Panel

Building the Fleet to Meet the Mission

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

10:00 AM - 11:15 AM PT

Location: Operations in Focus Stage - Sails Pavilion

Sponsored By

Confirmed Moderator(s)

The Hon. Nickolas H. Guertin

Former Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition

Confirmed Speaker(s)

RADM Chad L. Jacoby, USCG

Deputy Commandant for Systems/Component Acquisition Executive
U.S. Coast Guard
Christopher A. Miller

Executive Director
Naval Sea Systems Command
Ronald O'Rourke

Naval Analyst
Congressional Research Service
RDML Todd Weeks, USN

Program Executive Officer
Strategic Submarines
Kari Wilkinson

President
Newport News Shipbuilding Division, HII

Building a fleet capable of meeting today’s operational demands—and tomorrow’s contested maritime environment—requires a resilient industrial base, an agile workforce, and sustained partnership between government, industry, and Congress. This panel of experts will examine the full ecosystem required to deliver the ships and submarines the nation needs.

Panelists will explore the modernization of U.S. shipbuilding infrastructure, workforce development initiatives, and supply chain resilience. They will also discuss the role of public-private partnerships, key policy considerations shaping naval shipbuilding, innovative funding mechanisms, and the integration of advanced manufacturing technologies that can accelerate delivery and improve quality.

With perspectives spanning the executive branch, Congress, program leaders, and private industry, this conversation will provide a candid look at the challenges, opportunities, and priorities shaping the future fleet—and what it will take to build and sustain it.