May 5, 2026

May 2026 News Roundup

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NPS Impact - Happening Now!:

Decoding the Battlefield: NPS Students Develop Solution to Support Urgent U.S. and NATO Need

NPS students working with NATO, developed FASTCAT (Frequency-based Algorithm for Spatial and Temporal Clustering Analysis with Thresholds), a tool that helps identify and map enemy systems by making sense of the electromagnetic signals they generate.  

  • FASTCAT groups signals by time, location, and frequency to reveal networks of activity, helping identify systems and understand how they are operating
  • Built using data modeled on the battlefield in Ukraine, connecting current combat insight to how this problem is being solved
  • Integrated into a Ukrainian battlefield system, supporting operational analysis
  • Delivered in just two months, outperforming a separate, more heavily funded effort

Provides warfighters a clearer picture of the battlefield, enabling faster and more informed decisions in an operational environment. Learn more.

Navy Lieutenant Recognized for Innovative AI Maintenance Tool 'LOOKOUT AI'

Research and innovation at the Naval Postgraduate School continue to support operational effectiveness across the fleet through practical, data-driven solutions. U.S. Navy Lt. Jonathan Shepherd, MS in Operations Research ’26, was recently recognized for developing LOOKOUT AI, an artificial intelligence tool designed to streamline shipboard maintenance prioritization for the surface fleet. Developed in under six weeks using enterprise available tools at no additional cost to the U.S. Government, LOOKOUT AI applies a class-specific scoring rubric to rapidly identify high-priority maintenance jobs within the War Data Platform. The application is designed to provide a common operating picture for warships, supported commanders and regional maintenance centers while reducing administrative burden on maintenance teams. Shepherd’s work reflects how NPS education and operational research expertise contribute directly to fleet readiness, decision-making and maritime superiority. Learn more.

NPS News:

Hundreds of Monterey County Students explore STEM at NPS’ Discovery Day 2026

Discovery Day returned to campus, welcoming hundreds of middle and high school students from across Monterey County for a full day of immersive STEM engagement, hands-on activities, and science demonstrations, an event supported in part by the Naval Postgraduate School Foundation. Designed as an annual event where K-12 students explore STEM through interactive demos paired with real-world Navy applications, the experience offers more than just exposure, connecting foundational concepts to future careers. From building speakers and exploring physics to flying drones and engaging with robotics, virtual reality, and space systems, students gained a firsthand look at how these disciplines come to life in the defense of our nation and beyond. Learn more.

Annual International Day Celebrates Global Connection at NPS

This special day brought the NPS community together in a celebration of global culture, featuring performances, international food, and showcases from 27 nations. The family-friendly event highlighted the diversity of the NPS global security community while raising funds to support international students and their families. International Day is organized by the International Graduate Programs Office and the International Club with support from the NPS Foundation.

Annual NPS Symposium Explores Defense Acquisition, Innovation

The Naval Postgraduate School brought together acquisition professionals, defense leaders, researchers and industry representatives for the 23rd Annual Acquisition Research Symposium and Innovation Summit focused on accelerating warfighting capabilities. Discussions explored acquisition reform, industrial base resilience and the rapid transition of emerging technologies to operational use. Learn more.

Naval Postgraduate School, private sector partner to improve AI education

The Naval Postgraduate School is advancing artificial intelligence education and research through new partnerships, expanded computing capabilities and a new Master of Science degree program in AI. Through collaboration with NVIDIA and Navy operational leaders, NPS is helping prepare service members to support the integration of AI across the fleet. Learn more.

Longtime NPS Faculty Member Jeff Kline Retires Leaving Impactful Legacy on NPS, U.S. Navy

Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Jeffrey E. Kline concluded more than four decades of naval service and education leadership at the Naval Postgraduate School, leaving a lasting impact on warfighting innovation, operational research and fleet-focused education. Through initiatives like the Warfare Innovation Continuum, Kline helped strengthen the connection between advanced research and real-world naval challenges. Learn more.

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.

