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Sea Control 590: Drone Carriers and Salvo Equations with Colton Byers
Walker D. Mills, MS in Homeland Security and Defense '23

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How South Korea Can Acquire Nuclear-Powered Submarines
Jihoon Yu, MA in National Security Affairs '06

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NATO Defence College Senior Official Gives Lecture at SZE’s Faculty of Law and Political Sciences

Brig. Gen. Ferenc Molnár, MA in National Security Affairs '02

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Guerrillas and Governance: Lessons on Resistance Forces and The Local Populace from The American Civil War
‍Maj. Alex Bogaski, MS in Defense Analysis '26

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MCTSSA, MCSWF, NPS Join Forces for AERO-T

Featuring Maj. Will Oblak, Virtual Environments and Simulation (MOVES) Program '24

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Alumni Updates:

Adm. Karl Thomas, MS in Information Technology ’98, has taken command of U.S. Fleet Forces Command. The Navy calls his transition a pivotal moment, noting his role comes at a critical time for fleet readiness and maritime superiority. Read more.

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Cmdr. Peter S. McLaughlin, MS in Management degree in Manpower Systems Analysis ’13, assumed command of Transaction Service Center (TSC) Pensacola from U.S. Navy Cmdr. Samantha M. Smith during an official ceremony Dec. 2 at the National Naval Aviation Museum onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola. Read more.

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Cmdr. Anthony Grusich, MBA ’15, relieved Cmdr. Joshua H. Tiley, MBA ’10, as commanding officer of the USS Nitze (DDG 94) during a change of command ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. The Navy highlighted the ship’s tradition of excellence as Grusich assumed leadership. Read more.

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Cmdr. Randy Hayes, MS in Homeland Security and Defense ’16, relieved Cmdr. Eric Smitley, MS in Mechanical Engineering ’15, as commanding officer of the USS Howard (DDG 83) during a ceremony at Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Read more.

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Cmdr. Tom Kellner, MS in Human Systems Integration ’15, relieved Cmdr. Austin Ordway as commander of Training Squadron Seven during a change of command ceremony at NAS Meridian. Kellner previously served as the squadron’s executive officer. Read more.

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Cmdr. Jesse Duparc relieved Cmdr. Patrick Earls, MS in Physical Oceanography ’12, as commanding officer of the USS Cooperstown (LCS 23) during a ceremony at Naval Station Mayport. Earls, a plankowner of the ship, will next report to Allied Maritime Command Headquarters in London. Read more.

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Tim Marczewski, MS in Space Systems Operations (AI/ML Applications) ’21, has been named Missouri’s new head of artificial intelligence, leading statewide efforts to expand secure AI adoption across government. State officials highlighted the role as central to modernizing public services. Read more.

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Serge Potapov, MA in Security Studies ’14, has been named Acting Assistant Administrator for the Federal Air Marshal Service’s Law Enforcement Operations Division. Read more.

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Bailey Martin, MS in Homeland Security ’19, has been appointed deputy chief of administration for the Richmond Fire Department, where he will lead strategic planning, resource management and policy development. Read more.

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Joseph “Joe” Roth, M.A. National Security Studies ’10, has been named Associate VP for National Security Programs at UTEP. A retired Space Force colonel, he will lead research in space, AI, and national security. Read more.

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Adm. Craig Faller, MS in National Security Affairs ’90, has been elected to the Battelle Board of Directors. The retired commander of U.S. Southern Command joins the organization as it expands its science and technology leadership. Read more.

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Jonathan Maddock, MS in Systems Engineering ’04, has been named the International Association of Top Professionals’ Top Executive of the Year in Complex Systems for 2026, recognizing his leadership and contributions across defense, technology and organizational transformation. Read more.

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