U.S. Navy News Feed

Planting the Seeds of Tomorrow: NIWC Atlantic's Summer STEM Camps Launched Hampton Roads Students 'To the Moon and Back'

Jerry Sekerak, NIWC Atlantic Public Affairs Office — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 16:29:00 GMT

Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic hosted its 15th annual tuition-free summer STEM camps from July 20–24 at Tidewater Community College’s Chesapeake Campus. Centered on the theme "To the Moon and Back," local middle schoolers engaged in hands-on learning covering space exploration, cybersecurity, coding, artificial intelligence, and water rocket launches.

Navy Commands Launch Historic Partnership to Accelerate Defense Innovation Across Gulf Coast

Jerry Sekerak, NIWC Atlantic Public Affairs Office — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:27:07 GMT

Four premier naval commands—NIWC Atlantic, CNMOC, NSWC PCD, and NRL—launched the Gulf Coast Defense Catalyst (GCDC) in New Orleans. This strategic partnership connects warfighter needs with industry and academia to accelerate defense technology innovation, strengthen national security, and drive high-tech economic and workforce growth across the Gulf Coast region.

Students Seek Mentorship from Naval Engineers to help Endangered Red Wolves

Chelsie Holloway, Public Affairs Office — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:44:00 GMT

Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic, Charleston Southern University, and Charles Towne Landing collaborated to develop HOWL—the Health Observation and Weight Logger. Installed on April 28, 2026, this hands-free scale tracks endangered Red Wolf weights dynamically without sedation, safeguarding animal health and transforming wildlife research.

Technically Speaking Podcast: Students Seek Mentorship from Naval Engineers to help Endangered Red Wolves

NIWC Atlantic Public Affairs — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:03:24 GMT

In this episode of the Technically Speaking podcast, hosts interview Don and Matthew Lauer about "HOWL," a student-designed smart scale built with NIWC Atlantic's manufacturing lab. The hands-free system safely weighs endangered red wolves without tranquilizers, while promoting local STEM outreach and Navy recruitment efforts.

NIWC Atlantic Overhauls National SCAP Standards to Secure Defense Networks

John O'Neill, NIWC Atlantic Public Affairs Office — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:50:39 GMT

Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic spearheaded a two-year initiative to modernize national cybersecurity standards, directly shaping NIST’s Special Publication 800-126 Revision 4. Led by Jack Vander Pol, the team enhanced automation capabilities, increased DISA STIG compliance checks by 25%, and developed open-source tools to secure mission-critical networks.

An Engineer’s Inheritance: How Fate, Family Forged One Person’s Path to NIWC Atlantic

Steve Ghiringhelli, NIWC Atlantic Public Affairs Office — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:49:00 GMT

Ashlee Landreth, head of NIWC Atlantic’s Expeditionary Warfare Department. Inspired by her grandfather and family, she excelled in electrical engineering. Following a chance airport encounter with a recruiter, she joined the command in 2007, balancing a demanding leadership career with raising four children as a military spouse.

Sharpening the Spear: Navy Experiment Advances Sensor-to-Shooter Connectivity

NIWC Atlantic Public Affairs — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:37:00 GMT

The seventh annual SoSNIE experiment united joint forces and engineers to test end-to-end mission threads and emerging technologies. By facilitating direct warfighter feedback on command-and-control prototypes, the event accelerates interoperability and digital architecture improvements, directly supporting the Navy’s strategic imperative for seamless, all-domain joint force integration.

Technically Speaking Podcast: How Drones and Robot Dogs Help with Military Operations and Natural Disasters

NIWC Atlantic Public Affairs — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:59:11 GMT

This episodes connects Survivor-inspired strategy to NIWC Atlantic’s work on unmanned systems. CHAOS team members Gwyneth Steel and Donovan Lam discuss adaptable technology, communication, and applications. IT1 Caleb Donaldson shares a warfighter perspective, highlighting collaboration between civilian experts and Navy personnel driving innovation.

From MRAP to MADIS: Legacy of Innovation Endures at NIWC Atlantic

Steve Ghiringhelli, NIWC Atlantic Public Affairs Office — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:15:00 GMT

Throughout 2025, NIWC Atlantic delivered the MADIS drone-defense system to the Marine Corps. Leveraging lessons from the MRAP era, engineers used rapid prototyping and modular design to integrate advanced weapons and sensors onto JLTVs. This streamlined approach accelerates the fielding of lethal, connected technology to the modern warfighter.

Technically Speaking Podcast: Unmanned Autonomous Record-Breaking Ocean Crossing

NIWC Atlantic Public Affairs — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:25:00 GMT

This episode details NIWC Atlantic’s record-breaking transatlantic crossing by an unmanned surface vessel. Lead scientist Mike Grass explains how the 62-day mission overcame storms and equipment failure to prove autonomous endurance. This milestone advances Naval warfare by replacing sailors with machines in high-risk environments to increase maritime persistence.

