NAVIFOR Unveils Cutting-Edge Info Warfare Innovations at WEST 2025

The largest maritime conference on the West Coast, WEST 2025, recently concluded with a strong emphasis on information warfare (IW) led by Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza, Commander of Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR). Vernazza’s keynote at the Information Warfare Pavilion highlighted the critical need for advanced IW capabilities amid evolving maritime security challenges. “In today’s battlespace, information is not just an enabler—it is a decisive warfighting tool,” Vernazza stated, emphasizing the necessity for superiority in the information domain to achieve maritime dominance.

The IW Pavilion served as a hub for interactive discussions, bringing together military leaders, industry experts, and academics. Attendees explored innovations in cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, and secure communications, showcased by NAVIFOR’s cutting-edge capabilities for the naval fleet. According to the IBoss, “The presence of the IW Pavilion at WEST is invaluable,” noting the opportunity for engaging exchanges that shape future strategies to outpace adversaries.

Participation at WEST underscored the Navy’s commitment to integrating IW across warfare areas. NAVIFOR leaders deliberated on enhancing cyber resilience and electromagnetic spectrum operations. The urgent message from these discussions was clear—if the Navy does not remain innovative, it risks losing its edge over rapidly advancing adversaries.

Throughout the conference, NAVIFOR personnel shared real-world insights on the role of IW in naval operations, with sessions focusing on cyber warfare, decision-making driven by data, and challenges in securing networks in contested regions. One major takeaway from the conference was the vital significance of partnerships. Establishing collaborative relationships between the military, industry, and academia is essential for equipping the Navy with the necessary tools and talent for future challenges. “We cannot do this alone,” Vernazza stressed, highlighting the essential role of partnerships in maintaining information dominance.

Looking to the future, NAVIFOR is steadfast in its dedication to warfighter readiness and IW excellence. WEST 2025 was a testament to NAVIFOR’s role in generating agile, technologically superior forces prepared to deter, compete, and win. The event reinforced the continuing importance of information warfare in achieving maritime superiority.