From Learning to Lethality: Accelerating Technological Leadership Through Warfighter Education

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM PT

Location: Defense in Depth Stage - Hall A

Confirmed Moderator(s)

VADM Ann Rondeau, USN (Ret.)

President
Naval Postgraduate School

Invited Speaker(s)

LtGen Eric E. Austin, USMC

Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command and Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration

Confirmed Speaker(s)

CDR Jens Berdahl, USN

PhD candidate, Naval Postgraduate School

Invited Speaker(s)

CDR Justin Davis, USN (Ret.)

Director of Strategy, Saronic Technologies
VADM Elizabeth Okano, USN

Principal Military Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition

Confirmed Speaker(s)

VADM Michael J. Vernazza, USN

Commander
Naval Information Forces

The Navy’s modernization depends not only on innovation and acquiring new technologies, but on intellectual advantage enabled by deeply understanding the technologies transforming warfare. This panel examines how defense-focused warfighter education and hands-on applied research can accelerate the development and application of emerging technologies: from AI to directed energy, hypersonics to autonomy, and additive manufacturing to space systems. Panelists will discuss how advanced education has/can shape innovation pathways across the Naval enterprise to enhance lethality, readiness, resiliency, and decisive advantage for the Fleet.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, the participant will gain a better understanding of the new intellectual advantage required for modern conflict.
Upon completion, the participant will gain a better understanding of why education is the foundation for innovation.
Upon completion, the participant will gain a better understanding of how warfighter education and applied research with industry can focus and accelerate research into innovative applications.