Record-Breaking USV Ocean Crossing by NIWC Atlantic Engineers

NIWC Atlantic Public Affairs Office — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:33:00 GMT

In the summer of 2025, NIWC Atlantic’s UNIT team achieved a record-breaking transatlantic crossing. Their unmanned surface vessel traveled from South Carolina to Portugal in 62 days, surpassing previous records by 12 days. This milestone advances the Navy’s goal of integrating autonomous systems to extend operational reach while ensuring sailor safety.

Technically Speaking Podcast: Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

NIWC Atlantic Public Affairs — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:24:00 GMT

This episode features discussions about milestones and creative problem-solving at NIWC Atlantic. The main segment highlights Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) with guests Caleb Scott and Paul Walter, explaining how MBSE streamlines complex system development, reduces costs, and benefits warfighters. They emphasize MBSE's growth within NIWC Atlantic. A military moment features Jerry interviewing new Chief Petty Officers about their experiences and leadership insights, concluding with a discussion of milestones and achievements.

NIWC Atlantic Advances Naval Communication with New Laser Ranges

Sara Corbett, NIWC Atlantic Public Affairs Office — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:44:00 GMT

NIWC Atlantic created laser ranges for optical communication RDT&E, offering secure alternatives to RF systems. These ranges, expanded to include littoral testing, allow study of atmospheric effects and system limitations. Collaboration with external entities enhances warfighter capabilities, ensuring U.S. Naval dominance in information warfare.

NIWC Atlantic Team Streamlines System Loading for Forward Deployed Ships to Accelerate Fleet Readiness

Meg Rhodes, NIWC Atlantic — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:11:49 GMT

NIWC Atlantic's TACNET team streamlined shipboard system preloading, moving it to their Norfolk facility (NIEF) for faster installations and reduced maintenance. Collaboration with IT1 Cruz of USS Oscar Austin validated the process, providing valuable insights and troubleshooting benefits. This accelerates operational readiness and improves warfighter capabilities.

Technically Speaking Podcast: Cyber Security Tips from a Naval Engineer

NIWC Atlantic Public Affairs — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:18:00 GMT

This podcast episode features a cybersecurity expert from NIWC Atlantic offering practical tips to protect your home network and online presence. Topics include securing Wi-Fi with guest networks and strong passwords, understanding data collection by apps and websites, and using privacy-focused browsers. A key recommendation is creating unique emails and passwords for financial accounts.

Success at Sea: Unmanned Surface Vessel Completes Fastest Transatlantic Crossing

Meredith Hagen, Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 17:19:00 GMT

Scientists with Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic's Unmanned Naval Innovation Team reached a historic milestone when they recovered a Navy-sponsored unmanned surface vessel named the Lightfish in Troia, Portugal, following its harrowing — and completely solo — transatlantic crossing.

NIWC Atlantic Training Enhances Reserve Radio Skills

Jerry Sekerak, NIWC Atlantic Public Affairs Office — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 11:19:43 GMT

NIWC Atlantic's Radio Comms IPT enhances Navy Reservist readiness through a robust annual training program focused on real-world radio communication systems like BFTN. The program provides hands-on experience, certifications, and integration into live exercises, increasing reservists' skills and confidence. This successful collaboration strengthens fleet communications and even serves as a recruiting pipeline for active duty support.

Bayou Tech Node joins Gulf Coast Tech Bridge, increasing warfighter readiness

NIWC Atlantic Public Affairs Office and NSWC Panama City Division Public Affairs — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 16:20:00 GMT

The Gulf Coast Tech Bridge and NavalX launched the Bayou Tech Node (BTN) to accelerate technology solutions for naval challenges. BTN focuses on AI/ML, data analytics, and uncrewed systems, leveraging Louisiana's innovation ecosystem. This partnership strengthens connections between the Navy, businesses, and academia, delivering vital technologies faster to naval forces.

Navy Innovates Distance Support for Afloat Networks, Saving Time and Resources

Jerry Sekerak, NIWC Atlantic Public Affairs Office — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 16:17:00 GMT

NIWC Atlantic engineers developed a groundbreaking remote support method for U.S. Navy shipboard networks using Microsoft Teams. This innovation provides the first distance support capability for ISNS ships, reduces troubleshooting time from three weeks to 2.8 hours, cuts travel costs by 40%, and supports both CANES and ISNS platforms worldwide.

U.S. Navy Unmanned Systems Showcased at NATO Exercises in Poland

Chelsie Holloway, NIWC Atlantic Public Affairs Office — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:59:00 GMT

NIWC Atlantic's Unmanned Naval Innovation Team (UNIT) conducted unmanned technology training with U.S. Army and Polish Armed Forces during exercises Arcane Thunder 25 and BALTOPS in Poland. UNIT demonstrated their Vesuvius Spiral 2 system, enhancing command and control capabilities and NATO interoperability through tactical data sharing between manned and unmanned systems.