Naval War College Foundation

08/31/2026

The room was full of ideas at the 2026 Newport National Security Symposium, where national security leaders, defense experts, industry executives, scholars, and U.S. Naval War College faculty came together for a day of timely conversations about the future of maritime security.

Centered on this year’s theme, “Deterrence at Sea: AI, Industrial Power, and Conflict in a Changing World,” the Symposium explored the evolving character of warfare and the technologies, capabilities, partnerships, and strategies needed to strengthen deterrence in an increasingly complex security environment. Highlights included conversations on maritime power and the defense industrial base, artificial intelligence and cyber operations, conflict with Iran and maritime security, and the challenges of preventing major-power conflict.

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us, shared their expertise, and contributed to the conversations that made this year’s Symposium a success. A special thanks to our sponsors and partners for helping make this important day possible.

Relive the 2026 Newport National Security Symposium and view photos from the day at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD3wDF.

📷 Photos by Andrea Hansen

08/28/2026

What a night in Newport! To kick off the Newport National Security Symposium, we hosted our inaugural Newport National Security Dinner on August 20 at the elegant Gardiner House. The evening brought together Symposium speakers, Naval War College Foundation members, donors, Trustees, U.S. Naval War College faculty and students, and participants in our annual unclassified war game. Over dinner, guests enjoyed lively conversation, new connections, and plenty of anticipation for the Symposium. It was an incredible way to launch a new tradition, and we’re already looking forward to next year.

A special thank you to our sponsors for making the evening possible: Peter and Jennifer Scanlon; Arthur W. Fisher, III; Trustee Dominic A. Dannessa, Ph.D., and Mrs. Josette Dannessa; The Honorable Robert C. McCormack; and CAPT George E. Lang, Jr., USN (Ret.), and Dr. Wendy Lang.

Explore photos from the night at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD3nub.

📷: Photos by Andrea Hansen

08/27/2026

Ahead of the Newport National Security Symposium, we hosted our annual unclassified war game, Gray Tide: South China Sea, presented by Shield Capital.

Nearly 35 Naval War College Foundation Strategic Partners, Trustees, and members stepped into the roles of governments and key maritime stakeholders from seven regional powers for a half-day strategic simulation facilitated by experts from the U.S. Naval War College.

Representing Brunei, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, participants navigated competing political, economic, commercial, and military interests while confronting deception, diplomacy, and brinkmanship in an increasingly complex security environment.

Thank you to Shield Capital for its generous support and to Trustee Barbara van Beuren and Stephen Glascock for graciously hosting our participants for a beautiful welcome reception to kick off the experience.

Interested in joining us in 2027? Visit nwcfoundation.org/strategic-partners.

📸 Take a look inside the experience below.

08/20/2026

Maritime power remains central to U.S. national security and the future of deterrence. At this Friday’s Newport National Security Symposium, Nikolas K. Gvosdev, Ph.D., Professor of National Security Affairs at the U.S. Naval War College, will moderate a fireside chat with George A. Moutafis, CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group, and Dr. Harlan K. Ullman, Chairman of The Killowen Group and Senior Advisor at The Atlantic Council. The discussion will examine the evolving role of maritime power and its impact on deterrence in an increasingly complex security environment.

🔗 Learn more about the event at newportsecuritysymposium.org.

08/20/2026

Cyber capabilities and artificial intelligence are reshaping the future maritime fight. At tomorrow’s Newport National Security Symposium, our panel, AI, Cyber Operations, and the Future Maritime Fight, will examine how emerging technologies and cyber operations are shaping maritime operations and national security.

Moderator
🎤 Dr. Frank Smith, Director, Cyber and Innovation Policy Institute, U.S. Naval War College

Panelists
🎤 CAPT Eugene Bailey, USN (Ret.), Executive Director for Naval Technology, MANTECH
🎤 Alycia Farrell, Senior Advisor, The Roosevelt Group; Senior Analyst, Advisor, and Compliance Consultant, Gray Tarian
🎤 Shaun Modi, Founder and CEO, Capitol AI

🔗 Learn more about the event at newportsecuritysymposium.org.

08/13/2026

How can the United States and its allies prevent the next major conflict in an increasingly complex strategic environment?

