2024

UNDERSEA
WARFARE
FALL CONFERENCE
Undersea Warfare: Delivering Decisive Combat Power

September 16 – 18, 2024 | Groton, CT | NDIA.org/USW

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 Table of
Content
Schedule at a Glance. . . . . . . . . . . 3

Who We Are. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Event Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Bus Schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 The National Defense Industrial Association is the trusted leader in defense
and national security associations. As a 501(c)(3) corporate and individual
Track Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 membership association, NDIA engages thoughtful and innovative leaders to
exchange ideas, information, and capabilities that lead to the development of
Agenda. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 the best policies, practices, products, and technologies to ensure the safety
and security of our nation. NDIA’s membership embodies the full spectrum
Technical Sessions . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 of corporate, government, academic, and individual stakeholders who form
a vigorous, responsive, and collaborative community in support of defense
Thank You to Our Sponsors. . . . 18 and national security. For more than 100 years, NDIA and its predecessor
organizations have been at the heart of the mission by dedicating their time,
Abstract Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . 21 expertise, and energy to ensuring our warfighters have the best training,
equipment, and support. For more information, visit NDIA.org.
Biographies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Schedule at a Glance
Monday, September 16
JOIN THE Registration

CONVERSATION Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa | 3:00 – 6:30 pm

Networking Reception
Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa | 5:00 – 6:30 pm

Tuesday, September 17
@NDIAToday @NDIAMembership Registration
Dealey Center Auditorium | 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

General Session
Dealey Center Auditorium | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Networking Clambake Reception

NDIA.org/LinkedIn @NDIAToday @NDIAToday North Lake | 6:00 – 7:00 pm
*A ticket is required for entry that will be distributed at on-site registration.

Networking Clambake Dinner

North Lake | 7:00 – 9:00 pm
*A ticket is required for entry that will be distributed at on-site registration.

Wednesday, September 18
Registration
Dealey Center Auditorium | 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Technical Sessions
Various Base Locations | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

3
Welcome to
2024 Undersea Warfare Fall Conference
This fall conference theme, “Undersea Warfare: Delivering Decisive Combat Power”
focuses on maintaining and maximizing present undersea warfare capabilities
and readiness, while designing and fielding the undersea warfare systems of
the future. This year’s outstanding group of plenary speakers represents the full
spectrum of undersea warfare expertise, include AUKUS partners and USSOCOM.

Your attendance here this week provides you with the opportunity to gain insights
into the challenges and capability gaps that the Navy faces across the entire
spectrum of the undersea domain. Take advantage of this opportunity to hear
our Defense and Navy leader’s views on the issues confronting the Navy-industry-
academia team as we navigate an uncertain
future with new challenges to sustaining our CAPT Eric Irwin, USN (Ret)
Chairman, Undersea Warfare Division Fall Conference
undersea dominance. General Dynamics Electric Boat

Get Involved
Learn more about NDIA’s Divisions and how to join one at NDIA.org/Divisions

Leadership & Committees

Alan Lytle, Ph.D.
Division Chair CAPT Paul Rosbolt, USN (Ret)
Session Chair, Combat Systems,
Tom Callender Warfighter Performance & C4I
Division Deputy Chair
Kevin Hagan
RADM Jim Shannon, USN (Ret) Session Chair, Mine Warfare
Vice Chair
Chuck Fralick

Undersea
CAPT Eric Irwin, USN (Ret) Session Chair, Undersea Vehicles
Chair, Undersea Warfare Division
Fall Conference Glen Sharpe

Warfare Division
Session Chair, Aviation Systems
CAPT Rob Dunn, USN (Ret)
Deputy Chair, Undersea Warfare Joe Cuschieri
Division Fall Conference Session Chair, Undersea Sensors
Who We Are
NDIA’s Undersea Warfare Division fosters both the
exchange of technical information between government and industry and the expansion of research and development in areas
related to undersea warfare. To this end, the Division furthers communication by providing a variety of ways for government and
industry to work together to solve problems, identify affordable solutions, and meet specific requirements. The Division also
supports both government and industry by providing advice on undersea warfare policies and acquisition planning.

4 | #USWFall24 | @NDIAToday
Event Information
Location Conference Venue Headquarter Hotel
U.S. Naval Submarine Base New London Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa
1 Crystal Lake Road, Groton, CT 06340 625 North Road (Route 117), Groton, CT 06340

Survey and You will receive via email a survey and list of participants (name and organization) after the conference. Please
Participant List complete the survey to make our event even more successful in the future.

Event Contact Sarah Komar Britt Sullivan Erin Peters

Associate Director, Meetings Senior Director, Divisions Meeting Manager
(703) 247-9467 • skomar@NDIA.org (703) 247-2587 • bsullivan@NDIA.org (703) 247-2586 • epeters@NDIA.org

Security NOTE-TAKING: Classified note-taking by session attendees is prohibited during the conference. Attendees
will only be allowed to bring approved paper materials into the conference sessions for unclassified note
taking. Electronics are not permitted. Individual presenters will retain the authority to mandate whether or not
unclassified note-taking will be permitted.

PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEOGRAPHY, AND ELECTRONIC RECORDING: No recording of sessions by any

means is permitted.

PROHIBITED ITEMS: The following items are prohibited: wireless microphones (within classified session
locations), cellular telephones, smart phones, computers, tablets, Bluetooth or RFID devices, backpacks,
briefcases, purses, smart watches, and other personal electronic or data storage devices. These items must be
left outside session rooms. Security personnel will ensure prohibited items are not carried into sessions. Signs
posted at session entry points will remind personnel of prohibited items.

Speaker Gifts In lieu of speaker gifts, a donation is being made to the Fisher House Foundation.

Harassment NDIA is committed to providing a professional environment free from physical, psychological and verbal harassment.
Statement NDIA will not tolerate harassment of any kind, including but not limited to harassment based on ethnicity, religion,
disability, physical appearance, gender, or sexual orientation. This policy applies to all participants and attendees at
NDIA conferences, meetings and events. Harassment includes offensive gestures and verbal comments, deliberate
intimidation, stalking, following, inappropriate photography and recording, sustained disruption of talks or other
events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome attention. Participants requested to cease harassing behavior
are expected to comply immediately, and failure will serve as grounds for revoking access to the NDIA event.

Event Code NDIA’s Event Code of Conduct applies to all National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), National Training &
of Conduct Simulation Association (NTSA), and Women In Defense (WID) meeting-related events, whether in person at public
or private facilities, online, or during virtual events. NDIA, NTSA, and WID are committed to providing a productive
and welcoming environment for all participants. All participants are expected to abide by this code as well as NDIA’s
ethical principles and practices. Visit NDIA.org/CodeOfConduct to review the full policy.

Anti-trust The NDIA has a policy of strict compliance with federal and state antitrust laws. The antitrust laws prohibit
competitors from engaging in actions that could result in an unreasonable restraint of trade. Consequently, NDIA
Statement
members must avoid discussing certain topics when they are together at formal association membership, board,
committee, and other meetings and in informal contacts with other industry members: prices, fees, rates, profit
margins, or other terms or conditions of sale (including allowances, credit terms, and warranties); allocation of
markets or customers or division of territories; or refusals to deal with or boycotts of suppliers, customers or other
third parties, or topics that may lead participants not to deal with a particular supplier, customer or third party.

5
 Speaking Sites
PLENARY SESSIONS
1. Dealey Center Auditorium
– General parking is not available

TECHNICAL SESSIONS
1. Dealey Center Theater: AUKUS Session
2. Building 83, Room 317: Undersea Vehicles 1
2. Building 83, Room 318: Aviation Systems
2. Building 83, Room 319: C4I
3. Bledsoe Hall: Undersea Vehicles 2
7. Building 84, Chaplin Center, Room 104:
Undersea Sensors
7. Building 84, Room 106: Mine Warfare

PARKING
6. VIP Parking

Bus Schedule
Due to heightened security measures, it is in your best interest to take the shuttle buses provided.
The use of POV is strongly discouraged and may result in entry delays and the risk of not being allowed access.

Tuesday, September 17 Wednesday, September 18

6:30 – 9:00 am 6:30 – 9:00 am
Buses will shuttle (as filled) from the hotels (Mystic Marriott, Hilton Buses will shuttle from the hotels (Mystic Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn,
Garden Inn, and Hampton Inn) to the Dealey Center Auditorium. and Hampton Inn) to the Dealey Center Auditorium.
10:00 am – 4:00 pm 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bus departs the Dealey Center Auditorium for the hotels Bus departs the Dealey Center Auditorium to the hotels
(Mystic Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, and Hampton Inn) every hour. (Mystic Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, and Hampton Inn) every hour.
Bus departs Dealey Center Auditorium at: Bus departs Dealey Center Auditorium at:
10 am | 11 am | 12 pm | 1 pm | 2 pm | 3 pm | 4 pm 10 am | 11 am | 12 pm | 1 pm | 2 pm | 3 pm | 4 pm
4:45 – 5:45 pm 5:00 – 6:30 pm
Buses will shuttle in a loop from the Dealey Center Auditorium to the Buses will shuttle from the Dealey Center Auditorium to the hotels
hotels (Mystic Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, and Hampton Inn). (Mystic Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, and Hampton Inn). Drop-offs only.
5:45 – 7:00 pm
Buses will shuttle in a loop from the hotels (Mystic Marriott, Hilton
Garden Inn, and Hampton Inn) to the Clambake.

8:00 – 9:30 pm
Buses will shuttle from the Clambake to the hotels
(Mystic Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, and Hampton Inn). Drop-offs only.
6 | #USWFall24 | @NDIAToday
 SENSE. PERCEIVE. DECIDE. ENGAGE.

8 | #USWFall24 | @NDIAToday
Agenda
Monday, September 16

3:00 – 6:30 pm Registration SPONSORED BY

MYSTIC MARRIOT T HOTEL & SPA

5:00 – 6:30 pm Networking Reception

MYSTIC MARRIOT T HOTEL & SPA

Tuesday, September 17

7:00 am – 5:00 pm Registration SPONSORED BY

DE ALE Y CENTER AUDITORIUM

7:00 – 8:00 am Networking Breakfast SPONSORED BY

OUTSIDE PL AZ A

8:00 – 8:15 am Call to Order & Introduction

DE ALE Y CENTER AUDITORIUM

Alan Lytle, Ph.D.

Chairman, Undersea Warfare Division, NDIA
Vice President, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems

CAPT Eric Irwin, USN (Ret)

Chairman, Undersea Warfare Division Fall Conference
Warfare Analysis Program Lead, General Dynamics Electric Boat

Jennifer Stewart
Executive Vice President, Strategy & Policy, NDIA

8:15 – 8:45 am Presentation

DE ALE Y CENTER AUDITORIUM

ADM William Houston, USN

Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, Department of the Navy/Department of Energy

8:45 – 9:30 am Presentation

DE ALE Y CENTER AUDITORIUM

VADM Robert “Rob” Gaucher, USN

Commander, Naval Submarine Forces; Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet;
Commander, Allied Submarine Command

9
9:30 – 10:00 am Presentation
DE ALE Y CENTER AUDITORIUM

LtGen Francis Donovan, USMC

Vice Commander, USSOCOM

10:00 – 10:30 am Networking Break SPONSORED BY

OUTSIDE PL AZ A

10:30 – 11:00 am Presentation

DE ALE Y CENTER AUDITORIUM

RDML Douglas Adams, USN

Program Executive Officer, Undersea Warfare Systems

11:00 – 11:30 am Presentation

DE ALE Y CENTER AUDITORIUM

RDML Jonathon Rucker, USN

Program Executive Officer, Attack Submarines

11:30 am – 12:00 pm Presentation

DE ALE Y CENTER AUDITORIUM

Dr. Matthew Sermon, SES

Executive Director, Program Executive Office, Strategic Submarines

12:00 – 12:15 pm Awards Ceremony

DE ALE Y CENTER AUDITORIUM

Pierre Corriveau, Ph.D.

