Inside Joint Interagency Field Experimentation (JIFX) at NPS
Joint Interagency Field Experimentation lowers the barrier for emerging technologies to be evaluated by operators and command sponsors while connecting industry with NPS students and researchers. Four times a year, the program brings operators, sponsors and engineers to the NPS Field Laboratory at Camp Roberts to evaluate emerging capabilities in field conditions. JIFX allows teams to test ideas quickly, identify integration challenges, iterate onsite and generate data that informs future development. Instead of waiting for formal programs of record, systems can be assessed early, refined through operator feedback and measured against mission requirements.
The recent JIFX 26-2 event, held February 23–27, included over 40 companies exploring technologies across unmanned systems, communications and autonomy. Operational sponsors and government partners regularly include organizations such as U.S. Special Operations Command, U.S. Transportation Command, Naval Special Warfare, the Office of Naval Research and Small Business Development Centers that help connect emerging technologies with real mission needs.
More than 50 NPS students attended, engaging directly with companies as emerging technologies were evaluated in field conditions. The NPS Foundation supported student participation by providing transportation to the site.
Members of the NPS Foundation Strategic Initiatives Committee attended JIFX 26-2 to observe experimentation and meet with participating teams. Hands-on demonstrations included modular 3D-printed unmanned aircraft from Firestorm Labs, autonomous drone operations from Gambit, aerial sensing technologies from GreenSight, attritable ground robotics from Liminal Industries and wireless power transmission systems from Reach Power.
The NPS Foundation supports JIFX as part of its broader effort to strengthen field experimentation at the Naval Postgraduate School. Foundation support helped sustain the February experimentation event and ensure the continuation of this quarterly event. Field experimentation is a core element of the Naval Innovation Center at NPS, connecting industry, operators, students and researchers to evaluate emerging technologies in operational environments and accelerate the transition of both talent and technology into defense applications.
The AI Advantage Is Shifting. NPS Is Paying Attention: Lessons from NVIDIA GTC 2026
The NPS Foundation and NPS attended NVIDIA GTC 2026 last week, the leading global AI conference and one of the clearest indicators of where artificial intelligence and advanced computing are heading. It was clear that the Naval and Joint Forces need to be part of these conversations.
We sponsored 10 NPS students and faculty to attend, with participation in sessions and trainings across cybersecurity, autonomy, large-scale models and emerging AI systems. This included direct engagement with the teams building and deploying these technologies.
A clear shift is happening toward agentic AI systems that can plan, act and operate with increasing autonomy, and barriers to building and deploying these systems are decreasing. The advantage is moving toward organizations that can apply them effectively while managing risk. For defense organizations, this means the focus must be on developing leaders and organizations with the experience and judgment to operate in complex environments, securely and effectively.
The students who attended brought exactly that kind of perspective. Matt McIntyre, an Operations Research student at NPS, captured what the week opened up: "We tend to discuss AI in a limited context, focusing heavily on the transactional interactions with Agentic AI and LLMs in our daily workflows and operations, but NVIDIA GTC solidified for me that the future of AI, its underlying mathematics, and the technological infrastructure to support it, extends far beyond that." Learn more.
Winter Quarter Graduation to Feature MSA Thesis Day Research
Research at the Naval Postgraduate School remains closely aligned with Navy and Marine Corps priorities, with engagements like the 36th annual Manpower Systems Analysis Thesis Day bringing senior personnel leaders together to examine data-driven work shaping readiness and force development. Presentations explored topics from enlisted leadership development to retention and talent identification, reflecting how NPS supports the Navy’s “Foundry” through applied research tied directly to operational needs. Learn more.
Annual Menneken Award Winners Reflect Operational Impact of NPS Researchers
The Naval Postgraduate School has announced the 2025 recipients of the Carl E. and Jessie W. Menneken Awards for Excellence in Scientific Research: Dr. Alejandro (Andy) Hernandez of the Department of Systems Engineering and Dr. Britta Hale, formerly of the Department of Computer Science. Hernandez received the award for Significant and Sustained Contribution, while Hale was recognized for Highly Meritorious Research for her work in cryptography and secure communications.
