3/20/24
The Navy League sponsors this edition of the Fed Gov Today podcast
Modernization and AI Integration in Naval Intelligence
Zeke Maldonado, Chief Information Officer at the Office of Naval Intelligence, delves into the strategic priorities of integrating AI and modernizing legacy systems to enhance cybersecurity and data sharing within the Department of Defense. Maldonado emphasizes the importance of data quality, cloud adoption, and leveraging commercial sector innovations. He also highlights the critical role of retooling personnel and the potential of open-source intelligence in accelerating understanding of adversaries.
Key Takeaways:
- AI and Cloud Adoption: Prioritizing cybersecurity and cloud-based solutions for application modernization to leverage technology advancements.
- Data Sharing and Quality: Emphasizing the importance of high-quality, trusted data environments and the benefits of data sharing across government and commercial sectors.
- Open Source Intelligence: The underutilized potential of open-source data to enhance understanding of adversaries and the necessity of validating such data.
Elevating Warfighters and Adapting Training to Modern Threats
Mike Stevens, CEO of the Navy League of the United States, reflects on the Chief of Naval Operations' focus on warfighting, warfighters, and foundational priorities. Stevens discusses the importance of adapting training to current geopolitical situations and the significance of live, practical exercises in preparing sailors for kinetic warfare. He also mentions the role of recent experiences in the Red Sea in demonstrating the U.S. Navy's capabilities to international adversaries.
Key Takeaways:
- Focus on Warfighting and Training: Emphasizing the need for practical, live training to prepare sailors for real-world kinetic warfare.
- Demonstration of Capabilities: The U.S. Navy's recent experiences in the Red Sea showcasing its defensive and offensive capabilities to global adversaries.
- C-AirSpace Conference: Stevens highlights the value of the C-AirSpace conference as a comprehensive forum for maritime strategy discussion.
Leading Information Warfare for Carrier Strike Group 12
Capt. Christi Montgomery shares insights from her role as Information Warfare Commander for the Navy's Carrier Strike Group 12. Montgomery discusses the challenges and successes in integrating information warfare across naval operations, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with program offices and the reliance on shore support for mission readiness. She highlights the priority of preparing for the next deployment with new technologies and the continuous focus on sailor training and feedback.
Key Takeaways:
- Integration of Information Warfare: Efforts to synchronize information warfare across naval operations to enhance decision-making and operational success.
- Technology and Readiness: The critical role of technological advancements and shore support in maintaining and improving strike group readiness.
- Sailor Engagement and Feedback: The importance of direct communication with sailors to enhance mission effectiveness and personnel retention.