Awards Chair, Undersea Warfare Division, NDIA

12:15 – 1:15 pm Networking Lunch SPONSORED BY

BASE GYMNASIUM

1:15 – 1:45 pm Presentation

DE ALE Y CENTER AUDITORIUM

Marie Bussiere, SES

Technical Director, Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport

1:45 – 2:15 pm Presentation

DE ALE Y CENTER AUDITORIUM

Dr. Tom Drake, SES

Department Head of Code 32, Ocean Battlespace Sensing, Office of Naval Research

10 | #USWFall24 | @NDIAToday
2:15 – 2:45 pm Presentation
DE ALE Y CENTER AUDITORIUM

Andrew Richardson, DISES

Deputy Director of Defense Intelligence, Operational Support & International Partnerships, USD (I&S)

2:45 – 3:15 pm Networking Break SPONSORED BY

OUTSIDE PL AZ A

3:15 – 4:15 pm AUKUS PANEL

DE ALE Y CENTER AUDITORIUM

Alan Lytle, Ph.D.

Chairman, Undersea Warfare Division, NDIA
Vice President, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems
Moderator

Jose “Mario” Miranda, SES

Director, Technology Security and Technology Programs Directorate, Navy International Programs Office (NIPO)

CDRE Michael Jacobson, CSM, RAN

Director General Submarines, Royal Australian Navy

CDRE Marcus Rose, RN

Deputy Director of Underwater Battlespace, British Royal Navy

VADM Blake Converse, USN

Deputy Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet

4:15 – 4:45 pm Presentation

DE ALE Y CENTER AUDITORIUM

RADM Mark Behning, USN

Director, Undersea Warfare Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, N97

4:45 – 5:00 pm Closing Comments

DE ALE Y CENTER AUDITORIUM

CAPT Eric Irwin, USN (Ret)

Chairman, Undersea Warfare Division Fall Conference
Warfare Analysis Program Lead, General Dynamics Electric Boat

6:00 – 7:00 pm Networking Reception

NORTH L AKE

Ticket Required

7:00 – 9:00 pm Networking Clambake Dinner

NORTH L AKE SPONSORED BY

Ticket Required

11
Technical Sessions
Wednesday, September 18

7:00 am Registration
DE ALE Y CENTER AUDITORIUM

7:00 am Networking Breakfast

DE ALE Y CENTER OUTSIDE PL AZ A

Aviation & Combat

C4I AUKUS Session
Systems
Dr. Robert Zarnich Eric Irwin
Glen Sharpe
Session Chair Session Chair
Session Chair

Building 83 Room 318 Building 83 Room 319 Dealy Theater

1871311
8:00 am
Air ASW Overview Undersea Communications
& Integration Program
Shawn Slade
USN
Office, PMW 770
Jon Wrinn
Katie Bartz
PMW770
PMA-264
Michael Hutter
PMW 770

8:30 am
Air ASW Overview Continued 1856473
Shawn Slade
USN
IWS 5.0 Program Status & Plans
Leroy Mitchell
Katie Bartz
IWS 5.0
PMA-264

9:00 am
Virtual Ocean Acoustic
Simulation & Stimulation Russian Seabed Warfare
Capabilities
Sara Groth ONI
Advanced Acoustic Concepts, LLC

12 | #USWFall24 | @NDIAToday
 SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY

Undersea Undersea Undersea

Mine Warfare
Sensors Vehicles 1 Vehicles 2
Kevin Hagan
Joe Cuschieri Chuck Fralick Brian McKeon
Session Chair
Session Chair Session Chair Session Chair

Building 84 Room 104 Building 83 Room 317 Bledsoe Hall Building 84 Room 106

1843235
1857008
UUV/ROV Payload Needs 1866673
A New Sensing System for SSW Applications Development of New
DARPA's Ultra-Reliable Underwater Explosives
For The Arctic
Walter Smith Unmanned Surface & Warheads
D. Benjamin Reeder Advanced Undersea Vessel: Defiant
Naval Postgraduate School Systems (PMS394) Daniela Wagus
Gregory Avicola NSWC Indian Head
John Joseph Zachary Seither DARPA / TEC Solutions
Naval Postgraduate School Advanced Undersea
Systems (PMS394)

1854914
1872444
PMS 485 Deployable 1853645
1880019
Surveillance NSWC Panama City
Does Swarming Make
Systems Update Manta Ray & Goblin Division Mine Warfare
Sense for Underwater
Susan LaShomb Program Updates Training Shape
Combat Power?
PEOUWS PMS485E Kevin Sloan Support Options
DARPA Peter Drewes
Aaron Bengston SAIC Brian Brock
NUWCKPT Detachment NSWC Panama City
San Diego

PMS 485’s Mobile 1875655

1880019
Surveillance Systems 1874435
Engaging the
Future Capabilities Manta Ray & Goblin
Commercial Industry Single Sortie Detect
Program Updates
Donald Ringel To Shape Autonomy to Engage
Continued
NAVSEA PEO UWS PMS 485 For Security Needs Jeff Williams
Kevin Sloan
Rabon Cooke Matthew Chapman Ocean Aero
DARPA
NAVSEA PMS 485 Oceaneering

13
 1834471
9:30 am
Explainable Readiness
Predictions With The China Seabed Warfare
Digital Aviation Readiness Capabilities
Technology Engine ONI

Jamal Rorie
Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific

10:00 Networking Break

DE ALE Y CENTER OUTSIDE PL AZ A
am

1854512
10:30 1864934 1878019
am SSN AUKUS Combat System
ASW Using Non-Traditional Submarine Deployed
– The Path to A Trilateral,
ASW Air Platforms Optical Water Column
More Agile Future
Rob Kunz Characterization to Enhance
RDA, Inc. Environmental Awareness CAPT Kevin Moller, USN
U.S. AUKUS A&I Office
Ron Hidde David Shane
RDA, Inc. Boston Engineering Pascal Gagnon
Australian Submarine Agency (ASA)

1848141 1869053
11:00 1853768
Digital Electronics Systems The Electronic Guard
am
Engineering (DESE) Return Book (E-Guard): A Tool Combat Systems Improvements
on Investment (ROI) for Expediting Submarine to ASW Systems for Surface
Calculation Methods for Escape Time Calculations and Submarine Platforms
Major DoD Platforms Jeffrey Bolkhovsky Rich Arnold
James Chew Naval Submarine Medical PEO IWS 5A
Cadence Design Systems Research Laboratory

11:30
am

1867443 1870209

Jargon Aware Artificial C2 Considerations for

Chinese & Russian Submarine
Intelligence for Anti- Theater Mine Warfare
Platforms Update
Submarine Warfare Training Sustainment Using Low- ONI
Thomas Murray Profile Vessels (LPVs)
Signal Systems Corporation Don Brutzman

12:00 Networking Lunch

BASE GYMNASIUM
pm

14 | #USWFall24 | @NDIAToday
 1861764
1858426 Current Challenges With Mining & Mine
Environmentally Aware Countermeasures
DARPA Banyan Program Increasing the MK 48 Intelligent Navigation
MOD 7 Heavyweight Acquisition
Katherine Woolfe for Unmanned Portfolio Update
DARPA Torpedo Inventory Underwater Vehicles
Robert Dellsy
David Pfundstein CAPT Chris Polk, USN Nathaniel Mack Mine Warfare Program Office
DARPA PMS 404 Penn State Applied (PMS 495)
Research Laboratory

SPONSORED BY

1875698
1877605 Harbor & Critical
1851007 1867897
The Slocum Sentinel Infrastructure Protection
Submarine Sensor Glider – Expanded is a Growing Concern Underwater &
System Development Capabilities for Adversaries Ability Seabed EOD
Rich Arnold Enhanced Missions to Apply Subsea Amanda Bobe
PEO IWS 5A Thomas Altshuler Effects Will Grow ONR32
Teled Matthew Chapman
Oceaneering

1856518 1864937
1872625
ONR Anti-Submarine Increasing Submarine 1857111
Capability with Mining Improvements
Warfare S&T Overview
Minimal Increases Power Over Fiber to Increase
Michael Vaccaro Operational Agility
Office of Naval Research in Submarine Size Adam Card
Michael MacTaggart Northop Grumman Andrew Blair
Tracey Fischer Huntington Ingalls Industries NSWC PCD
Office of Naval Research Newport News Shipbuilding

1848125
As Synthetic Aperture
1840135 Sonar in MCM
1858473
1854223 Operations Becomes
ONR Code 32 ASW Insights into Autopilot Tactically Common Then
Programming by Design for Undersea
S&T Future Roadmap Contact Management
Demonstration for Dual Vehicles Using Nonlinear
Tracey Fischer Becomes A Challenge
Arm Manipulation Control Theory
Office of Naval Research Given The Level of
Kelly Sprehn Daniel Kustaborder Detail Allows Detecting
Michael Vaccaro Draper The Applied Research
Office of Naval Research
Laboratory
Virtually Every Object
On The Sea Floor
Terry Miller
AAC

SPONSORED BY

15
 1:00 pm

1856019
COCO UW ISR Russian SSN / SSGN
400 Ft At-Sea Antenna for
CAPT Jon Haase, USN Ops & Tactics (Sonobuoy
Expanded Communications
Navy Expeditionary Mission Evasion Emphasis)
Program Office (PMS 408) Gregory Niehaus ONI
RDA, Inc.