Established in 1988, the Carl E. and Jessie W. Menneken Awards for Excellence in Scientific Research are sponsored by the Naval Postgraduate School Foundation. Supported through the Menneken Endowment, the awards honor faculty whose work exemplifies the highest standards of research excellence and demonstrates clear relevance to naval and defense challenges. Learn more.
Winter Quarter Graduation to Highlight Research on Energy Resilience and Microgrids
Research at the Naval Postgraduate School continues to address operational challenges tied directly to fleet readiness, including the resilience of energy systems in contested environments. In his thesis, Lt. Roberto A. Pacheco explores how networked microgrids can maintain continuity of power during degraded operations, applying engineering solutions to a problem with clear operational impact.
Learn more and watch the full video.
Naval Postgraduate School Provides AI Workshop for NAVSUP WSS to Boost Warfighting Edge
The Naval Postgraduate School partnered with Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) to deliver a short course introducing employees to the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and its potential applications in defense operations. The workshop, led by NPS Vice Provost for Warfare Studies Randy Pugh, focused on building AI literacy across the workforce while demonstrating how emerging tools can help personnel analyze complex problems, improve efficiency and strengthen operational readiness. Learn more.
Senior civilian and military leaders from Naval Supply Systems Command joined the Naval Postgraduate School’s AI Task Force for an Artificial Intelligence Leadership Forum focused on identifying practical applications of AI across Navy supply chain, logistics and business operations. Through collaborative sessions, participants examined capability gaps and explored strategies to integrate emerging technologies that can improve decision-making and strengthen operational readiness across the NAVSUP enterprise. Learn more.
Maritime Theater Missile Defense Forum Advances Interoperability, Relevance at Critical Time
Research and collaboration at the Naval Postgraduate School continue to support operational priorities across integrated air and missile defense, where interoperability and coalition coordination are essential to mission success. The Maritime Theater Missile Defense Forum brings together allied partners to advance technical, programmatic and operational efforts, reinforcing how sustained, interdisciplinary collaboration is required to address evolving threats and deliver effective capabilities across the force. Learn more.
In an article by John Garrett, Dell Technologies highlights how its collaboration with the Naval Postgraduate School is shaping mission-driven outcomes through secure AI, modern infrastructure and scalable platforms. From shared digital twins to high-fidelity “what-if” simulations, the work points to how integrated technology and partnership are enabling faster, more informed decision-making in complex operational environments. Learn more.
Joint Exercise Strengthens U.S.-Japan Maritime Operational Effectiveness
The Naval Postgraduate School supported the North West Pacific 2026 joint command post exercise alongside U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 7th Fleet and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, reinforcing bilateral maritime operational effectiveness within the U.S.-Japan alliance. Held in Japan, the exercise reflects continued collaboration to strengthen coordination and readiness across allied forces. Learn 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.
Competitive by Design: Reforming Defense Procurement for Speed
By Lt. Cmdr. Adam Pierce, Executive MBA ’22
The $75 Radio: Why US Special Operations Command Needs to Buy Off the Shelf for the Next War
By Maj. Logan Birchfield, Defense Analysis ’25
UxS Priority One: Defend the Carrier
By Lt. Cmdr. Jordan Spector, Space Systems Certificate ’17
Iran: IRGC in power during transition phase after Khamenei's death, Afshon Ostovar: "Group loyal to Ayatollah family"Featuring Afshon Ostovar, Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Research, National Security Affairs Dept.
Who is set to be in charge in Iran now that Khamenei is dead? A powerful hard-line military corps
Featuring Dr. Afshon Ostovar, Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Research, National Security Affairs Dept.
Trump's bet on Iranian regime change could be his biggest gamble yetFeaturing Mohammed Hafez, Professor, National Security Affairs Dept.
