Top Naval Leader Makes Waves at WARCOM ’24 Summit

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Lisa Franchetti attended the Warfare Commander’s conference (WARCOM) at the Naval Aviation Warfare Development Center (NAWDC) in Fallon, Nevada, on August 19-20, 2024. This pivotal event brought together top naval warfighters to discuss and refine new innovations and tactical strategies.

WARCOM serves as a platform for collaboration among leaders in various warfare domains, including aviation, surface, and information warfare. The conference gathered commanders from diverse units, such as Strike Groups, Air Wings, Information Warfare units, Type Wings, and Destroyer Squadrons. Representation from Numbered Fleets, OPNAV, and acquisition sectors also participated, ensuring a comprehensive approach to naval warfare.

“WARCOM focuses on advanced warfighting across all domains, from space to seabed,” stated Vice Adm. Dan Cheever, Commander, Naval Air Forces. “We are operating differently to maintain peace, respond to crises, and win in combat. Our excellence in tactics and operations will be decisive.”

Adm. Franchetti highlighted the crucial role of WARCOM ’24 in uniting diverse naval expertise. This year’s conference aims to strengthen the U.S. Navy’s position as a leading fighting force by fostering an integrated approach to warfare and emphasizing collective knowledge.

“Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC) focuses on developing the most proficient naval warfighters to compete and win in an evolving strategic landscape,” said Rear Adm. Mike Spencer, Commander, Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center. “Our training environment ensures our Navy prevails in all scenarios. Hosting WARCOM advances Navy warfighting across all competencies.”

A key element of WARCOM ’24 is the enhancement of the Navy’s warfighting ecosystem, integrating surface, aviation, subsurface, information, and special operations capabilities. This integration aims to create synergies that enhance overall effectiveness in complex environments.

Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza, Commander, Naval Information Forces, discussed the role of Information Warfare in this ecosystem. “Information Warfare’s pillars of Assured Command and Control, Battlespace Awareness, and Integrated Fires are foundational to every warfighting area,” said Vernazza.

Adm. Franchetti emphasized leveraging all aspects of Naval warfare to maintain an edge against sophisticated adversaries. “Bringing together warfighters from all communities reflects the changing character of war and enhances our ability to integrate and accelerate efforts. Our joint force cooperation yields effects that confound adversaries,” Franchetti said.

WARCOM ’24 aligns Navy leadership with cutting-edge training, operational readiness, and emerging tactics. The focus on enhancing the Navy’s warfighting ecosystem underscores the importance of integration and collaboration for maintaining strategic advantage and operational excellence.

This was Franchetti’s first WARCOM as CNO.