1832207
1:30 pm
Enhancing Machine
AI Driven Multi-Agent Mission
Learning Model Cross- Russian SSN / SSGN Ops &
Planning & Autonomy
Device Applicability to Tactics (Sonobuoy Evasion
CAPT Jon Haase, USN Capture Encryption Keys Emphasis) Continued
Navy Expeditionary Mission
Program Office (PMS 408) from Power Expenditure ONI

Ian Garrett
Virginia Tech

1827177 1861329
2:00 pm
Data Distribution Service (DDS) 1854226 PMS 406 Updated on
Use in Undersea Autonomous UUV Programs and
Long Range Acoustic
Vehicles and Combat Systems Enabling Capabilities
Communications
John Patchin CAPT Matt Lewis, USN
RTI Jeffery Hoyle
Elbit America PEO Unmanned and Small
Paul Pazandak Combatants, Navy Unmanned
RTI Maritime Systems (PMS 406)

1842206
1874938
2:30 pm 1840036
Busting the Myths of
Universal Launch &
Applying State of the Practice Scalable Event-Triggered
Recovery of UUVs
Digital Electronic Systems Data Fusion for Acoustic
Engineering To the Navy’s Communications Eric Hendricks
NIWC Pacific
Undersea Warfare Enterprise Gregory Sinsley
Penn State Applied Research Laboratory Jason Bench
James Chew NIWC Pacific
Cadence Design Systems

3:00 pm Networking Break

DE ALE Y CENTER OUTSIDE PL AZ A

16 | #USWFall24 | @NDIAToday
 1861186
Advancing the Undersea
Fight with Lethal 1864193
1848145
Uncrewed Undersea Insight: A Foundation
Operational Hold Vehicles (Update on Mine Countermeasure
for Undersea Vehicle
Time Performance Extra Large Uncrewed Mission Module
Introspective Health
Against High-End Peer Undersea Vehicle Program Update
Management (IHM)
Submarines during Out Capability & CONOPS) Ed Sujecki
of Area Deployments Mark Shanks LCS Mission Modules
Brian Quarles Metron, Inc. Program Office (PMS 420)
Jeffrey Cares The Boeing Company, Maritime
Alidade Incorporated and Intelligence Systems Micah Eassa
Metron, Inc.
Brian Grubel
The Boeing Company, Maritime
and Intelligence Systems

1861824
1861223
1876800 1854067
Inertial Navigation
Impact of a “Combined
System Inspection and TALON: Torpedo Project Mazu – Arms” Approach
Detection of Evolving Tube Launch ROV Applications of Subsea to Enabling the
Roles (INSIDER) John Pfeifler Pulsed Power Submarine Force’s
Jamie Winterton Lockheed Martin
Nate Gonzales Operational Tasking
Boston Fusion Corporation Matt DeLuca General Dynamics
Lockheed Martin Mission Systems Jim Clancy
Julia Mertens JHU/APL
Boston Fusion Corporation

1861244
Advanced Submarine 1847351
Sensor Surface Counter UUV Effectors
Warfare Utility
Matthew Searle
Jonathan Sass Oceanetics, LLC
Johns Hopkins University
Applied Physics Laboratory

1861881
Non-Acoustic 1877016
Detection of Unmanned Review of NPS Research
Underwater Vehicles Projects in Mine &
Seth Meiselman Undersea Warfare
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Rick Williams
Geoffrey Cranch Naval Postgraduate School
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

SPONSORED BY

17
 3:30 pm 1831947
1863226
Exploring Knowledge
Challenges and Opportunities
Retrieval Techniques in
for Enabling Submarine 1880042
SWFTS Using Open Domain
Operations in the Arctic PMS415 Updates
Large Language Models
Michael Brawner
William Matuszak CAPT Gene Severtson, USN
General Dynamics Electric Boat
SeaCorp
Joshua Malaro
Matthew Corser General Dynamics Electric Boat
NUWC

4:00 pm
1874802
1862350
Future Naval Power Systems
Collaboration for Undersea Russia / China Torpedo /
Considerations for Combat
Decision Advantage (CUDA) Counter Developments
Weapon Systems ONI
Todd Cloutier
Elvis Crespo Monterey Technologies, Inc.
Booz Allen Hamilton

4:30 pm

1847432
1875725
Hybrid Drone: The World's Only
Oceaneering's Onshore Russia / China UxV
Multi-Domain (Marine, Ground,
Remote Operation Centers (Platforms + Ops)
Air) Autonomous Vehicle ONI
Matthew Chapman
Scott Kempshall Oceaneering
HyALTA Aeronautics, Inc.

5:00 pm Conference Adjourns

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Headquartered in Arlington, VA, Leonardo DRS, Inc. is an innovative and
agile provider of advanced defense technology to U.S. national security Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology
customers and allies around the world. We specialize in the design, company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the
development and manufacture of advanced sensing, network computing, capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and ensure
force protection, and electric power and propulsion, and other leading strategic dominance from seabed to space. From cutting-edge sensors
mission-critical technologies. Our innovative people are leading the and mine hunting systems to autonomous vehicles and next-generation
way in developing disruptive technologies for autonomous, dynamic, ship capabilities, we are improving mission capability in the undersea
interconnected, and multi-domain capabilities to defend against new and domain. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest
emerging threats. For more information and to learn more about our full problems, our employees define possible every day.
range of capabilities, visit www.LeonardoDRS.com.

18 | #USWFall24 | @NDIAToday
 1863789
Automated Machine
Learning Neural Network
1852424
Model Architecture
Search Framework for KnowGeo: Underwater
Underwater Acoustic Acoustic Sensor Network
Signal Detection Colin Funai
& Identification Raytheon BBN Technologies

Ira Morgan
Applied Research Laboratories
University of Texas at Austin

1856462 1853375
1875667
Automated Detection ROMULUS: Remote
Engaging the Seabed Navy Expeditionary
of Novel Targets In Operational Monitoring
and Performing Careful Mine Countermeasures
Synthetic Aperture Unit Leveraging
Identification and Program Update
Sonar Imagery Using UUV Simulation
Access To Critical CAPT Jon Haase, USN
Training Data Generated Thomas Stubbs
Areas of Concern Navy Expeditionary Mission
by Simulation Integer Technologies, LLC Program Office (PMS 408)
John Zimmerman
Joshua Humberston Oceaneering Josh Knight
Sandia National Laboratories Integer Technologies, LLC

Airborne Laser Mine

Detection System
1875843
and Airborne Mine
Transparent Oceans 1854187 Neutralization System
Using Coordinated 1854227
Submarine High Energy Fleet Operations
Autonomous At-Sea Testing of a
Laser Weapon System LCDR Rob “OG” Swain,
Network Sensors Blended Wing Glider USN
Stuart Shoppell Helicopter Sea Combat
Andrew March Scott Mahar
Naval Surface Warfare Squadron 21
MIT LL General Atomics
Center Dahlgren Division
Nicholas Beaird LT Charles “Handyman”
MIT LL Thomas, USN
Helicopter Sea Combat
Squadron 21

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Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin is a global security
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19
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employees and annual revenues of about $7.4 billion. Through expansive
has acquired a group of leading-edge marine technology companies,
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advancing heavyweight torpedo production, modernizing torpedo test
a Maritime industry powerhouse with a portfolio consisting of Unmanned
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Underwater Vehicles, Acoustic Imaging Systems, Subsea Instruments,
supporting Undersea Dominance, based in Middletown, Rhode Island and
Interconnect and Seismic Survey technology which provides solutions to
other Fleet concentration areas, are committed to introducing innovative
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enablers for a broad array of the Navy’s systems and support missions,
including IPoE, SSW, and ASW.

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CON FERENCE
March 17 – 19
San Diego, CA

20 | #USWFall24 | @NDIAToday
Track Information
Aviation Systems Undersea Sensors
Glen Sharpe Joe Cuschieri
Advanced Acoustic Concepts Lockheed Martin Corporation

The Aviation Committee focuses on The focus of the Undersea Sensors

the technologies and capabilities that session is to provide guidance to the
the airborne undersea warfighting U.S. Navy about the application of
community provides. This committee cutting edge technology. Abstracts
is interested in a wide range of submitted to this section relate to
“aviation platforms,” manned the following: underwater acoustic
and unmanned fixed wing and rotary winged. The committee is transduction and acoustic sensor arrays, electro-optic sensors,
interested in articulating the contributions and potential of these magnetic sensors, electrostatic sensors, chemical sensors, gravity
weapons systems. Desired technical subjects cover the broad areas sensors, signal processing, test and evaluation, operational use/sea
of signal processing, human factors, training, undersea capable test results, and theoretical studies. This list is not exhaustive but
weapons, sensors, man-machine interface, artificial intelligence representative of several disciplines and associated sciences.
(AI) littoral and large area search concepts. The presentations
cover a large range, including theoretical discussions by academic
institutions and laboratories, reports and roadmaps on experimental
systems and systems being developed for Fleet introduction, and
Undersea Vehicles
Chuck Fralick
discussions of Navy programs of record.
Leidos

The Undersea Vehicles session

C4I focuses on both large and small hull
undersea vehicles (both manned and
CAPT Paul Rosbolt (Ret)
Systems Planning unmanned) and unmanned surface
& Analysis, Inc. vehicles. Technical subjects cover the
broad areas of weapons, unmanned
The C4I & Combat Systems vehicles, defensive systems and hull, and mechanical and electrical
Technical Committee focuses on systems. The technical presentations range from theoretical
Communications, Information discussions by academic institutions and laboratories and reports
Exchange, Data Fusion, and Command on experimental systems and systems being developed for Fleet
and Control enablers for the ASW introduction to discussions of Navy programs of record.
Kill Chain F2T2EA (Find, Fix, Track,
Target, Engage, and Assess). Committee presentations are given
by academia, government and industry and cover a broad range
of topics from theoretical discussions to updates on technology, Warfighter Performance
programs of record and test results. & Combat Systems
CAPT Paul Rosbolt, USN (Ret)
Systems Planning
and Analysis, Inc.
Mine Warfare
Kevin Hagan This special session on Warfighter
Peraton, Inc. Performance & Combat Systems
is intended to address evolving
The Mine Warfare (MIW)
operational needs and solutions in
session provides the
the area of USW warfighter performance that employs a combination
opportunity for industry,
of components such as technology, HSI, Serious Games, Virtual
government, and academia to
Worlds, and other emerging concepts. Presentations in this session
exchange information and express
will address approaches that effectively combine cross discipline
their views in addressing technical,
techniques and methodologies to provide real capability to the
programmatic, and operational issues and activities in the MIW
Warfighter across all USW Warfare Domains/Enterprises (i.e.,
community. The Committee addresses threats, programs, operations,
Submarine, Surface, Air, and MIW Enterprises).
CONOPS, and future technologies across the MIW spectrum of
mine hunting, mine sweeping, neutralization, command and control, Human Systems Integration (HSI) – Improving data visualization
mining, and other areas of interest. techniques and enhancing intuitive decision making; improving the
reliability of critical information Operator Capability

Training – Establishing linkages between theory, experiments, and

training system design; integrating M&S to increase realism as well
as cost efficiency of onboard submarine training capability

Health and Wellness – Reducing or countering the negative effects

of fatigue, stress, illness, etc.; improving on-board environment with
respect to atmosphere, nutrition, exercise, noise exposure, and so on.