"The tactics in Iran are similar to those in Kosovo in 1999": Former advisor to Donald Rumsfeld to the BBC
Featuring Dr. John Arquilla, professor of defense analysis
Opinion: Putin's $2.5 trillion gambitBy Dr. David R. Henderson, Professor of Economics, and Dr. Ryan Sullivan, Associate Professor of Economics
This is the Volos Admiral who "commands" the Greek frigates in Cyprus
Featuring Vice Adm. Dimitrios-Eleftherios Kataras, Dual MS in Electrical Engineering and Aeronautical Engineering ‘95
Frigate "Kimon": Out on patrol - The new video from the Greek Navy
Rear Adm. (ret.) Dimitris Koupatsiaris, MS in Electronic and Computer Engineering '00
BNP delegation meets US Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur
Featuring Dr. S. Paul Kapur, professor of national security affairs
The Rise of Non-State Special Operations
Featuring Craig Whiteside, professor of national security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College resident program
Leadership, Deterrence and USW with HOF Alumnus Cecil Haney
Featuring retired Adm. Cecil Haney, MS in Engineering Acoustics and Systems Technology ’87, NPS Foundation Advisory Council member
The Dangers of a Weak Iran
By Dr. Afshon Ostovar, Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Research, National Security Affairs Dept.
Credibility vs. Speed: Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Information War
By Ashraf Aldmour, an M.S. in defense analysis student
Sailor’s First – Aligning the Leadership ContinuumBy CAPT Paul W. Nickell, PMBA in Strategic Leadership, Organizational Learning, Defense Management '24
Why Coercion Failed in Iran
By Dr. Afshon Ostovar, Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Research, National Security Affairs Dept.
Iran’s Tenacious Regime and the Future Gulf
Featuring Dr. Afshon Ostovar, Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Research, National Security Affairs Dept.
The Iran Reckoning (New Episodes)
The War With Iran Intensifies
Iran’s Succession Politics, War Aims, and Oil Market Impacts
Featuring Dr. Afshon Ostovar, Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Research, National Security Affairs Dept.
The U.S. Says He’s Weak and Unacceptable — But Who Is Mojtaba Khamenei?
Featuring Dr. Afshon Ostovar, Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Research, National Security Affairs Dept.
Brad Taylor has Led Operations in Iraq & Afghanistan Talking the Iran War
Featuring Brad Taylor, MS in Defense Analysis '99
Is the United States Going to War with Iran for Israel?
Featuring Michael Lester, MS in Electrical Engineering '94
Episode 74.5 – TRP Unfiltered #8
Trident Room Podcast Series
Cmdr. Nick Artabazon, MS in Applied Physics ’19, has returned to the Navy Experimental Diving Unit — this time as its 19th commanding officer. NEDU has pushed the boundaries of what humans can do in the sea since 1927, conducting the Navy’s most demanding diving research to advance undersea warfighting capabilities. Read more about the leadership transition and the mission driving the Navy’s work in extreme environments. Read more.
FEMA has named Zeke Maldonado, Executive MBA ’13, as its acting chief information officer, a role responsible for leading the agency’s enterprise information management, information technology and cybersecurity services. Maldonado previously held senior technology leadership roles at the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of Naval Intelligence. Read more about the NPS alumnus now helping shape FEMA’s technology strategy. Read more.
Christina Farrell, Executive Leaders Program, is serving as acting commissioner of the New York City Emergency Management Department following the departure of Commissioner Zach Iscol. Farrell has more than 23 years of experience at NYC Emergency Management and more than three decades in public service. Read more about her new leadership role. Read more.
Dorothy E. Denning, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Defense Analysis, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering Class of 2026, one of the highest professional honors in engineering. Denning, a pioneer in cybersecurity and longtime Naval Postgraduate School faculty member, was recognized for her foundational contributions to the field. Read more about the recognition and her lasting impact on information security. Read more.
Jared MacDonald, Postgraduate Certificate in Cyber Defense ’20, serves as cyber test and evaluation lead at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport, where he works on cyber risk assessments, developmental tests and systems security engineering. Read more about his work advancing cybersecurity and mentoring the next generation of engineers. Read more.
Cmdr. Robert Beauchamp, MS in systems engineering analysis ‘08, has assumed command of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. The change of command places him at the helm of the Navy squadron responsible for flight testing and evaluating critical aviation capabilities for the fleet. Learn more.
Owen West takes helm of DIU, vows to ‘narrow’ investment priorities
Drone Dominance: Pentagon to order 30,000 one-way drones in ‘next few days’
Meet the startups trying to build military-specific AI
Trump's new cyber strategy calls for tougher responses to threats
Navy unveils acquisition reform, establishes five more PAE organizations
Pentagon comptroller says a ‘generational investment’ is coming, but when?