On August 21, GEN Paul LaCamera, USA (Ret.), former Commander of United Nations Command, Republic of Korea–U.S. Combined Forces Command, and United States Forces Korea, will sit down with Ambassador David M. Satterfield, Director of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, for a fireside discussion about navigating today’s strategic challenges, strengthening stability, and reducing the risk of escalation.

Don’t miss your chance to attend the Newport National Security Symposium, a premier event bringing together leading voices in national security at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, RI this summer.

⭐️ Naval War College Foundation members are eligible for discounted registration. To receive the member rate, email [email protected].

🔗 Learn more, register, or explore sponsorship opportunities at newportsecuritysymposium.org.

08/10/2026

The strategic landscape is changing, and the conversation needs to keep pace. On August 21, the Newport National Security Symposium will bring together leaders and experts to tackle some of the most pressing questions facing U.S. national security.

What does the conflict with Iran mean for maritime security and U.S. naval operations? Our second panel, Conflict with Iran: Maritime Security, Escalation, and U.S. Naval Operations, will examine Iran’s maritime capabilities, threats to freedom of navigation, and the potential for further escalation.

Moderator
🎤 Dr. Colin Jackson, Dean of the Strategic and Operational Research Department, U.S. Naval War College (USNWC)

Panelists
🎤 VADM John "Fozzie" Miller, USN (Ret.), CEO, The Fozzie Miller Group, and Faculty Member, USNWC
🎤 Bryan Clark, Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Defense Concepts and Technology, Hudson Institute
🎤 Behnam Ben Taleblu, Iran Program Senior Director and Senior Fellow, Foundation for Defense of Democracies

Naval War College Foundation members are eligible for discounted registration. To receive the member rate, email [email protected].

🔗 Learn more, register, or explore sponsorship opportunities at newportsecuritysymposium.org.

08/07/2026

This week, the U.S. Naval War College (USNWC) welcomed CAPT Michael O'Hara, USN (Ret.), Ph.D., as its new Provost. A former naval flight officer and naval intelligence officer, CAPT O'Hara most recently served as dean of the USNWC's Center for Naval Warfare Studies, where he led research, wargaming, and analysis in support of the Chief of Naval Operations and the Joint Force. In his new role as Provost, he will lead the College's academic enterprise and help shape the future of professional military education, research, and strategic thought.

Please join us in congratulating CAPT O'Hara on this well-deserved appointment!

📖 Read more:

The U.S. Naval War College (NWC) welcomed retired U.S. Navy Capt. Michael O’Hara, Ph.D., as its newest provost as of Aug. 1, 2026.

08/06/2026

Our staff was proud to support and join in the celebration of the U.S. Naval War College's Fourth Annual Faculty Excellence Awards Dinner at the Hotel Viking. This annual tradition highlights the best in teaching, research, and service. Each awardee was nominated by a peer, who was also in attendance at the celebration.

2026 Awardees:
⭐️ Distinguished Fleet Professor Award: Professor James Ransom
⭐️ Vice Admiral Thomas R. Weschler Award for Inspirational Teaching: Lt Col Matthew Rohlfing, USMC
⭐️ Military Faculty Award for Excellence in Research: Lt Col Marc Blankenbicker, USMC
⭐️ Military Faculty Award for Excellence in Service: CDR Daniel Post, USN
⭐️ Civilian Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching: Professor William Murray
⭐️ Civilian Faculty Award for Excellence in Research: Associate Professor Michael Poznansky
⭐️ Civilian Faculty Award for Excellence in Service: Associate Professor Leigh Ann Perry

Congratulations to all of these exceptional faculty members for the work they do each day in educating our future leaders and warfighters!

08/05/2026

Our upcoming national security events wouldn't be possible without the generosity of our community, especially the organizations and individuals who have stepped forward as sponsors. ⭐️ Thank you to our Newport National Security Dinner and Newport National Security Symposium sponsors for your partnership and support. We are grateful for your commitment to making these important conversations and connections possible.

🍽️ Newport National Security Dinner
Thursday, August 20 | Gardiner House, Newport, RI
Join us for an evening of conversation and networking with senior military leaders, national security experts, and distinguished guests. Sponsorships and individual seats are still available: nwcfoundation.org/nnsdinner

🎤 Newport National Security Symposium
Friday, August 21 | U.S. Naval War College, Newport, RI
Continue the conversation with a full day of timely discussions featuring leaders and experts from across the national security community. Sponsorships and individual tickets are still available: newportsecuritysymposium.org