21
Abstract Descriptions
Aviation Systems
1834471 – Explainable Readiness Predictions With The 1848141 – Digital Electronics Systems Engineering (DESE)
Digital Aviation Readiness Technology Engine Return on Investment (ROI) Calculation Methods for Major
Jamal Rorie DoD Platforms
The Digital Aviation Readiness Technology Engine (DARTE) is a suite of machine Steve Carslon, James Chew
learning (ML) and statistical models used to predict readiness metrics for Digital Electronics Systems Engineering (DESE) coupled with Hardware-Accurate
various platforms. These models are then explored with explainable AI to provide Digital Twins (HADT) is critical for developing, maintaining and upgrading
actionable insights to subject matter experts and decision makers. microelectronics-based systems. These tools, when used together, increase program
execution efficiency and quality which result in cost savings and a measurable
1864934 – ASW Using Non-traditional ASW Air Platforms return on investment (ROI). While it may be challenging to arrive at an agreeable
ROI calculation method for Department of Defense (DoD) programs for a number of
Rob Kunz, Ron Hidde
reasons, with some simple assumptions, using a DESE and HADT approach is shown
RDA has been tasked by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to enhance the existing
to generate an ROI of 60:1 for a major DoD program as explained in this paper. A brief
Low Cost Advanced Processor (LCAP) system into the ExCAAP system. ExCAAP is
survey of the landscape is first described, followed by an overview of what is meant
a Roll on/Roll off platform agnostic ASW system capable of being operated by non-
by DESE and HADT. The paper then presents several examples of the use of DESE and
ASW trained warfighters. The system can be loaded onto a variety of air platforms
HADT on major DoD programs and the types of ROI achieved from those methods.
but is currently tailored for the MV-22 Osprey operated by the USMC. Operator
interfaces have been reduced and simplified for use by non-ASW trained personnel.
The long-term roadmap includes integrating AI processing and bell ringers to reduce
1867443 – Jargon Aware Artificial Intelligence for Anti-
ASW sensor data for exfiltration to monitoring ground stations.
Submarine Warfare Training
Thomas Murray
Signal Systems Corporation’s (SSC) Jargon AWare AI (JAWA) is an innovative
Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistant for sonar operators that presents classification
recommendations and supporting rationale using the same language as subject
matter experts. JAWA brings state-of-the-art deep learning performance to bear
on wide-area search in a way that automated decisions remain easily explainable.

C4I
1869053 – The Electronic Guard Book (E-Guard): A Tool for 1832207 – Enhancing Machine Learning Model Cross-
Expediting Submarine Escape Time Calculations Device Applicability to Capture Encryption Keys from
Jeffrey Bolkhovsky Power Expenditure
The Electronic Guard Book (E-Guard): A tool for Expediting Submarine Escape Ian Garrett
Time Calculations Side-channel attacks exploit secondary information, such as power expenditure
from cryptographic systems, to gather sensitive data like encryption keys.
1870209 – C2 Considerations for Theater Mine Warfare While machine learning methods have significantly advanced the efficacy of
Sustainment using Low-Profile Vessels (LPVs) these attacks, they traditionally require extensive, device-specific training data.
This requirement limits their applicability across different devices, even of
Don Brutzman
the same model, and demands access to labeled data from the target device,
This work is informed by public feedback received during two prior preliminary
thus presenting a weak threat-model reliant on full attacker knowledge of
presentations, as noted in the references. Recent completion of the 10-student
the target system.
outbrief plus comparison with an active USMC acquisition program has continued
to add significant value to prior presentations. Addressing these limitations, our research introduces a domain adaptation
strategy that enhances the usage of machine learning models for cross-device

1856019 – 400 ft At-Sea Antenna for Expanded side-channel attacks. We also introduce a reinforcement learning methodology to
generate high-entropy datasets, which significantly reduces the necessary training
Communications
data volume, thereby enhancing the models’ applicability across diverse hardware
Gregory Niehaus environments. Our method is validated on energy-efficient microcontrollers,
Radio frequency (RF) communications at-sea are primarily limited by the Earth’s demonstrating substantial performance improvements. This presentation will
curvature and further constrained by wave height, which impede line-of-sight (LoS) detail the methodology and the potential for broader defense applications.”
transmission. RDA developed the Aerial Platform Performance Antenna (APPA) as
a solution to increase communication ranges and reliability for undersea sensors
and vehicles without relying on Satcoms.

22 | #USWFall24 | @NDIAToday
1854226 – Long Range Acoustic Communications 1863226 – Challenges & Opportunities for Enabling
Jeffery Hoyle Submarine Operations in the Arctic
Very Low Frequency (VLF) acoustic sources in compact form can enable Michael Brawner, Joshua Malaro
undersea and cross domain communications for submarines and unmanned This brief will review the unique challenges of command and control while
undersea vehicles and equipment without the requirement for platform near operating in the Arctic environment and discuss potential technology based
surface operations. C-Bass VLF sources are a family of coherent sound projectors solutions that can be explored and prototyped.
with resonance frequencies ranging from 15 Hz to 300 Hz. This presentation
The goal is to foster community dialog and technical exchanges concerning
will provide technical specifics, testing and tactical employment of C-Bass VLF
increased submarine superiority.”
acoustic communications capabilities to date and demonstrate its applicability
and advantages for future undersea warfare mission operations.
1862350 – Collaboration For Undersea Decision Advantage
1840036 – Scalable Event-Triggered Data Fusion for (CUDA)
Acoustic Communications Todd Cloutier
Gregory Sinsley Using research and design techniques based on the psychology of Naturalistic
Decision Making has led us to develop a more comprehensive approach to
This presentation demonstrates an event-triggered data fusion system for
supporting submarine crews and their need for collaborative undersea decision
distributed tracking and classification onboard unmanned underwater vehicles.
advantage. Extending what we have learned from having the Mission Planning
The event-triggered scheme only communicates when doing so is likely to have a
Application (MPA) in the fleet since 2014, and adding new research centered that
large influence on tracking or classification performance. This allows vehicles to
worked backwards from the decision-making requirements of the submarine
have the benefit of collaborating with one another while using less bandwidth than
crews, Monterey Technologies has begun translating these findings into designs
traditional methods for communication.
for an APB25 Collaborative Undersea Decision Advantage (CUDA) application.

1875725 – Oceaneering’s Onshore Remote Operation

Centers
Matthew E. Chapman
Remote integrated tactical operations require a remote environment offering
compatibility to employ software across the entire system of systems
(adaptability), hot-swapping to other locations (redundancy) and an open
architecture allowing integration of multiple robots (flexibility – sea, air and land.)

Combat Systems
1827177 – Data Distribution Service (DDS) Use In Undersea 1831947 – Exploring Knowledge Retrieval Techniques In
Autonomous Vehicles & Combat Systems SWFTS Using Open Domain Large Language Models
John Patchin, Paul Pazandak William Matuszak, Matthew Corser
The Object Management Group (OMG) Data Distribution Service (DDS) is an open In this presentation, we investigate knowledge retrieval from SWFTS artifacts
international software specification mandated for use in defense systems. It is utilizing open domain Large Language Models (LLMs). We investigate two
used in a wide variety of military applications and is particularly important for prominent methodologies: extractive reference and Retrieval-Augmented
autonomous systems. This is because it provides real-time quality of service Generation (RAG). Extractive reference involves selecting essential passages
(QoS), safety, security, scalability, and functionality for denied, degraded, from a corpus, while RAG combines retrieval and generation to produce
intermittent, and limited (DDIL) operating conditions. This presentation discusses informative responses.”
the multi-domain usage of OMG DDS for undersea warfare, in particular the
Unmanned Maritime Autonomy Architecture (UMAA) and the Open Autonomous 1874802 – Future Naval Power Systems Considerations for
Underwater Vehicle (OpenAUV) framework. Combat Weapon Systems
Elvis Crespo
1842206 – Busting the Myths of Applying State of the
Over the past four decades significant advancements in electronics technology
Practice Digital Electronic Systems Engineering To the
has greatly benefitted combat weapon systems economies of scale, increased
Navy’s Undersea Warfare Enterprise size, weight, and power scaling. These advances have resulted in increased
James Chew transient power demands which present significant challenges to the electric
This presentation shatters the myths of applying state of the practice digital power distribution systems; particularly for applications requiring back fit of
electric system engineering by making the audience aware of the DoD in-house the new systems onto existing platforms with limited electric power generation
capabilities can support the use of DESE. The author explains how acquisition, capacities and with future platforms moving to more electric and higher voltage
operational, sustainment, and modernization processes can benefit from the use DC systems and higher energy loads such as directed energy weapons. This
of DESE, and how to implement DESE in all current PEO(USW) programs abstract seeks to provide considerations for design (e.g., EMC), development,
technologies (e.g., lithium batteries, solid state power electronics), and integration
of these combat systems with future naval platforms and leverages past and
present defense programs, as well as aerospace/naval commercial and defense
industry research and technology trends.

23
1847432 – Hybrid Drone: The World’s Only Multi-Domain forward flight domains. Hybrid Drone can operate in or back and forth between any

(Marine, Ground, Air) Autonomous Vehicle or all these domains during a single sortie. This allows a single Hybrid Drone to
perform missions that would otherwise require two to four separate vehicles with
Scott Kempshall
their separate attendant control and support systems.
Hybrid Drone is a transformational autonomous vehicle designed to operate in
and easily transition between maritime subsurface, surface, ground, hover, and

AUKUS Session - Dealy

1871311 – Undersea Communications & Integration 1853768 – Combat Systems Improvements To ASW
Program Office, PMW 770 Systems for Surface & Submarine Platforms
Jon Wrinn, Michael Hutter Rich Arnold
This presentation is focused on Accelerating Undersea and Shore Mr. Arnold, the IWS 5A Director of Advanced Development for Undersea Systems
Communications. will provide an update on IWS 5’s combat system improvements to ASW systems
for surface and submarine platforms. Mr. Arnold will address process and system
1856473 – IWS 5.0 Program Status & Plans changes supporting faster fielding of more capability, giving our undersea forces
decision advantage over any adversaries.
Leroy Mitchell
The Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems, Undersea Systems
1861329 – PMS 406 Updated on UUV Programs & Enabling
(PEO IWS 5.0) is responsible for maintaining a Cross-Enterprise focus in undersea
warfare systems, developing an Open Architecture Computing Environment as
Capabilities
foundation for future warfare systems and coordinating USW programs across CAPT Matt Lewis, USN
the Enterprise. Advanced Development Programs, Surface Ship USW Combat PMS 406 will provide a program office update on UUV programs and enabling
Systems, USW Command and Control Systems and USW Systems Engineering capabilities, including a discussion of future capability and vehicle needs.
make up the IWS 5.0 office.
1874938 – Universal Launch & Recovery Of UUVs
1854512 – SSN AUKUS Combat System – Eric Hendricks, Jason Bench
The Path To A Trilateral, More Agile Future
CAPT Kevin Moller, USN, Pascal Gangon
SSN-AUKUS will include a trilateral combat system, largely derived from US 1880042 – PMS415 Updates
BYG-1 and the current UK Common Combat System. This to-be-developed tri- CAPT Gene Severtson, USN
lateral Common Compute Environment (CCE) is being managed by the AUKUS The speaker will provide an update on PMS415.
Combat Systems IPT and has potential to feed lessons learned back into all three
national systems.

Mine Warfare
1872444 – NSWC Panama City Division Mine Warfare MIWOE team, ONR32.

