Photo: U.S. Navy
Navy’s Lead Information Warfare Officer to Keynote 2025 Navy Summit
The Potomac Officers Club is pleased to announce Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, deputy chief of naval operations for information warfare, N2N6, as a keynote speaker for the highly anticipated 2025 Navy Summit on August 26. Also serving as director of naval intelligence, Vice Adm. Thomas is known for his extensive experience and forward-thinking leadership and is expected to provide invaluable insights on innovative technology and electronic warfare for the government contractors and federal leaders in attendance.
Don’t miss this prime chance to discover the Navy’s strategies and plans for an era of digital warfare. Register for this elite GovCon conference today!
Who Is Karl Thomas?
Vice Adm. Karl Thomas has built a reputation as one of the U.S. Navy’s most accomplished leaders. Over the course of his distinguished career, Thomas has held numerous high-stakes positions, each showcasing his expertise and commitment to excellence.
Among his notable roles, he served as the commander of the U.S. Navy’s 6th Fleet Command Ship, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20). During his tenure, Thomas was instrumental in leading operations across the European and African theaters as part of the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Command. This role demonstrated his capacity to manage large-scale, multinational endeavors and ensure mission success in complex geopolitical environments.
Thomas’ Work as DCNO for IW
In his current capacity as deputy chief of naval operations for information warfare and director of naval intelligence, Vice Adm. Thomas is guiding key digital transformation initiatives critical to the U.S. Navy’s operational effectiveness. Notably, he is instrumental in advancing Project Overmatch, a comprehensive, multi-domain technology initiative designed to accelerate the Navy’s ability to deliver new capabilities ahead of established timelines. Vice Adm. Thomas has described Project Overmatch as a “Manhattan Project-like” undertaking, emphasizing the need for advanced, interoperable digital architectures and deep industry partnerships to maintain strategic advantage in contested environments.
Further, Thomas is leading efforts to unify and modernize the Navy’s Maritime Operations Centers, known as MOCs, recognizing them as the nerve centers for decision-making across fleet commands. His focus includes integrating vast streams of sensor and intelligence data into single platforms, enabling commanders to achieve real-time situational awareness and decision superiority. This has involved the adoption of AI-powered tools, open architecture solutions and rapid development processes, all aimed at ensuring that the right data reaches the right personnel at the right time, particularly in complex and high-intensity operational theaters.
AI, MOCs, IW—Thomas’ Recent Achievements
Currently, Vice Adm. Thomas is leading efforts to infuse emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, into the operational fabric of the U.S. Navy. His work emphasizes harnessing AI to enhance the capabilities of MOCs enabling faster, more accurate decision-making in critical situations.
Thomas has also been at the forefront of tackling challenges within the realm of information warfare. This includes developing robust strategies to address the increasingly sophisticated tactics of adversaries in cyberspace and leveraging advanced tools to safeguard critical naval assets and operations. These efforts underscore his unwavering focus on maintaining the Navy’s technological edge in a rapidly evolving landscape.
What GovCons Can Expect from Vice Adm. Thomas’ Keynote
Vice Adm. Thomas’s upcoming keynote address at the 2025 Navy Summit will give attendees the rare opportunity to hear his perspective on the future of naval operations. GovCons can expect an insightful presentation centered around key topics that matter deeply to the defense contracting community and the broader military ecosystem.
1. The Future of Naval Operations
Thomas is likely to provide a comprehensive analysis of emerging trends that are set to redefine naval strategies in the years to come. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how the Navy is positioning itself to address everything from geopolitical tensions to evolving threats presented by the global security environment.
2. AI’s Growing Role in Decision-Making
Given his leadership in integrating AI into maritime operations, Thomas is expected to share thought-provoking insights into how AI is being employed to augment decision-making. This includes real-world applications within MOCs and how these innovations enhance operational efficiency and situational awareness. Contractors specializing in AI development and deployment will find valuable opportunities to align their services with the Navy’s evolving technology requirements.
3. Operational Readiness in Complex Environments
With extensive experience leading missions in unpredictable and high-pressure environments, Thomas is poised to offer actionable strategies for maintaining operational readiness. His perspective will illuminate the importance of agility in naval operations and how GovCons can support the Navy’s ability to respond effectively in a range of scenarios.
Unlock Tech Opportunities With the Navy
August 26’s 2025 Navy Summit promises to be an essential gathering for members of the GovCon community. Featuring cutting-edge discussions on the naval strategies of tomorrow, the event serves as a platform for fostering collaboration between military leaders, industry experts and policymakers. With Vice Adm. Karl Thomas headlining the summit, attendees can look forward to a keynote that not only highlights key challenges but also identifies opportunities for innovation and growth within the GovCon sector.
The Potomac Officers Club has once again demonstrated its commitment to bringing together thought leaders who are shaping the future of defense and national security. Register now to secure your place at the 2025 Navy Summit and gain exclusive insights from one of the most visionary leaders in today’s Navy.
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