NAVIFOR Showcases Information Warfare Dominance at AFCEA WEST 2026

Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza, Commander of Naval Information Forces, highlights the Navy's information warfare capabilities and initiatives at the annual conference.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR) had a significant presence at the AFCEA WEST 2026 conference in San Diego, showcasing its latest advancements and strategic initiatives in information warfare. Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza, the commander of NAVIFOR, participated in key panel discussions and spoke at the Navy's information warfare pavilion, emphasizing the critical evolution of information warfare and the importance of the Navy's information warfare sailors.

Why it matters

As the Navy's leader in information warfare, NAVIFOR's participation in AFCEA WEST 2026 highlights the growing importance of information warfare capabilities in sustaining maritime dominance. The conference provides a platform for collaboration between the military, industry, and academia to advance information warfare technologies and strategies.

The details

NAVIFOR's presence at AFCEA WEST 2026 included displays, technology demonstrations, and direct engagement with information warfare subject matter experts and sailors. Vice Adm. Vernazza, the 'IBoss' of the Navy's information warfare community, participated in panel discussions on achieving surge readiness and accelerating technological leadership through warfighter education. Vernazza's remarks underscored the critical evolution of information warfare, emphasizing that it is no longer just a supporting element but a primary warfighting function that delivers decision advantage and lethality to the fleet.

  • The AFCEA WEST 2026 conference took place in San Diego, California from February 10-12, 2026.

The players

Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza

The commander of Naval Information Forces, the Navy's 'IBoss' and a leader in the information warfare community.

Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR)

The Navy's leader in information warfare, showcasing its latest advancements and strategic initiatives at the AFCEA WEST 2026 conference.

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What they’re saying

“IW is no longer just a supporting element; we are a primary warfighting function delivering decision advantage and lethality to the fleet, from seabed to space.”

— Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza, Commander, Naval Information Forces

“It cannot be understated that our people have always been and remain our greatest advantage.”

— Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza, Commander, Naval Information Forces

What’s next

NAVIFOR will continue to showcase its information warfare capabilities and initiatives at future industry events and conferences, further strengthening collaboration between the military, industry, and academia.

The takeaway

NAVIFOR's strong presence at AFCEA WEST 2026 underscores the Navy's commitment to advancing information warfare as a primary warfighting function, leveraging its skilled information warfare sailors and cutting-edge technologies to maintain maritime dominance.