DSI’s 2nd Annual Maritime Security Summit to Focus on Emerging Capabilities & Awareness

The 2nd Annual Maritime Security Summit will convene in Washington, DC, this July 15-16 to address the integration of emerging technologies and capabilities essential for maritime dominance.

The Maritime Security Summit brings together members of the Department of War, United States Coast Guard, port security executives, and marine technical solutions providers. A primary focus of the forum is the advancement of Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) for the nation’s coastlines, ports, and vessels through the leverage of international alliances and partnerships.

Technical discussions will center on the operationalization of robotic and autonomous systems to combat illicit maritime activities. The agenda also highlights the deployment of advanced analytics for reconnaissance and surveillance, alongside updates on the USCG Force Design 2028, which aims to facilitate a more agile and responsive fighting force.

Featured speakers include:

• ADM Karl Thomas, USN, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command
• The Honorable Hung Cao, 35th Under Secretary of the Navy
• VADM John Skillman, USN, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources (N8)
• VADM Michael Vernazza, USN, Commander, NAVIFOR
• Congressman Robert Wittman, Ph.D., R—VA 01, Member, Seapower and Projection Forces, House Armed Services Committee
• RADM Jon Hickey, USCG, Assistant Commandant and Program Executive Officer for C5I (CG-C5I) and Chief Information Officer
• Robert Koepcke, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Security Policy and Public Diplomacy, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Dept. of State
• ADM (Ret) Bill Lescher, USN, 41st Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Former Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources (N8)
• RDML Robert Compher, USCG, Incoming Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, U.S. Coast Guard

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with these decision-makers as they discuss current efforts toward integrating emerging capabilities, tools, and technologies in support of maritime dominance and sustained readiness.

The summit also addresses critical infrastructure and policy updates, including America’s Maritime Action Plan for revitalizing U.S. shipbuilding and driving innovation in physical and cyber security for ports and vessels.

For more information, to download the full agenda, or to register, visit the DSI Maritime Security Summit website.