Training Shape Support Options

1872625 – Mining Improvements to Increase Operational
Brian Brock
Agility
As mining technology evolves, assessments of ship signatures by modern mine
systems are required to inform U.S. naval mine countermeasures. This brief will
Andrew Blair
provide an overview of mine training shapes, their uses, and how the community As US Naval Mining evolves, critical gaps and operational challenges remain.
can utilize these devices to further the mine warfare mission area. Improvements are needed to expand mine performance, reduce operational
timelines, and to provide greater flexibility to our Warfighters. This brief will provide

1874435 – Single Sortie Detect To Engage an overview of these areas and discuss the technology, systems, processes, and
opportunities that could be developed to address them.
Jeffrey Williams
Triton’s ability to autonomously operate on the surface (as an Unmanned Surface
1848125 – As Synthetic Aperture Sonar In MCM Operations
Vehicle) and subsurface (as an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle) make it ideal for
Becomes Tactically Common, Contact Management
mine-countermeasures. Leveraging our advanced obstacle avoidance and threat
Becomes A Challenge Given That The Level of Detail
evasion system, the Triton can infiltrate, conduct operations (surface or subsurface),
recharge, communicate and be re-tasked or exfiltrate. Single Sortie Detect to Engage
Allows Detecting Virtually Every Object On The Sea Floor
is accomplished with a four-Tritons permitting over the horizon find, fix and finish Terry Miller
maintaining communications and near real-time data exfiltration. This paper presents an in-depth discussion of the whole mine-hunting operation
process with particular focus on contact classification and its relation to NATO
1867897 – Underwater & Seabed EOD risk doctrines. Some trade-offs are illustrated by comparing the mine hunting

Amanda Bobe performance of four typical SAS configurations.”

An overview and insights for the Seabed & Underwater EOD portfolio of the

24 | #USWFall24 | @NDIAToday
1861223 – Impact Of A “Combined Arms” Approach To world environments. The presentation also provides details of non-lethal effectors

Enabling The Submarine Force’s Operational Tasking that can be deployed in peace time without the need for executive authority.”

Jim Clancy
1877016 – Review Of NPS Research Projects In Mine &
The USN’s submarine force has historically been equipped, trained, and employed
Undersea Warfare
to deploy far-forward and, if necessary, act as a key component of the U.S.
military’s “Blunt Layer” intended to “delay, degrade or deny adversary aggression.” Rick Williams
Doing so requires that the submarine force is equipped and trained to establish Williams will review several MIW & USW related research topics and
and enforce access at a pace that supports overall OPLAN objectives, while discuss several areas that are currently being considered for new, ongoing
maintaining the force’s collective capacity in terms of ordnance that can be research efforts.
delivered in-theater.

This presentation describes an analytical effort in which we explored the impact of

1852424 – KnowGeo: Underwater Acoustic Sensor Network
various mitigating solutions (including technical, tactics development, training, and Colin Funai
Joint Force contributions) upon the submarine force’s ability to gain and enforce As unmanned vessels have become more prevalent in military operations, it is
access and to do so at a pace that supports OPLAN objectives. becoming increasingly important to develop the means to communicate the
locations of potential sea mines to unmanned underwater vessels (UUV). While
1847351 – Counter-UUV Effectors the creators of the Robust Acoustic Communications for Underwater Networks
(RACUN) have designed a system that can support UUV communications, RACUN
Matthew Searle
has not been designed to support links longer than 10km. To this end, we present
A review of the means to detect and defeat the emerging threat of armed uncrewed
KnowGeo, a UUV communication network designed to address the shadow zones
underwater vehicles and self-propelled mines in the port environment. A look at
present in longer acoustic links.
active and passive sensors, their capabilities, range and ability to operate in real

Undersea Sensors
1857008 – A New Sensing System for the Arctic 1858426 – DARPA Banyan Program
D. Benjamin Reeder, John Joseph Katherine Woolfe, David Pfundstein
Cold War, Navy-funded research demonstrated that mechanical properties of DARPA will present an update on the Banyan program, which seeks to develop
Arctic sea ice can be inferred by observation of the speeds of compressional, novel approaches to monitor the maritime environment using advanced opto-
shear and flexural waves generated through in-ice conversion of impulsive energy. acoustic sensing techniques on existing undersea cables.”
The impulsive signal was generated by a lead ball or sledge hammer dropped
onto the top of the sea ice, and the inversion process required meticulous, manual 1851007 – Submarine Sensor System Development
extraction of signal amplitudes. The work presented here advances the work from
Rich Arnold
the 1980s and 1990s by making use of (a) coherent sources with which broadband
Mr. Arnold, the IWS 5A Director of Advanced Development for Undersea Systems,
signals can be generated to replace the manually-generated hammer-drop signals,
will provide an update on IWS 5’s submarine sensor system development. Mr.
leveraging processing gain and improving temporal resolution via matched
Arnold will address the status of EW sensors, new ASW sensors, and Fleet needs,
filter; (b) instruments with high frequency and sensitivity capabilities to observe
including the processing and OMI support for new sensors.
compressional resonances from which information can be inferred; and (c) the
physics of multimedia acoustic propagation for additional applications.
1856518 – ONR Anti-Submarine Warfare S&T Overview
1854914 – PMS 485 Deployable Surveillance Systems Michael Vaccaro, Tracey Fischer
Update The Office of Naval Research Anti-Submarine Warfare program invests in projects
Susan LaShomb, Aaron Bengston that apply the latest technology and scientific understanding of the ocean
environment to eliminate submarines and undersea weapons as effective tools
This brief outlines the incremental development of Deployable Surveillance
for our adversaries. The current investment portfolio will be presented, with a
Systems capabilities using the Middle Tier of Acquisition pathway for the
particular focus on projects that have transition potential in the next 3-5 years.
Deep Water Active technology transition and upcoming opportunities for
Industry engagement.
1858473 – ONR Code 32 ASW S&T Future Roadmap
1861945 – PMS 485’s Mobile Surveillance Systems Future Tracey Fischer, Michael Vaccaro
Capabilities The ASW team in ONR’s Code 32 makes long term investments in technologies to

Donald Ringel, Rabon Cooke address future capabilities as identified in key operational requirements identified
by the fleet. Frequently though underlying technologies are not mature enough to
This brief details the current PMS 485 Mobile Surveillance Systems, Surveillance
show a viable path forward. For these technology challenges, the ASW team relies
Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS) efforts and plans for future Mobile
upon industry to help show the way forward. This presentation will discuss the
Surveillance System capabilities. SURTASS is currently fielded on two
future vision and identify area where industry can engage.
Expeditionary (SURTASS-E) and five T-AGOS platforms, and are programmed for
ten T-AGOS 25 Class platforms.

25
1848145 – Operational Hold Time Performance 1863789 – Automated Machine Learning Neural Network
Against High-End Peer Submarines during Out of Area Model Architecture Search Framework For Underwater
Deployments Acoustic Signal Detection & Identification
Jeffrey Cares Ira Morgan
This brief will present operational data from recent real-world events. This brief Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) Frameworks combined with Custom
presents new Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs) – Hold Time and Regain Time Training Loss Functions can provide an efficient means of building state-of-
statistics, and the Hazard Function, an associated Measure of Performance (MOP), the-art Underwater Sound Detection Deep Neural Network Models. There is a
which were recently developed at the UWDC TAG Submarine Operations Research continually growing selection of high performance architectures to choose from
Group. Hold Time and Regain Time statistics are useful for describing overall hold with significant potential to leverage transfer learning to mitigate small sample size
time effectiveness, while their associated Hazard Functions are very valuable tools acoustic training datasets. This research explores combining efficient acoustic
for forensic analysis of Phase 0/1 Offensive ASW performance. data pre-processing software pipelines with a modified AutoKeras Automated
Machine Learning (AutoML) Model Search framework to enable unique transfer
learned model identification for targeted underwater acoustic detection and
1861824 – Inertial Navigation System Inspection and
classification problems.
Detection of Evolving Roles (INSIDER)
Jamie Winterton, Julia Mertens
1856462 – Automated Detection Of Novel Targets In
Inertial Navigation System Inspection and Detection of Evolving Roles (INSIDER) Synthetic Aperture Sonar Imagery Using Training Data
is a Condition Based Maintenance (CBM+) technology that improves operational
Generated By Simulation
availability by finding subtle anomalies in Inertial Navigation Systems (INS).
INSIDER uses graphical models to determine relationships between sensors. It Joshua Humberston
applies Bayesian methods to measure deviances to flag and explain anomalies.” Libraries of synthetic aperture sonar imagery of targets on a sandy seafloor
were generated by the Modular Acoustic Simulation Toolset of the Department
1861244 – Advanced Submarine Sensor Surface Warfare of the Navy (MASTODON). The data was used to train a multinomial pattern
matching (MPM) algorithm, a methodology successfully demonstrated in the
Utility
terrestrial realm, to identify targets and tested against real imagery including those
Jonathan Sass targets. The methods and results of this study, as well as benefits and proposed
This presentation highlights the benefits provided by the latest advanced applications, will be discussed.
submarine sensor during the high-speed operations necessary to engage, evade,
and re-engage ASW-capable surface combatants. By investigating the impact that 1875843 – Transparent Oceans Using Coordinated
the advanced sensor has in ASUW search, intercept, and engagement scenarios,
Autonomous Networked Sensors
we provide recommendations for future tactics development and present-day
considerations for SSN operators and Fleet planners. Andrew March, Nicholas Beaird
This project aims to increase ocean forecasting skill by augmenting existing data
1861881 – Non-Acoustic Detection Of Unmanned sources with targeted, high-quality, low-cost autonomous sensing; developing
novel sensing technologies that move beyond traditional in-situ point sensing
Underwater Vehicles
to novel volume sensing approaches; and assimilating multiple types of data to
Seth Meiselman, Geoffrey Cranch estimate the structure of the uncertainty in ocean predictions in real time. The
Non-acoustic, electromagnetic signatures are used to detect, track, and in some first year has focused on evaluation of the potential of two novel technologies:
cases identify UUVs. Active and passive methods using state-of-the-art electric a constellation of small, low-cost multi-spectral imaging CubeSats; and a laser
and magnetic sensors enable this capability for strategic use in littoral waters and remote temperature profiler.
near critical undersea infrastructure.

Undersea Vehicles
1843235 – UUV/ROV Payload Needs for SSW Applications test in preparation for expected U.S. Navy deployment.

