Panel

Designing the Fleet to Meet the Mission

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

11:00 AM - 12:15 PM PT

Location: Operations in Focus Stage - Sails Pavilion

Sponsored By

Confirmed Moderator(s)

Brent Sadler

Senior Research Fellow
Allison Center for National Security, Heritage Foundation

Confirmed Speaker(s)

RADM Mark D. Behning, USN

Director
Undersea Warfare Division, OPNAV N97
David Chase

Deputy Director
Expeditionary Warfare Division, OPNAV N95
RADM Michael S. Wosje, USN

Director
Air Warfare Division, OPNAV N98

In this session, resource sponsors will explore how the future fleet should be structured to address warfighting requirements. Panelists will discuss the optimal size, composition, capabilities, and adaptability required to maintain superiority with an eye on the rising threat posed by China. Discussions will cover the balance of manned and unmanned platforms, and other transformative technologies that will shape the fleet's capabilities in the next 5-10 years. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the mission-driven approach to future fleet design.