Panel

The Integration of the U.S. Marine Corps in Distributed Maritime Operations

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PT

Location: Defense in Depth Stage - Hall A

Confirmed Moderator(s)

ADM Scott Swift, USN (Ret.)

Confirmed Speaker(s)

Col Kenneth Jones, USMC

Science and Technology Division Director
Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory
VADM John F.G. Wade, USN

Commander
THIRD Fleet
MajGen James B. Wellons, USMC

Commanding General
Third Marine Aircraft Wing
LtGen Christian F. Wortman, USMC

Commanding General
I Marine Expeditionary Force
RDML T.J. Zerr, USN

Commander
Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center

The integration of the Marine Corps into Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) is critical to sustaining maritime power and warfighting readiness for the future fight. This panel brings together senior Navy and Marine Corps leaders to examine how sea and land forces are evolving to operate as an integrated, forward-postured, lethal naval team.

Panelists will discuss the Marine Corps’ role in expeditionary advanced base operations, long-range fires, sensing, and maneuver, as well as the command-and-control structures, force design initiatives, and training efforts that enable effective naval integration. Attendees will gain insight into how concepts, capabilities, and modernization priorities are aligning to ensure the joint force can prevail in a contested maritime environment.