Walter Smith, Zachary Seither

1864937 – Increasing Submarine Capability with Minimal
Presentation will provide a TETRA vehicle overview and request industry
Increases in Submarine Size
assistance with new payload options to answer several SSW CONOP scenarios
desired by CSL and CSP. Michael MacTaggart
Future submarine platforms will desire increased payload capability without
1880019 – Manta Ray and Goblin Program Updates growing the overall size of the platform. NNS will present one option that has the
potential to substantially increase payload quantity and utility without a large
Kevin Sloan
impact to ship design.
Program updates from the Manta Ray and Goblin programs in the DARPA Tactical
Technologies Office.
1854223 – Programming by Demonstration for Dual Arm
Manipulation
1877605 – The Slocum Sentinel Glider –
Expanded Capabilities for Enhanced Missions Kelly Sprehn
Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) operators continue to face
Thomas Altshuler
significant challenges with manual control tasks including fatigue and workload
Teledyne Marine will provide an overview of the newly release Slocum Sentinel management. To address this, we explore the adoption of a semi-autonomous
glider designed to expand the operational envelop Slocum G3 glider currently used control method to improve the work environment quality for operators with
by the U.S. Navy. The presentation will cover vehicle performance and recent sea the goal of enhancing performance and safety. Building upon the success
26 | #USWFall24 | @NDIAToday
of Programming by Demonstration (PbD) for single-arm industrial robotic 1875655 – Engaging the Commercial Industry to Shape
applications, we seek to extend these techniques to dual-arm robotic control Autonomy For Security Needs
applications. We present a semi-autonomous approach which allows users to
Matthew Chapman
supervise tasks while delegating the cognitive load of control to the system,
alleviating stress and fatigue associated with manual control operations. The commercial industry is progressing subsea autonomy based on commercial
demands. To best take advantage of dual technologies, it is worth better
understanding what is driving commercial technology investments to inform
1861186 – Advancing the Undersea Fight with Lethal
decision makers where to engage and encourage development that better suits
Uncrewed Undersea Vehicles (Update on Extra Large
national security needs.
Uncrewed Undersea Vehicle Capability and CONOPS)
Brian Quarles, Brian Grubel 1861764 – Environmentally Aware Intelligent Navigation for
Provide an update of the Orca Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV)
Unmanned Underwater Vehicles
program, completed operational test and evaluation, fleet introduction, Concept of
Operations, and advanced payloads.
Nathaniel Mack
The traditional approach to mission planning for unmanned underwater vehicles

1876800 – TALON: Torpedo Tube Launch ROV (UUVs) relies on fixed waypoints, limiting adaptability and robustness. The
Environmentally Aware Intelligent Navigation (EAIN) algorithm, developed at the
John Pfeifler, Matt DeLuca
Applied Research Laboratory at Pennsylvania State University, offers a solution
TALON is a torpedo tube launch and recovery ROV. Developed for deep ocean for longer-duration missions by optimizing routes based on environmental factors
environment’s connected by fiber optic link providing real time feedback to the and security considerations. EAIN demonstrates efficient planning with minimal
operator. This capability opens up opportunities to support many Subsea and positional error and fast adaptation capabilities during mission execution, showing
Seabed Warfare Missions. promise in both simulation and on-the-water testing, with ongoing efforts to
enhance its capabilities and expand testing on different platforms.
1875667 – Engaging the Seabed and Performing Careful
Identification and Access To Critical Areas of Concern 1875698 – Harbor and Critical Infrastructure Protection is a
John Zimmerman Growing Concern Adversaries Ability to Apply Subsea Effects
Most ROV and AUV platforms are focused on torpedo shaped designs with one Will Grow
propulsor. While this provides advantages for endurance and simple survey/ Matthew Chapman
surveillance operations, it is not the ideal platform for engaging the seabed
Harbor and Critical Infrastructure protection is a growing concern. As subsea
and performing careful identification and access to critical areas of concern.
capabilities advance and proliferate, potential adversaries will grow and the
Multi-thruster ROVs/AUVs exist today in the commercial sector and can be multi-
ability to apply subsea effects will grow. Potential adversaries will look at this
payload capable. Multi-thruster and payload vehicles provide more flexibility and
asymmetric advantage as a way to influence and project, not unlike hacking,
capability to the mission planner to include finishing the kill chain.
subsea effects will be unattributable and threaten massive financial, energy and
communication consequences unless solutions are developed now. It is worth
1854227 – At-Sea Testing of a Blended Wing Glider this conferences time to better understand this growing threat so planners and
Scott Mahar operators can begin to account for it in our requirements.

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is developing and testing a

novel unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV): a large, blended wing glider, optimized 1880022 –Innovating in Submarine Construction and
for stealth with extended range and endurance. Results from the at-sea testing of a Maintenance
subscale vehicle in May and August of 2024, as well as the planned at-sea testing Kevin Sloan
in November of 2024 will be discussed in this talk.
A discussion of areas of interest related to submarine construction
and maintenance.
1866673 – DARPA’s Ultra-Reliable Unmanned Surface
Vessel: Defiant 1840135 – Insights into Autopilot Design for Undersea
Gregory Avicola Vehicles Using Nonlinear Control Theory
The DARPA No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) program will demonstrate an Daniel Kustaborder
ultra-reliable Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), Defiant, in 2025. Defiant has been
Control of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) is a challenging control problem
designed for reliability and long term operations with no human intervention.
that has seen extensive research and development over the past few decades.
Key elements of Defiant include a distributed power architecture, elimination of
This work proposes a novel nonlinear controller for a slender body UUV that
high-failure systems, an autonomous “chief engineer” to optimize for long-term
can successfully regulate its attitude (orientation) while the vehicle is in transit.
reliability, and a modular design that enables rapid construction and maintenance
Included in this presentation is an introduction to slender body UUV modeling and
outside of traditional shipyards.
equations of motion, discussion and stability analysis of the proposed controller,
as well as simulation results obtained from a six degree-of-freedom dynamic
1853645 –Does Swarming Make Sense for Underwater model of the commercially available REMUS 100 UUV.
Combat Power?
Peter Drewes
Undersea warfare poses unique challenges that necessitate innovative solutions
for delivering decisive combat power. The idea of swarming technology for
undersea systems has been discussed as potential solutions to address current
world problems. This presentation provides a position on the use and boundary
capabilities of using disposable based swarm technology vs reusable tactical
underwater vehicles.

27
1864193 – Insight: A Foundation for Undersea Vehicle 1853375 –ROMULUS: Remote Operational Monitoring Unit
Introspective Health Management (IHM) Leveraging UUV Simulation
Mark Shanks, Micah Eassa Thomas Stubbs, Josh Knight
A key enabler of systems that seek to maximize operational availability (A0) ROMULUS enables long-duration undersea autonomy by applying ‘digital twin’
of undersea vehicles is the ability to accurately characterize the current and technology to the leading causes of UUV mission interruptions and surfacing
forecasted future states of platform health. This presentation provides an requirements. ROMULUS provides operators with access to continuous
overview of Metron’s Insight software, developed under a NAVSEA SBIR project for situational awareness of vehicle performance during mission without increasing
automated USV Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) analysis. This technology is communications bandwidth, early warnings by detecting deviations in vehicle
currently being adapted for in situ use aboard UUV and USV platforms as part of performance in real-time while underway, and a tool to generate full predictions of
Metron’s Introspective Health Management (IHM) framework. alternative mission plans with a faster-than-real-time digital twin. With ROMULUS,
UUV squadrons will be able to monitor operations & forecast mission performance,
1854067 – Project Mazu- Applications of Subsea Pulsed understand and share environmental conditions among multiple UUVs, adapt a
Power UUV’s mission to conditions in the OPAREA, resolve or mitigate emerging issues in
near-real-time, correct errors and optimize the UUV’s mission plan for probability of
Nate Gonzales
success, and detect or diagnose faults and subsystem states at a ‘granular’ level.
We present a continuation of our research showing practical applications of
high voltage discharge and plasma formation in the subsea domain. We discuss
1854187 – Submarine High Energy Laser Weapon System
the various uses and deployments that subsea pulsed power and high voltage
discharge could produce. This investigation of pulsed power, high voltage Stuart Shoppell
discharge, plasma formation focuses on its conceptual uses in the subsea domain
In the age of rapid technological advancement within the battlefield, the submarine
and relevant non-kinetic effects.
fleet is limited in capability against modern threats. These threats have been
identified by COMSUBFOR and OPNAV N97 as high priority and the submarine
community has shown a strong demand signal for high energy laser integration
for mitigating those threats. In response to this demand signal, the directed energy
community is working to develop laser weapons for submarine integration in
support of the modern threats to maritime dominance.

FUTURE FORCE
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Armaments | Fuze | Integrated Precision Warfare | Munitions | Robotics

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28 | #USWFall24 | @NDIAToday
Biographies
RDML Douglas Adams, USN
Program Executive Officer, Undersea Warfare Systems
Rear Admiral Douglas Officer. He commanded USS Rhode Island An acquisition professional, Rear Admiral
J. Adams is a native (Blue) (SSBN 740) from October 2010 Adams served in the Virginia Class
of Valparaiso, IN. He until March 2013. He has deployed in the Submarine Program Office (PMS 450), as
enlisted in the Navy Atlantic, Mediterranean, Western Pacific, the Major Program Manager for Undersea
in 1987, attaining the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Systems (IWS 5), as the Major Program
Electrician’s Mate First and served on an Arctic Deployment Manager for Maritime Surveillance Systems
Class prior to his commissioning at Officer onboard HMS Tireless. (PMS 485), Deputy PEO for Undersea
Candidate School. He is a 1992 graduate of Warfare Systems, and Director, SSN AUKUS
Auburn University with a BSc in Electrical Ashore, Adams served as a NROTC instructor Support in the AUKUS Integration and
Engineering. He obtained an MSc in Civil and at Marquette University, as an exchange Acquisition Office.
Environmental Engineering from Marquette officer with the Royal Navy at the Maritime
University in 1998. Warfare Centre in Portsmouth, England, Adams is currently serving as Program
as the Force Nuclear Power Officer for Executive Officer, Undersea Warfare
At sea, Adams served onboard USS Commander, Submarine Forces and as Systems, responsible for the acquisition,
Tennessee (Blue) (SSBN 734) as a junior Assistant Inspector General for Fleet Support research, development, transition, and
officer, on Destroyer Squadron Twenty- – Submarines, and Executive Assistant to the sustainment of all undersea weapons,
One as Submarine Operations Officer, USS Inspector General at the Office of the Naval countermeasures, combat systems, training,
Bremerton (SSN 698) as Engineer Officer, Inspector General. and sensor systems.
and USS Toledo (SSN 769) as Executive

RADM Mark Behning, USN

Director, Undersea Warfare Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, N97
Rear Admiral Mark Washington and also served as Commodore His flag assignments include duty as Deputy
Behning is a native of of Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 17 in Director, Strategic Targeting and Nuclear
Phoenix, Arizona, and Bangor, Washington. Mission Planning, J5N, U.S. Strategic
a 1990 graduate of the Command; Commander, Submarine Group
U.S. Naval Academy His shore tours included duty as the 9 and commander Task Group 114.3, and
with a BSc in Aerospace Engineering. He Tomahawk Strike Officer for Commander, he currently serves as Director, Undersea
also holds an MA in National Security and U.S. Naval Forces Europe; Assistant Force Warfare Division, Office of the Chief of Naval
Strategic Studies from the Naval War College Nuclear Power Officer for Commander Operations (N97).
and has completed the Massachusetts Submarine Forces Atlantic; Deputy
Institute of Technology Seminar XXI program. Commander, Submarine Squadron 17; deputy His personal decorations include the Defense
for Strategic Forces, Nuclear Weapons, and Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit,
His sea tours include division officer Force Protection for Commander Submarine Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine
assignments aboard USS Philadelphia Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Sea-Based Strategic Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and
(SSN 690), as an Engineer Officer aboard Deterrence Branch Head for the Director of Marine Corps Achievement Medal, as well as
USS Charlotte (SSN 766), Executive Undersea Warfare (OPNAV N97), and Deputy other unit and campaign awards.
Officer aboard USS Alaska (SSBN 732). He Director and Chief of Staff for Strategic
commanded USS Nevada (SSBN 733) and Systems Programs.
USS Henry M Jackson (SSBN 730) in Bangor,