Is the Iranian Regime Truly Fractured?
By Dr. Afshon Ostovar,  Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Research, National Security Affairs Dept

Extending the MOC’s Reach: How Marines Can Keep the Fleet Connected—From Land to Sea
By Maj. General Scott Benedict and Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener, MA in National Security Affairs '92

Career Path Pivot – Lt. Col. Brandon A. Pye
Featuring Lt. Col. Brandon A. Pye, MBA '15

Hybrid Anti Materiel Round (HAMR): Delivering Decisive Advantage Through Unconventional Innovation
By Maj. Calvin W. Taylor III, MS in Systems Engineering '22, and Tyler Rotunno, Ph.D.

Ankara’s Crossroads: Rearmament, Risk, and the Prospect of War with Israel
By Ryan Gingeras, Professor, Institute for Regional and International Studies

Trident Room Podcast Ep. 80, Part 1 – Igniting a Passion for Learning with Rear Adm. Michael S. Mattis
Featuring Rear Adm. Michael S. Mattis, Director, Strategic Effects for Commander U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa and Commander, CTF-66

Agitators united by Chinese money, hate for America target data centers, experts warn
Featuring Brenda Shaffer, Faculty Associate - Research, Energy Academic Group

The Rising Risk of a Conflict Between Turkey and Israel [Members Only Podcast]
By Ryan Gingeras, Professor, Institute for Regional and International Studies, and Kerry Anderson


Iran’s Deterrence Failures and Asymmetric Successes [Members Only Podcast]
By Afshon Ostovar, Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Research, Institute for Regional and International Security, and Kelly Grieco

Who’s Running Iran, and What Do They Want? [Members Only Podcast]
By Hamidreza Azizi, Kerry Anderson, and Afshon Ostovar, Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Research, Institute for Regional and International Security

Alumni Updates:

The Hon. Hung Cao, MS in Applied Physics '08, assumed responsibility as Acting Secretary of the Navy on April 22, 2026. A retired Navy Captain, he previously served as Under Secretary of the Navy. Cao’s operational background includes service as a Navy Diver and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer. Learn more.

Navy Rear Adm. Douglas L. Williams, MS in Mechanical Engineering ’02, has been assigned as director for Strategic Systems Programs, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C.  Williams is currently serving as director for Test, Missile Defense Agency, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Learn more.

Navy Vice Adm. John F. Wade, MS in Information Systems Technology ‘96, has been assigned as senior military assistant to the Secretary of War, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.  Wade is currently serving as commander, Third Fleet, San Diego, California. Learn more.

Chad Gorman, MS in Security Studies ’12, has stepped into a new role as director of DHS/TSA relations at CLEAR. He brings more than two decades of experience across homeland security, emergency management, and national security, including senior leadership roles at the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Learn more.

Calvin J. Bowman, MS in Homeland Defense and Security ’16, has been appointed director of homeland security and emergency management for Baltimore County. He brings more than 20 years of experience in public safety and emergency planning, including roles as Maryland’s homeland security advisor and senior policy advisor for the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management. Learn more.

William H. McRaven, MA in National Security Affairs ’93, has been appointed to the board of directors at TPG as an independent director, effective May 1, 2026. A retired four-star admiral, he previously served as commander of U.S. Special Operations Command and oversaw the 2011 operation targeting Osama bin Laden. McRaven also serves as a senior advisor at Lazard and professor of national security at the University of Texas at Austin. Learn more.

Kraig Sheetz, MS in Applied Physics ’00, has been appointed executive vice president of the University of Wyoming. He currently serves as vice dean for engagement and research at the U.S. Military Academy. A retired U.S. Army officer, he previously served as executive vice president and dean at Mount St. Mary’s University. Learn more.

Defense News:

Cao says industry needs to ‘move forward’ in first DC speech as acting SecNav

No unfunded requirements in FY27, say some services, COCOMs

US military reaches deals with 7 tech companies to use their AI on classified systems

Pentagon adds Google’s latest model to GenAI.mil as usage soars

Buoyed by European rearmament boost, global military spending jumps to $2.89 trillion

China is America’s Military Equal Now And In Any Future Fight, Marine General Warns

New Top Navy Acquisition Official Named

The Pentagon’s $54 billion bet on autonomous warfare

HASC $1.15T defense policy bill takes aim at industrial base challenges

Marines mandate servicewide AI training by year’s end

Navy Establishes Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Munitions: Postured to harness innovation, scale production, and deliver capability and capacity sooner.

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