29
 Marie Bussiere, SES
Technical Director, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Newport
Ms. Marie Bussiere positions throughout her career, including area manager for the Naval Acquisition
is the Technical an assignment at DASN RDT&E as the lead Development Program and NAVSEA’s Live,
Director at the for the Enterprise Digital Battlespace and Virtual, Constructive M&S Knowledge
Naval Undersea as a member of the Unmanned Task Force. Point Champion.
Warfare Center Bussiere was a member of the AUKUS
Division, Newport (NUWCDIVNPT). She Pillar II Undersea Working Group as the U.S. Bussiere received a BSc degree in Electrical
is responsible for leading the Department country lead for Lethality and has served Engineering from the University of Rhode
of the Navy in full spectrum research, as the acting head of the Department of Island and an MBA from Salve Regina
development, test and evaluation, the Navy Modeling and Simulation Office. University. She has received a diploma
engineering, and fleet support for At NUWCDIVNPT, she served as head of from the Naval War College in the areas
submarines, autonomous underwater the Undersea Warfare Combat Systems of Strategy and Policy, National Security
systems, and offensive and defensive Department, head of the Undersea Weapons Decision Making and Joint Maritime
weapon systems and countermeasures Acquisition and Life Cycle Engineering Operations, as well as a Joint Professional
associated with Undersea Warfare. Bussiere Division within the Torpedo Systems Military Education Phase I Certification and
was promoted to the Senior Executive Department, head of the Logistics Product a Cybersecurity Fundamentals certificate
Service in March 2024 with over 36 years of Development Branch within the Undersea from the Naval Postgraduate School in
experience in the civil service. Warfare Combat Systems Department, and Monterey, CA. Bussiere is a recipient of
as a Royal Australian Navy Replacement the Department of the Navy Meritorious
Bussiere began her career at the Trident Combat System lead system engineer. She Civilian Service Award.
Command and Control Maintenance is Division Newport’s logistics functional
Activity and has held a variety of leadership

VADM Blake Converse, USN

Deputy Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet
Blake Converse Submarine Squadron 6 from October 2012 Converse is currently the Deputy
is a native of to August 2014. Ashore, he served as Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Pennsylvania and radiological controls officer on the staff of
graduated from Penn Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Submarine His personal decorations include
State University in Force; special assistant to Commander, U.S. the Defense Superior Service Medal,
1987 with a BSc in Mechanical Engineering. Joint Forces Command; deputy commander Legion of Merit (five awards), Defense
He also holds MSc degrees in Space of Submarine Squadron 17; Prospective Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious
Systems Engineering and Applied Physics Commanding Officer Course instructor at Service Medal (four awards), Joint
from the Naval Post Graduate School. Naval Reactors headquarters; and chief of Commendation Medal, Joint Achievement
staff to Commander, U.S. Submarine Force. Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy
His career as a nuclear submarine warfare Achievement Medal (three awards) and
officer includes assignments aboard USS As a flag officer, he served as Director, Joint various unit awards. In 2008, he was
Lapon (SSN 661), USS Olympia (SSN and Fleet Operations (N3), U.S. Fleet Forces awarded the Rear Admiral Jack N. Darby
717), and USS Minneapolis-St.-Paul (SSN Command and Commander, Submarine award for Inspirational Leadership and
708) as the executive officer. Command Group 9 in Silverdale, Washington, and Excellence of Command.
assignments include commanding officer, Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific
USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) from February Fleet, Pearl Harbor Hawaii.
2006 to February 2009 and commander,

30 | #USWFall24 | @NDIAToday
 LtGen Francis Donovan, USMC
Vice Commander, USSOCOM
Lieutenant General has served in combat, contingency, and Joint tours include service as the J35, United
Frank Donovan expeditionary operations at sea, from the States Special Operations Command; Branch
currently serves as sea, and ashore. Chief, Joint Staff, J-5 Trans-regional Threats
Vice Commander, U.S. Coordination Center (T2C2); and Assisting
Special Operations Other command assignments include a Commanding General, Joint Special
Command. An infantry, reconnaissance, Marine Corps Security Forces Detachment in Operations Command.
and special operations officer, Donovan Crete, Greece; a Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security
has led marines and sailors in all three Team (FAST) platoon; and a Recruiting Lieutenant General Donovan holds a BA in
Marine Expeditionary Forces including Station in Eastern Pennsylvania. He also was Geography from Towson University, a Master
the command of a Force Reconnaissance Officer in Charge of a Special Operations of Military Studies from the Marine Corps
Platoon, Battalion Landing Team, Marine Training Group; Executive Officer for Marine Command and Staff College, and a Master
Expeditionary Unit, Marine Expeditionary Corps Special Operations Command, of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army
Brigade, and a Marine Division. He also Detachment One; and Director of the War College. He completed the Advanced
commanded a Naval Task Force in 5th Expeditionary Warfare School. Management Program (AMP) at Harvard
Fleet (CTF 51) and 6th Fleet (CTF 61). He Business School. Donovan and his wife Kim,
a former Navy officer, have two children who
are both active-duty U.S. Marines.

Dr. Tom Drake, SES

Department Head of Code 32, Ocean Battleship Sensing, Office of Naval Research
Dr. Tom Drake heads Since 2013, Drake has served as the director nearshore processes, sediment transport and
the Office of Naval of ONR’s Ocean, Atmosphere and Space wave dynamics. In 2006, he also assumed
Research (ONR) Research Division. He is responsible for direction of the Marine Geosciences
Ocean Battlespace planning, execution and management of program, directing marine geophysics and
Sensing Department integrated basic research, applied research geology research, in addition to elements of
– one of six science and technology (S&T) and advanced technology development the ONR Sea Mine Burial program.
departments at ONR. The Ocean Battlespace of ONR S&T programs in physical
Sensing Department is responsible for oceanography, marine meteorology, ocean Prior to joining the Federal Civilian Service,
Navy and Marine Corps S&T in ocean and acoustics, Arctic and global prediction, littoral Drake was a tenured professor at North
meteorological science, undersea warfare, geosciences and optics, marine mammals Carolina State University, conducting
mine warfare, space technology and marine and biology, and the space environment. The research and teaching courses in terrestrial
mammals. It comprises two divisions and Ocean, Atmosphere and Space Research and coastal surficial processes from 1995 to
14 programs spanning sensing systems Division provides advanced, high-resolution 2003. From 1990 to 1995, he was a research
and geophysical processes and prediction. environmental observations and prediction oceanographer at Scripps Institution of
The department has also built and cares for capabilities in support of anti-submarine Oceanography, University of California, San
six oceanographic research vessels. Drake warfare, mine warfare and naval special Diego, and studied nearshore and riverine
is currently the U.S. national representative warfare missions. sediment transport.
for the Maritime Systems Group of The Drake holds a BSc from the Massachusetts
Technical Cooperation Program (TTCP), Drake entered the Senior Executive Service in
2013. He joined the Federal Civilian Service Institute of Technology and a PhD from the
coordinating technology among the U.S., University of California, Los Angeles. He is
U.K., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. in 2003 as program officer for the Coastal
Dynamics program at ONR, directing work in the author of numerous articles in technical
journals and conference proceedings.

31
 VADM Robert ‘Rob’ Gaucher, USN
Commander, Naval Submarine Forces; Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Commander,
Allied Submarine Command
Vice Adm. Gaucher is Maritime Operations Branch Head at U.S. and Director, Strategic Integration (N2N6T)
a native of Pittsfield, Pacific Command; Director, Operational on the Navy staff. Most recently he was
MA. He is a 1991 Support Branch, Chief of Naval Operations assigned as a Special Assistant at U.S. Fleet
graduate of the U.S. staff; Chief of Staff, Commander Submarine Forces Command.
Naval Academy where he earned a BSc Force Atlantic.
in Systems Engineering. He also holds an Gaucher assumed his current duties in
MSc in Engineering Management from the During his command tour, USS City of December 2023 as Commander, Submarine
University of Central Florida. Corpus Christi completed two Western Forces. He is the undersea domain lead,
Pacific mission cycles, and a homeport and is responsible for the submarine force’s
Gaucher’s operational assignments include change to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii while earning strategic vision. As Commander, Submarine
service in both fast attack and ballistic two Meritorious Unit Commendations Force Atlantic, he leads all Atlantic-based
missile submarines including service as and the Submarine Squadron 15 Battle U.S. submarines, their crews and supporting
division officer, USS Flying Fish (SSN 673), Efficiency ‘E’. While serving in major shore activities. These responsibilities
navigator/operations officer, USS Oklahoma command of Development Squadron also include duties as Commander, Task
City (SSN 723), executive officer, USS Five he was responsible for the Seawolf Force (CTF) 114, CTF 88, and CTF 46. As
Maryland (SSBN 738) (BLUE), commanding class submarines, Unmanned Undersea Commander, Allied Submarine Command,
officer, USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN Vehicle Squadron 1, and several special he is the principle undersea warfare advisor
705), and Commodore, Submarine project ocean engineering and research to all North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Development Squadron 5. and development detachments. DEVRON strategic commanders.
5 earned the Navy Unit Commendation
During these tours, he completed three during his tour. Gaucher has earned various personal and
strategic deterrent patrols as well as unit awards and is particularly honored to
deployments to the Pacific, Arctic, Caribbean, Gaucher’s flag tours include director, be recognized as an Honorary Acoustic
North Atlantic, and Mediterranean. Maritime Headquarters (N03), U.S. Pacific Intelligence (ACINT) Specialist.
Fleet, Commander, Submarine Group 9/Task
Staff assignments include instructor duty Group 114.3 where he commanded Pacific
at Naval Nuclear Power School; flag aide ballistic and guided missile submarines,
for the Commander Submarine Forces;

ADM William Houston, USN

Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, Department of the Navy/Department of Energy
Admiral Houston is a USS Hampton (SSN 767) in San Diego and His Flag assignments include Deputy Director
native of Buffalo, NY was Commodore of Submarine Squadron 20 for Strategic Targeting and Nuclear Mission
and graduate of the in Kings Bay, Georgia. Planning (J5N) United States Strategic
University of Notre Command, Director of Operations, Naval
Dame with a degree in His shore assignments include Flag Forces Europe-Africa Deputy Commander,
Electrical Engineering. He was commissioned Lieutenant for Commander Submarine U.S. 6th Fleet, and Commander, Submarine
via the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; the Atlantic Fleet Group 8, Director, Undersea Warfare
(NROTC) program. He also holds an MBA Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board; Special Division, Office of Chief of Naval Operations
degree from the College of William and Assistant to the Director of Naval Reactors (N97), Commander, Naval Submarine
Mary’s Mason School of Business. for Personnel and Policy; Deputy Commander Forces, Commander, Submarine Force,
for Submarine Squadron 20; the Principal U.S. Atlantic Fleet, and Commander, Allied
His sea tours include division officer Director for Nuclear Matters within the Office Submarine Command.
assignments on USS Phoenix (SSN 702), of the Secretary of Defense; the Submarine
Engineer Officer onboard USS Hampton (SSN and Nuclear Community Manager, Military Houston assumed his duties as Director,
767), and Executive Officer onboard USS Personnel Plans and Policy (N133) and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program
Tennessee (SSBN 734)(B). He commanded Division Director of Submarine and Nuclear in January 2024.
Propulsion Distribution, Navy Personnel
Command (PERS-42).

32 | #USWFall24 | @NDIAToday
 Jose “Mario” Miranda, SES
Director, Technology Security and Technology Programs Directorate, Navy International Programs
Office (NIPO)
Mr. Jose Miranda he is now responsible for advancing potentially 19 additional new construction
has worked for the international interoperability by managing ships for three nations and the munitions to
U.S. Navy’s Naval Sea technology security policies and Security outfit their Destroyers.
Systems Command Cooperation Programs.
— NAVSEA — for over thirty years. With a BSc in Industrial Engineering
Miranda leads the Department of the Navy from Wichita State University and an
With a fiscal year budget of nearly thirty Security Cooperation Enterprise to build MSc in Management and Contracts
billion, NAVSEA accounts for almost one global relationships and safeguard the Management from Florida Institute of
quarter of the Navy’s entire budget and is transfer of U.S. Technology, working with Technology, the Peruvian-born Miranda’s
responsible for the design, construction, allied navies managing a $14bn portfolio. continued involvement as a Hispanic
delivery, maintenance, and disposal of ships Leader within the NAVSEA workforce has
and associated systems. His office manages combat system increased the Hispanic Employee Resource
development for five allied navies for Group membership by thirty percent
In Miranda’s current role as Senior 12 new construction ships, planning for in the past year.
Executive Service and Director of the
Navy International Programs Office,

Dr. Matthew Sermon, SES

Executive Director, Program Executive Office, Strategic Submarines
As of October a $100bn DoD Major Defense Acquisition Warfare Officer qualification aboard USS
2021, Matthew Program. During his tenure, he led the Ramage (DDG 61). Additionally, Sermon
Sermon is the program through detail design, construction served as nuclear engineering officer aboard
Executive Director of readiness, and significant sustainment USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) before
Program Executive planning activities. Before leading the leaving the uniformed Navy in 2004. He is
Office Strategic Submarines. Previously, Columbia Class, he was the Deputy Program a veteran of Operations Enduring Freedom
Sermon served as the Executive Director Manager for the Zumwalt Class Destroyer and Iraqi Freedom.
for Program Executive Office Columbia (2014- 2016) during test, trials, and delivery
Class Submarine and as the Executive of the lead ship (DDG 1000). Prior to DDG Sermon is a member of the Acquisition
Director, Amphibious, Auxiliary and Sealift 1000, he was the Deputy Program Manager Professional Community and has a Level
Office, Program Executive Office, Ships. for International Fleet Support in the Naval III Certification in Program Management.
In his current role, he provides executive Sea Systems Command’s Surface Warfare He holds Defense Acquisition Workforce
leadership to the Columbia Class Submarine Directorate (2010- 2014), where he was Improvement Act certifications in
acquisition program and the in-service responsible for the management of more Production, Quality, and Manufacturing
SSBN/SSGN program, while also being than $5bn in Foreign Military Sales cases for and Test & Evaluation, and has completed
assigned responsibility for revitalization more than 40 partner nations. certification as a Project Management
of the Submarine Industrial Base. In this Professional (PMP). He received a BSc
portfolio, he provides enterprise leadership Other previous assignments include degree in economics from the U.S. Naval
for more than 250 acquisition personnel and Principal Assistant Program Manager in the Academy in 1999, and an MSc degree
approximately $130bn in acquisition and Support Ships, Boats, and Craft Program in engineering management from The
sustainment programs. Office (PMS 325) in PEO Ships (2007- Catholic University of America in 2006.
2010), where he led the $1.1 bn Egyptian He is a 2012 graduate of the Defense
Sermon entered the Senior Executive Navy Missile Craft project while providing Systems Management College’s Program
Service in February 2019, and has been in program management expertise for Manager Course. During his distinguished
federal service for more than 20 years. He numerous other boat building projects. federal service career, Sermon has received
has served in a variety of key leadership three Navy Civilian Meritorious Service
positions throughout his career, including Prior to starting in Navy civilian service, Awards and one Navy Civilian Superior
Deputy Program Manager for the Columbia Sermon was a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Service Award.
Class Submarine Program (2016-2019), Officer (Nuclear). He received his Surface

33
 RDML Jonathan Rucker, USN
Program Executive Office, Attack Submarines
Rear Adm. Jonathan Rucker then attended the EDO Basic In 2016, Rucker assumed command as
(Jon) Rucker is a Course and reported to the Supervisor of program manager for Unmanned Maritime
native of Vienna, VA. Shipbuilding, Groton. He served as the lead Systems (PMS406), responsible for
He graduated Magna ship coordinator for both the USS Augusta unmanned maritime systems across both
cum Laude from Duke (SSN 710) Interim Drydocking Availability the Surface and Undersea domains. In
University in 1994 and USS Virginia (SSN 774) Post Shakedown summer 2018, he assumed command as
earning a degree in electrical engineering. Availability, and as Virginia Waterfront Program Manager for the Columbia Class
Coordinator in charge of seven Virginia Submarine Program (PMS397), the Navy’s
After completing the nuclear pipeline, class submarines. number one acquisition program. During
Rucker reported to his first submarine, his tenure, the Columbia program office
USS Louisville (SSN 724) in October 1995, In July 2008, Rucker reported to PEO was awarded the David Packard Excellence
serving in several division officer positions. Submarines as part of the Virginia Program in Acquisition Award for 2021 as the top
In December 1998, he proceeded to the Office (PMS450). He served as assistant program office in the DoD.
NROTC Unit at Duke University where he program manager (APM) for Post Delivery in
served as an assistant professor and officer support of five Virginia class submarines. In May 2022, Rucker was promoted to
in charge. While attached there, he earned an Rear Admiral lower half and in June 2022
MBA from Kenan-Flagler Business School at In September 2009, he deployed to Iraq as he became program executive officer for
UNC, Chapel Hill. chief engineer in charge of jamming systems Attack Submarines (PEO SSN) leading seven
in support of Counter IED efforts. programs, offices and directorates across
In July 2001, Rucker reported to USS San all fast attack submarines and associated
Francisco (SSN 711) for duty as the Combat In August 2010, Rucker transitioned to the
Advanced Undersea Systems Program systems development, design, construction,
Systems Officer and Quality Assurance testing, and life cycle sustainment.
Officer. In December 2001, he was selected Office (PMS394) serving as the APM for
for the Navy’s Engineering Duty Officer (EDO) New Acquisitions. His awards include the Defense Superior
program. In May 2002, he proceeded to In May 2013, he was selected to be the Military Service Medal, Legion of Merit (four awards),
the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Assistant for the Undersecretary for Defense Navy Meritorious Service Medal (two
graduating in June 2005, earning a Naval for Acquisition, Technology, & Logistics (USD awards), Navy Commendation Medal (three
Engineer’s degree and an MSc in Electrical (AT&L)) serving in that job until July 2014. He awards) and Navy Achievement Medal (five
Engineering (Power Systems). then reported to PMS450 as APM for New awards). He is a member of several Honors
Construction & Test and led construction and Societies and is a licensed Professional
test efforts of 12 submarines. Engineer in Virginia.

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500 women from across the nation to network and learn from government and industry
experts. WID’s National Conference seeks to strengthen the defense industrial base
by educating, empowering, and supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce. The
2024 conference theme, Foundations for the Future, emphasizes the goal of our
National Conference: to build relationships and skills to help our nation and our
friends, allies and partners thrive during a period of strategic competition.

September 24, 2024 | Arlington, VA | WomenInDefense.net

34 | #USWFall24 | @NDIAToday
 CDRE Marcus Rose, RN
Deputy Director of Underwater Battlespace, British Royal Navy, Executive Director, Program Executive
Office, Strategic Submarines
As Deputy Director, Rose read for a degree in Electrical Professional Command at sea was followed
UWB Capability within Engineering at the University of Portsmouth by two roles in Flag Officer Sea Training,
Navy Develop, Marcus and joined Britannia Royal Naval College including OF4 Professional Command as
Rose is the through- in September 2004. His early career head of Weapon Engineering training. In
life capability sponsor involved sea time on HMS Nottingham and this role he also led the development of
for the Navy’s UWB capabilities. This includes HMS Albion prior to volunteering for the Offshore Patrol Vessel training design. A year
geo-intelligence, Mine Warfare and EOD, Anti- Submarine Service. He then went on to serve undertaking Advanced Command and Staff
Submarine Warfare, underwater weapons, in HMS Trenchant and HMS Torbay as the Course followed and he was then seconded
submarine combat systems, Seabed Warfare, Communications and Information Systems into the MoD’s COVID Response and
and Underwater Autonomous Systems. He Engineer and Deputy Weapon Engineer, Recovery Team. During this period, he acted
also has an important role in cohering UWB completing three deployments East of Suez as Chief of Staff and led the rollout of COVID
capability planning across UK Defence, as and several periods of operations. testing across the MoD.
the Chief of Staff to DCDS(MILCAP)’s 2-star
UWB Capability Management Group. He is After several years on operational platforms After a short assignment as the project
the UK lead for numerous non-nuclear UWB Rose moved ashore and completed capability manager for the Royal Navy Submarine
international programmes and initiatives. He and acquisition assignments in Navy Training Centre he was promoted to
is Senior Responsible Owner for VCDS’ ASW Command, followed by a short assignment Captain Royal Navy and assumed the
Spearhead programme and early-stage Navy to Defence Intelligence as the Torpedoes and role of Submarine Combat Systems
UWB programmes. Countermeasures Analyst. He returned to Resource Sponsor. In April 2024 he was
sea in 2014 as the Weapon Engineer Officer promoted to Commodore and took up his
in HMS Triumph, completing periods of current assignment.
operations in the North Atlantic.

Experience the forefront of systems and mission engineering

at NDIA’s 27th Annual Conference. Engage with top experts
and thought leaders as we delve into the critical aspects of
defense acquisition and system performance. This premier
event gathers program managers, systems engineers, and
scientists to discuss innovative solutions and strategies for
achieving an effective and cost-efficient warfighting force.
Don’t miss your chance to contribute to the conversation
and drive the future of systems engineering!

October 28 – 31, 2024 | Norfolk, VA | NDIA.org/SME

35
 Leading the Way in Engagement,
Networking, and National Defense
Plan Ahead for Success | 2024 - 2025 Featured Meetings, Conferences, and Events

27th Annual Systems & 39th Annual National

Mission Engineering Logistics Forum
Conference February 11 – 13, 2025 | Orlando, FL
2 024 October 27 – 31, 2024 | Norfolk, VA

FUTURE FORCE
CAPABILITIES
CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION

Armaments | Fuze | Integrated Precision Warfare

Munitions | Robotics

2024 Aircraft 2025 Tactical Wheeled Vehicles

September 24 – 27, 2024** (Distro D)
Survivability Symposium Conference
Virginia Beach, VA
November 5 – 7, 2024* | Monterey, CA February 24 – 26, 2025 | Reston, VA

Women In Defense 2025 Undersea Warfare Spring

2024 National Conference Conference
September 24, 2024 | Arlington, VA March 17 – 19, 2025 | San Diego, CA

The World’s Largest Modeling,

26 Annual Expeditionary
th Simulation & Training Event Munitions Executive Summit
Warfare Conference March 18 – 20, 2025 | Parsippany, NJ
December 2 – 6, 2024 | Orlando, FL
October 22 – 24, 2024* | Laurel, MD

*All Classified | **Partially Classified

Visit NDIA.org/Events for more information on all of our meetings, conferences, and events
36 | #USWFall24 | @NDIAToday